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The journey to becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) is a rigorous one, starting with the application process through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). To stand out as an applicant and demonstrate your commitment, it’s essential to keep PA schools informed about your progress and ongoing interest. In this guide, we’ll explore how to do just that while maintaining professionalism and avoiding the label of “annoying applicant.”

The CASPA Cycle

The CASPA cycle spans nearly a year, providing ample opportunities for applicants to update their qualifications and experiences. Keep in mind that PA schools receive applications throughout this entire period, so your goal is to remain on their radar and maintain your position as a competitive candidate. **Note: make sure that the schools you want to contact and update do not specifically state on their website or in communications with you, “Do not contact.” If they say this, then do not contact them.

Gaining New Experiences

To bolster your application, seek out opportunities to gain new experiences during the CASPA cycle. These experiences can include:

• PA shadowing
• Volunteering in any capacity
• Accumulating patient care experience (PCE)
• Obtaining healthcare experience (HCE)
• Engaging in leadership roles in healthcare or related fields

It’s crucial to understand the difference between PCE and HCE. PCE involves hands-on clinical skills, such as taking vital signs or performing phlebotomy, whereas HCE may encompass roles that are healthcare-related but not directly involved in patient care.

There is a sweet spot regarding when to update your PA schools on new experiences and hours…you don’t want to email them over every new thing, but only when you have accumulated a significant amount of hours that will make a difference on your competitiveness, such as 300 more hours of PCE/HCE, or if you have improved several categories of your app, for example, you have gained PA shadowing and volunteering and additional PCE/HCE.

Effective Communication

Direct communication with PA programs is essential. Rather than relying solely on your initial application, reach out to the admissions coordinator of the specific PA schools you’ve applied to. This demonstrates proactive interest and commitment to their program.

Demonstrating Continued Interest

Continued communication with PA schools serves as evidence of your ongoing commitment to becoming a PA and your interest in their specific program. It also helps keep your application at the forefront of their consideration. Sharing updates about your experiences and achievements can strengthen your candidacy and make you a more attractive applicant.

How Often to Contact PA Schools

While maintaining contact is crucial, it’s equally important to strike the right balance. Sending frequent, long, or overly detailed emails can be counterproductive. Aim to contact PA schools no more than once or twice a month. This frequency allows you to keep them updated without overwhelming them with information.

Sample Email Template

Here’s a sample email template to use when updating PA schools:

Subject: Application Update and Continued Interest in [School Name]

Dear [Admissions Committee or Admissions Coordinator's Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to provide an update on my application to the [School Name] PA program. Since submitting my application, I have achieved [briefly mention your new experiences or achievements].

Additionally, I want to convey my continued strong interest in your PA school and am excited about the possibility of interviewing with you in the future. I appreciate the opportunity to be considered for your program and look forward to any updates or further steps in the application process.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Tailoring Communication

While the sample template above can serve as a starting point, remember to customize your messages for each PA school. Research their specific requirements and preferences, and adapt your communication accordingly. This personalized approach demonstrates that you’ve invested time in understanding their program.

Conclusion

Maintaining your interest and keeping PA schools updated during the CASPA cycle is a valuable strategy to enhance your chances of acceptance. It showcases your dedication to the profession and the specific programs you’ve applied to. Remember to maintain professionalism, be concise and to the point, and contact schools in a thoughtful and measured manner. Best of luck in your journey to becoming a Physician Assistant!

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