You’re on a mission to snag some PA shadowing hours, huh? Well, you’re in luck, because we’ve got some unique ways for you to meet PAs and score those coveted shadowing gigs.

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of scoring those all-important shadowing hours, let’s chat about why PA shadowing is such a big deal for PA schools and having a competitive application.

Shadowing PAs gives you a firsthand look at what it’s really like to work in the field. You’ll see the ins and outs of patient care, witness the challenges and triumphs, and gain invaluable insight into the role of a PA. It demonstrates that you know exactly what the PA career is, what it entails, and that you are experienced with the profession to know that it’s a good fit for your vision of your future career. Without PA shadowing, it’s really hard to convince PA schools that you know what your getting yourself into and that you have the knowledge you need about the profession itself. PA shadowing shows admissions committees that you’ve got a solid understanding of the profession and that you’re serious about pursuing a career as a PA.

Now that we’ve covered why PA shadowing is so important, let’s talk about some unique ways for you to meet PAs and land shadowing opportunities. Let’s dive in!

1. Tap Into Your Network: You’d be surprised how many PAs are lurking right under your nose – you just have to know where to look. Start by reaching out to friends, family members, or acquaintances who work in healthcare. Almost everyone knows a PA, so ask everyone you know. They just might know a PA or two who’d be willing to let you shadow for a day. And hey, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there on your social media either. You never know who might see your post and offer up an opportunity!

2. Volunteer Smart: Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet PAs and get your foot in the door for shadowing. But here’s the key – be strategic about where you volunteer. Look for opportunities in healthcare settings where PAs are likely to be working. Think about places like your area’s free local medical clinic, hospitals, and urgent care centers. Not only will you be giving back to your community, but you’ll also be networking like a pro so you can meet PAs who you can ask to shadow on your time off.

3. Attend PA Events: PAs love to network and connect with aspiring students like you. Keep an eye out for PA-related events in your area, such as career fairs, informational sessions, or conferences. These events are gold mines for meeting PAs and learning more about the profession. Plus, they’re a great way to show your enthusiasm and passion for becoming a PA.

4. Go on a Medical Mission Trip: Medical mission trips are not only an incredible way to give back to communities in need and see medicine from a global perspective, but it’s also a unique opportunity to work alongside PAs in a real-world healthcare setting. These trips often involve providing care to underserved populations, and PAs are frequently involved in organizing and leading them. Reach out to organizations that offer medical mission trips and inquire about opportunities to shadow PAs during the trip.

5. Keep Reaching Out on LinkedIn: LinkedIn isn’t just for job hunting – it’s also a powerful tool for networking. Connect with PAs in your area or those working in specialties you’re interested in. Send them a personalized message expressing your admiration for their work and your interest in shadowing them. You’d be surprised how many PAs are willing to mentor aspiring students like yourself.

6. Don’t Discount Virtual Shadowing! The vast majority of PA schools are totally good with virtual PA shadowing – they understand how difficult it is for you to find PA shadowing and that most clinics and hospitals have strict policies regarding student visitors, or have still not opened back up to students since the pandemic. Not to mention the incredible opportunity that virtual PA shadowing gives you – you get to shadow PAs in tons of different specialties (many of which you may have never had the chance to otherwise), and meet so many PAs in so many parts of the country (hello, networking!)! Many of the PAs we have as guest PAs inside our PA shadowing, PA-Cers, even offer in person shadowing to those who live near them. Similarly, virtual PA shadowing shows schools that you are continuing to expose yourself to the PA profession and all the different roles, specialties, and responsibilities that have – that you haven’t just checked the box and moved on. And, how awesome is it that you get to accrue PA shadowing on YOUR time and YOUR schedule, right!?

So, there you have it – several ways to meet PAs and score those all-important shadowing hours. Get out there, get networking, and before you know it, you’ll be racking up those hours like a pro. You’ve got this, future PA!