So you’re gearing up for PA school (or applying soon), and there’s one looming question in the back of your mind:
“Can I work while I’m in PA school?”
Maybe you’ve got bills. Maybe you want to avoid racking up even more student loans. Or maybe you just can’t imagine not having at least some income during this next chapter.
First—let me say this: you’re not alone for wondering.
This is one of the most common questions we get from Pre-PAs, and it makes total sense. PA school is expensive, and life doesn’t exactly pause just because you’re in grad school.
Let’s break down the reality—what’s actually possible, what PA programs say, and what you should know before you decide.
What Most PA Programs Say About Working
The official answer from the majority of PA programs?
“We strongly discourage students from working during the program.”
Some programs go as far as to prohibit outside work entirely and require you to sign a commitment that you will not work during PA school. Others don’t technically forbid it—but they make it clear that PA school is a full-time, all-consuming commitment.
They’re not saying this to be dramatic. It’s because:
- You’ll be in class or clinicals for 40+ hours a week
- On top of that, you’ll be studying, writing SOAP notes, prepping for OSCEs, and probably surviving on caffeine
- The volume of material moves fast—think med school condensed into 2 years
- Your grades and performance directly impact your future job opportunities and even licensing
Basically: it’s not about control. It’s about capacity.
But Let’s Be Real… Some Students Do Work
Even though programs discourage it, we know some PA students who did work during school—and managed it successfully.
So how did they pull it off?
They got strategic.
For example:
- One student only worked during the one week breaks between quarters and on holidays.
- Another only worked one shift on a weekend.
- There was one student who worked only during a few clinical rotations.
The common thread? They chose low-commitment, flexible, mentally low-lift jobs that didn’t interfere with rotations, studying, or sleep.
5 Things to Consider Before Working During PA School
Thinking about keeping a job (or starting one) while in school? Ask yourself:
1. Is your program okay with it?
Check your program’s student handbook. Some programs have strict policies, especially during didactic year.
2. Do you need the income—or just want it?
If it’s about survival (like paying rent or child care), you may need to look for income sources that don’t add to your cognitive load. If it’s about lifestyle or having extra money, weigh that against the risk of burnout.
3. Can you do it on your terms?
Look for jobs with total flexibility. Virtual scribing, online tutoring, selling study guides, or dog-sitting are very different from a rigid 12-hour CNA shift.
4. How’s your time management?
Be honest with yourself. If you’re someone who gets overwhelmed easily or procrastinates (no shade—we’ve all been there), you may want to skip working, at least at the beginning.
5. Can you start now—before school?
If you’re still in your gap year, this is a great time to stack some savings. Even a few months of extra income can ease the pressure once school starts.
Creative Ways to Make Money Without a Traditional Job
If you want to work without committing to a regular schedule, here are some other ideas:
- Sell your notes, flashcards, or study resources on sites like Etsy, StudySoup, or Teachers Pay Teachers
- Start a tutoring side hustle for undergrads in anatomy, chem, or bio
- Apply for scholarships—many PA students leave free money on the table
- Start a flexible side gig now (Uber Eats, Rover, Notary services, freelance writing, etc.)
- Join a paid research study or clinical trial if time allows
- Become a virtual assistant for a small business owner or online entrepreneur
These types of income are more “on your schedule” and less likely to derail your grades or mental health.
Our Take? Here’s the Bottom Line:
PA school is a full-time job.
It’s more than a job, actually. It’s a sprint-marathon hybrid that demands your time, focus, and energy.
But—if you’re strategic, proactive, and super clear on your limits—it is possible to make extra income during school.
Start planning now while you’re still pre-PA:
- Save up if you can
- Explore flexible side gigs
- Think about how your strengths could translate into tutoring, digital products, or freelancing
- Build a money plan that gives you options later
Final Thoughts: Work Now, Breathe Later
PA school is temporary. The sacrifice is real—but so is the reward.
If you’re prepping for school and feeling the pressure about money, you’re not alone. But there are smart ways to prepare now that will make a huge difference once you’re in the thick of it.
You’ve got this—and we’re here to help every step of the way.