Congratulations, future Physician Assistant! If you’ve been accepted into PA school then all your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have paid off! An exciting (and difficult) journey awaits you, and it’s important to start preparing for your entry into the PA school!
In this blog post, we’ll share valuable tips to help you prepare for PA school, both mentally and academically, so you can succeed as a PA-S and thrive in your studies.
1. Review and Refresh Your Knowledge:
Take some time to revisit your core sciences and brush up on your medical knowledge. Review the basics of anatomy, physiology, and other foundational subjects to help you feel more prepared as you delve into the more advanced concepts. Remember…prerequisite classes are required because PA programs expect you to show up with a solid foundation to build upon, so refreshing these topics can help you tremendously.
2. Learn Study Skills:
The amount of material learned in PA school is enormous and many students struggle with how to learn a large volume of material efficiently. Understanding how you learn best, and enhancing your study techniques, will allow you to start off on day one with confidence and skill. Students who don’t understand their own learning style often struggle when faced with the rapid pace of PA school. Figure out tips and tricks that work best for you.
3. Research Your Curriculum:
Get a head start by looking into your PA school’s curriculum. Familiarize yourself with the courses you’ll be taking in the upcoming semester. This can give you a sense of what to expect and help you mentally prepare for that first semester.
4. Network and Connect:
Reach out to your future classmates and engage in online forums or groups where you can connect with other incoming students. Building a supportive network can ease the transition into graduate learning and help you develop a support system in school. PA school isn’t something you can do alone, so finding your tribe is an important aspect of your success.
5. Have Honest Conversations:
Talking to your family and friends before PA can help set clear expectations. Let loved ones know you are embarking on an incredibly difficult journey and ask for their support. Letting them know you won’t be as available as before, and setting boundaries up front, can help you navigate the time commitment required of PA school students without sacrificing your relationships.
We are so excited for your future as a PA student and know that you will succeed and become an incredible PA-C!