All Classes

The following article was written by 2021 Augustana graduate, Jazmin Martinez. During her time as a first generation student and Biology major, Jazmin was a Biology tutor, and member of Phi Beta Kappa, American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Aglaia Chapter of Mortar Board. Jazmin participated in the Central America Healthcare Service Learning program in Costa Rica where she shadowed and received clinical training under the guidance of a local  physician. Her bilingual skills served as an asset to her during this program. Jazmin earned valuable healthcare hours through volunteering at UnityPoint Trinity and as a Cardiology Intern at Cardiovascular Medicine, P.C. in the Quad Cities.

Since graduating from Augustana, Jazmin has been working as a CNA near her home in Rockford, IL to gain her patient care hours while applying for PA programs. Jazmin’s outstanding academics, clinical experience and hard work has landed her a position in the Physician Assistant Studies program at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI.

Below are Jazmin’s observations and tips to consider when preparing to apply for PA schools.

Central American Healthcare Service Learning participants

1. Research the PA Curriculum Requirements

Each program you consider may be slightly different with their prerequisites. However, from the variety of programs I researched, they most commonly required two semesters of biological sciences such as biology, anatomy, genetics, zoology, and physiology. At least 1-2 semesters of chemistry (inorganic and organic) with a lab required. Statistics is also required. Some PA programs list biochemistry as an option. Other prerequisites include psychology or sociology but not both like a medical school would ask. Lastly, microbiology and medical terminology are requirements for PA school.

Pro Tip: Each PA program gives students a certain time period to get any outstanding courses in. Look at each program’s website and become informed as to not miss any deadlines. Also, It is a good idea to research each program’s prerequisites to make sure you are able to complete any pending courses on time before applying to the appropriate cycle.

2. PA Program Required Experiences 

A typical program will require at least 1,000 to 2,000 patient care hours to be considered competitive. Patient care hours can be achieved working in a role where students are responsible for medical decisions and care of a patient; roles include CNA, EMT, or MA. Additionally, volunteer experience is required with hours ranging from 50 to 300 depending on the program. Shadowing hours are also essential with some programs needing at least 10 to others needing 20. However, some programs no longer require shadowing hours due to Covid-19. Again each program is different so becoming informed first is a great way to make a plan.

Pro Tip: Shadowing a variety of providers is good, but focus more on PAs to learn about their roles in healthcare. Call local clinics/hospitals with PAs and ask to shadow as a Pre-PA student.

3. Recommendation Letters, Curriculum Vitae (CV), Resume

At least 3 letters are required to be submitted via CASPA. The programs recommend someone who knows you academically and someone who knows your work ethic (preferably someone from healthcare). Most do require a letter from a PA. Therefore, it is crucial to get a job shadow with at least one PA.

Some PA programs require a CV. Thus, I made an appointment with a career coach through CORE to help prepare one in advance. Similarly, with a resume I worked with CORE to improve it and add relevant information that targets what a PA program is looking for. I advise students to begin working on their resume and CV months in advance, prior to the application cycle opening because it does take time to polish. 

4. Preparing for an Interview 

Research what type of interview the program will have. Most schools will send an email with what the interview day will consist of. Some schools will have a traditional interview and/or group interview (ask group members to work together to discuss an article, a scenario, or talk about current healthcare events). Additionally, there can also be the multi-mini interview (MMI) which consists of different stations asking how you would respond to ethical scenarios, quirky questions, or other scenarios. If a program does not give you details, email the admissions office for more details to help you prepare better.

A good place to start preparing is to learn the history and role of PAs. You do not need to know every detail but a good overview of how it began, when was the first program developed, and by who is essential. Research laws pertaining to each state you have an interview in because each state has slightly different laws affecting PAs. Read articles about current events in healthcare to stay up to date. This will help with any discussion topics held during group interviews.

Furthermore, look at the program’s website and become familiar with their mission statement, values, their curriculum, opportunities offered, and the clinical rotations they have. By doing so, questions will arise and these questions can either be asked during the Q&A student panels or during the actual interview. Note down anything intriguing about the program and how you align with their values to help the interviewers understand why you want to attend their program. Once you have practiced and have outlines of what you want to say, schedule a mock interview with CORE. I set up a few meetings with my career coach through CORE for additional advice as well. 

Pro Tip: I used additional sources such as BeMo which has information on the PA history, the role of a PA,  the difference between a PA, NP, and MD, and practice questions from individual interviews to MMI questions. 

1. https://bemoacademicconsulting.com/blog/pa-school-interview-questions

Another source discusses what key points to include in your answers to the biographical, behavioral, goodness of fit, projective, and ethical questions. 

1. https://mypatraining.com/pa-school-interview-questions-going-beyond-the-basics/

5. Interview Attire

1. Buy a suit for the interview as soon as possible in case it needs any alterations.
2. Most of the men at my interviews wore black dress shoes to go with their suits. 
3. Keep jewelry simple and minimum. 
4. The blouses/shirts should either be plain or have a small and simple pattern. 
5. Suits should be gray, dark blue, or black. 

Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for in person interviews. There is a good chance you will be offered a tour of campus and you want to be comfortable.

6. Additional Advice

1. Apply to more than five schools if possible; the higher the chances of getting accepted to one school. 
2. Get a membership to the to the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) to attend virtual conferences with PA panels and learn about changes in healthcare and PA laws.