Why?
Working with patients in a medical setting might be the most important part of an applicant’s pre-PA journey. Medical experience is the best way to be educated about working in the medical field; it promotes an appreciation for the healthcare team; and it teaches valuable skills that will apply to a career as a physician assistant. The experiences working with patients can be inspiration for a great personal statement, and they can provide a foundation when formulating answers to interview questions. PA programs want to see applicants who truly know what it means to work in medicine and have an appreciation for the role that physician assistants have.
My Experience
I started a class to become a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) the day I graduated from high school. The class was a few weeks long, and I took the state certification test after the class was finished. This was the most time-efficient and cost-effective option that I found. Other options took much longer and/or cost much more to obtain. I knew that I would need to begin accumulating experience as soon as I could in order to have enough hours to be a competitive applicant by the end of my junior year of college, which is why I chose to be a CNA.
Using my CNA license, I first worked the overnight shift at a rehabilitation center once a week. The schedule was not ideal, but it was my best option considering the shifts that other places would require did not work with my classes. It wasn’t my favorite job, but I gained experience and confidence in a slower-paced shift.
Next, I worked as a CNA at an assisted living facility for about two and a half years. I initially worked full-time over a summer when I was home, then transitioned to a PRN (as-needed) position when I had to return to school. By doing that, I was also able to work weekends, breaks, and summers when I was home.
The majority of my medical experience was at a School-Based Health Center that was part of a pediatric nonprofit. I worked as a Patient Care Assistant (PCA) and Telehealth Presenter where I collected vitals, completed patient intake, and assisted the medical provider with exams. Not only did I learn and practice valuable exam skills like blood draws and reflex tests, I also worked closely with a PA. Our clinic was a small practice with only one medical provider, and she had been a PA for more than 15 years. She was an incredible resource to answer questions, and watching what PAs do on a daily basis deepened my understanding of and appreciation for the profession.
Advice
Start early! Decide which path you want to go, whether that’s CNA, medical assistant, or one of the many other options, and get started. Once you decide, apply to as many places as you can. I called and emailed dozens of practices over a period of a few months before finding each job I had. Some places are willing to train you on the job even if you don’t perfectly meet the qualifications; emphasize that you are willing to learn even if a position seems out of reach.
Do what you need to do to learn as much as you can and gain experience. Not every job is going to be fun or glamorous all the time. Shifts might not fit perfectly into your life – my time working overnight was not ideal. In the end, it’s worth it to gain the experience. It will make you a better PA because you will appreciate those in every position as part of the healthcare team. Every job will teach skills and abilities and give you stories to inspire you on your path to becoming a PA.