Becoming a physician assistant (PA) is an exciting and rewarding career choice, but getting there can be a challenging journey! Once you’ve been accepted to a program, one of the biggest hurdles for many aspiring PAs is getting through PA school successfully. Knowledge is power, so here’s a guide to help you navigate through your PA school journey.

1. Intense Coursework: PA school is known for its rigorous coursework. You will be required to take courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, clinical medicine, and many other subjects. Your professors will expect you to be fully engaged in class and to come prepared to learn. Unlike ungrad, you can’t pick and choose your courses or spread them out…everyone is required to take the same heavy load of coursework and failing a class can mean getting dismissed from the program. 

2. Time Management is Key: PA school is a full-time job (with lots of required OT) and you’ll quickly learn that effective time management is crucial. You’ll have to balance your time between classes, studying, and clinical rotations. It’s important to create a schedule and stick to it to make the most of your time.

3. Clinical Rotations: One of the most exciting aspects of PA school is clinical rotations. During these rotations, you’ll have the opportunity to work directly with patients and healthcare professionals, putting your skills and knowledge into practice. You may rotate through different specialties, such as emergency medicine, pediatrics, and surgery. This is where you apply all you’ve learned in the didactic year and learn the “art” of medicine.

4. Collaboration and Communication: As a PA, you’ll work closely with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and other PAs. PA school is designed to foster teamwork and collaboration, and you’ll be expected to communicate effectively with your colleagues. You’ll also learn how to work within a team and contribute to the patient care process.

5. Professionalism: Professionalism is an essential aspect of being a PA, and it’s something that you’ll need to focus on in PA school! You’ll be expected to dress professionally, behave appropriately, and follow ethical guidelines. You’ll also learn how to communicate with patients and their families in a compassionate and respectful manner.

6. PANCE: The Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) is the final hurdle before becoming a certified PA. The exam covers all of the material you learned in PA school and is designed to test your knowledge and skills. Preparing for the PANCE can be a stressful time, but with adequate preparation, you can succeed!

PA school is an exciting and challenging journey that will prepare you for a rewarding career as a physician assistant. With hard work, dedication, and effective time management, you can successfully navigate through PA school and emerge as a competent and compassionate healthcare provider.