Shadowing PAs is a key part of a strong PA school application, but what if you cannot find in-person opportunities? Whether it is due to a busy schedule, lack of connections, or restrictions in your area, virtual shadowing is an excellent alternative when done the right way.
Many pre-PAs wonder: Does virtual shadowing count? Do PA schools take it seriously? The short answer is yes, but only if you make it meaningful.
In this post, we will break down:
- How virtual shadowing works and where to find opportunities
- What PA schools think about virtual shadowing
- How to actively engage and learn from the experience
- How to turn virtual shadowing into a strong CASPA experience entry
What Is Virtual Shadowing?
Virtual shadowing is an online experience where students learn and gain insight into the PA profession through live or recorded deep-dives into a specific specialty, day-in-the-life, case studies, or Q&A sessions.
These experiences can give you an edge because you gain knowledge about specialties you may never otherwise would have a chance to learn about or get the behind the scenes info on.
Where to Find Virtual Shadowing Opportunities
If you are looking for legitimate virtual shadowing experiences, one of the best resources is PA-Cers Membership where we host weekly PA shadowing in diverse specialties, case studies, live shadowing and replays – all that count towards your CASPA application! This also includes occasional clinical workshops, like suturing or setting up sterile fields, as well as A&P and medical terminology review. The amazing thing about PA-Cers – other than the PA shadowing you get for your PA school application – is that this counts as BOTH a shadowing entry AND a professional membership for your CASPA!
Do PA Schools Accept Virtual Shadowing?
PA programs prefer in-person shadowing, but most accept virtual shadowing, especially if you have taken the time to make it a valuable experience.
Here is what PA schools want to see:
- Engagement and Learning – Do not just sit and watch. Take notes, ask questions, and apply what you learn.
- Supplemental, Not a Replacement – If possible, combine virtual shadowing with at least some in-person shadowing or clinical experience.
- Reflections and Takeaways – Be prepared to discuss specific lessons you learned in your personal statement and interviews.
Check PA school websites to see if they mention virtual shadowing acceptance. Some schools have specific policies.
How to Make the Most of Virtual Shadowing
Since virtual shadowing lacks the hands-on component of in-person experiences, it is up to you to make it valuable.
Treat It Like an In-Person Experience
- Show up on time and focused, just like you would in an actual clinic.
- Keep a notebook to jot down key insights.
Ask Thoughtful Questions
Most virtual shadowing sessions allow for a Q&A portion. Stand out by asking smart questions such as:
- What is the most challenging part of your specialty as a PA?
- How do you build patient rapport in difficult situations?
- What skills do you wish you had developed earlier in your PA career?
Apply What You Learn to Your Journey
- Compare specialties. How does this field align with your interests?
- Note PA roles. How do they interact with patients, nurses, and physicians?
- Learn the challenges. Think about how PAs problem-solve and manage patient care.
Follow Up for More Learning
- Connect with the PA on LinkedIn and express gratitude for their time.
- Ask if they recommend any books, courses, or additional resources to deepen your understanding.
How to Enter Virtual Shadowing in CASPA
Since virtual shadowing is not traditional clinical experience, you need to frame it correctly in CASPA to highlight what you learned and how it impacted you.
Where to Enter Virtual Shadowing on CASPA
- Experience Type: “Shadowing”
- Organization Name: List the platform who hosted the shadowing hour.
- Supervisor Contact: Use the shadowing platform or organization’s contact information.
- Hours: Be honest about the number of hours completed.
How to Write a Strong Virtual Shadowing Description
A weak CASPA entry:
“Watched virtual shadowing videos of PAs in various specialties.”
A strong CASPA entry:
“In this unique PA shadowing experience, I gained insight into a variety of specialties including emergency medicine, orthopedics, and dermatology. Learning about the roles and responsibilities of PAs in numerous settings and specialties deepened my understanding of how important PAs are in the healthcare team. Additionally, I participated in case studies on diagnoses such as pneumothorax, scaphoid fractures, and psoriasis, enhancing my knowledge of the workup, imaging and lab findings, and treatment plans for these conditions and many others. I admired the PAs broad and extensive medical education, their ability to work efficiently in a team based setting, and their ethical and compassionate delivery of patient care.”
Emphasize specific takeaways as well as specific topics covered. This makes your entry stand out to PA schools.
Final Thoughts: Does Virtual Shadowing Matter?
Virtual shadowing alone will not get you into PA school, but when used strategically, it can:
- Supplement your in-person shadowing and clinical experience
- Help you understand the PA role and different specialties
- Provide a unique learning opportunity that strengthens your application
The key is not just doing virtual shadowing, but making it meaningful—engaging with the content, networking with PAs, and showcasing your learning in CASPA and interviews.