PA shadowing is crucial for your CASPA application. You must have it to be a strong applicant. Maybe you’ve spent some time shadowing in a clinic, soaking up all the medical knowledge like a sponge. Or perhaps you’ve tagged along with a PA in the ER, getting a taste of the fast-paced action. Awesome! But here’s the thing – your PA shadowing journey shouldn’t stop there. Nope, not even close. In fact, it’s super important to keep that shadowing train rolling all the way up to acceptance into your dream PA program. Here’s why:

1. It Shows Commitment: PA schools want to see that you’re committed to the profession. By continuing to shadow PAs even as you’re applying, you’re demonstrating your dedication to learning and growing in the field. It shows that you’re serious about becoming a PA and that you’re willing to put in the work to get there.

2. It Keeps You Current: Medicine is always evolving, and staying up-to-date is key. By shadowing PAs regularly, you’re keeping your finger on the pulse of the latest trends, treatments, and technologies. Plus, you’re getting invaluable firsthand experience that you just can’t get from a textbook.

3. It Strengthens Your CASPA Application: Ah, CASPA – that dreaded application that holds the keys to your PA school dreams. Well, guess what? Continuing PA shadowing can seriously beef up your application. It shows admissions committees that you’ve got a solid understanding of the PA role and that you’ve taken the initiative to learn as much as you can about the profession.

4. It Provides Networking Opportunities: Shadowing isn’t just about observing – it’s also about building relationships. The PAs you shadow can become invaluable mentors, providing guidance, advice, and even letters of recommendation when the time comes. Plus, you never know – that PA you shadowed last week might just be the one interviewing you for PA school next month or for your first job as a PA!

Aim for 50 hours of PA shadowing, then 3-4 hours every single month until you are accepted! And don’t discount the value of virtual PA shadowing which allows you to accrue hours easily while also shadowing PAs in specialties you never would have been able to shadow in, not to mention networking with incredible PAs all over the country and learning about the roles of PAs in different states and settings. Check out our PA-Cers – you get weekly PA shadowing and replays all of which you can add to your CASPA app! Keep those shadowing experiences coming, keep learning, and keep chasing your dream of becoming a PA.