PA Shadowing: What to Say, What to Wear, and What to Do After

Posted on June 16, 2025 By katiebean84Comments Off on PA Shadowing: What to Say, What to Wear, and What to Do After

Let’s be real—shadowing a PA for the first time can feel a little intimidating.

You finally got someone to say yes (yay!), but now your brain is spiraling:
What do I wear? What if I ask something dumb? What if I just stand there awkwardly for 8 hours like a statue?

Deep breath.

In this guide, we’re going to walk you through exactly what to do before, during, and after your PA shadowing experience—so you feel confident, prepared, and can turn those hours into a golden CASPA application entry.

Why PA Shadowing Actually Matters

Shadowing isn’t just a box to check. It’s how PA schools know:

  • You understand what a PA actually does
  • You’ve seen the role in action, not just read about it
  • You’re not confusing it with NP, MD, or other roles

It also helps you figure out if this path is really the right one. Shadowing is your sneak peek into what your future could look like—scrubs, patient charts, and all.

Step 1: What to Say (Before and During)

Before the shadowing day:

  • Email to confirm a few days in advance: “Hi [PA’s name], I’m so excited to shadow you this [day]. Just wanted to confirm we’re still good for [time/place]. Please let me know if you have any last-minute tips or expectations for the day!”

During the shadowing day:

  • Say thank you early and often. This PA is letting you into their space. Gratitude goes a long way.
  • Ask thoughtful, open-ended questions like: “What do you love most about being a PA?”
    “How did you choose this specialty?”
    “If you could go back and do anything differently, what would it be?”
    (Avoid interrupting patient care or asking questions mid-visit—save them for downtime.)
  • If you’re nervous, it’s okay. Just smile, be kind, and stay engaged. The goal isn’t to impress them with your brilliance—it’s to learn.

Step 2: What to Wear

Unless told otherwise, stick with this foolproof formula:

✅ Business casual (slacks or nice khakis + a solid blouse/button-down)
✅ Closed-toe flat shoes (comfortable—trust us)
✅ Minimal jewelry or perfume/cologne
✅ Hair tied back if it’s long
✅ ID badge if the site gave you one

If you’re shadowing in surgery, ER, or inpatient: they might give you scrubs to wear or ask you to wear your own. Always ask in advance if you’re unsure.

Pro tip: Bring layers. Clinics are either freezing or hot. There is no in-between.

Step 3: What to Bring

✔ A small notebook or notes app on your phone (ask before pulling your phone out)
✔ A snack and water bottle (you might not get a break)
✔ Questions you’ve prepped
✔ A good attitude and willingness to listen and observe

Step 4: What to Do After

This part is often skipped—and it’s a mistake.

✅ Send a thank-you email within 24 hours.

“Thank you again for letting me shadow you! I learned so much about [specialty] and appreciated your time and kindness. It confirmed even more that this is the right path for me.”

✅ Track your shadowing hours right away:

  • Date, time, location
  • PA’s name and specialty
  • Summary of what you saw (for your own memory and writing a strong CASPA description later)

✅ Reflect:

  • What did you love?
  • What surprised you?
  • Did it make you more or less excited about PA school?

✅ Ask for another opportunity if it went well!

“If you’re ever open to having me shadow again or know of another PA who might be, I’d love the chance. I learned so much.”

Bonus Tips to Make the Most of Shadowing

  • Try to shadow in multiple specialties. Seeing PAs in ortho, peds, surgery, psych, etc., helps you speak more broadly in interviews and essays.
  • Don’t complain. Even if your feet hurt and you haven’t eaten in 6 hours. Stay positive.
  • Use it to fuel your CASPA application. Write about what you learned, what impressed you, and what reinforced your desire to become a PA.

Shadowing Still Hard to Find?

Yep, you’re not alone. Shadowing isn’t always easy to get—especially post-COVID. That’s why we created PA-Cers, our virtual shadowing membership that:

  • All live AND replays count for CASPA
  • Features diverse specialties
  • Includes live sessions + replays
  • Offers certificates and case study recaps
  • Doubles as a Professional Membership on your application

It’s literally made for students who want legit shadowing hours—without the awkward cold calls and dead-end emails.

➡️ Want to knock out your shadowing requirement the easy (and impressive) way?
Join PA-Cers today and get shadowing hours you’ll actually want to talk about in interviews.