If you’ve been stressing about finding PA shadowing hours, you are so not alone.
In fact, “How do I get shadowing hours?” might be one of the most common questions we get asked at Pre-PA Clinic.
And here’s the truth: shadowing opportunities are harder to come by now than ever before. Between busy clinic schedules, HIPAA concerns, and lingering post-COVID restrictions, many providers and hospitals just aren’t opening their doors the way they used to.
But here’s the good news: shadowing is still possible—it just might look a little different than the “classic” model you’re picturing. So let’s talk about some creative (and legit!) ways you can get your shadowing hours.
🩺 1. Virtual Shadowing Through PA-Cers
Okay, we might be biased, but our PA-Cers Membership has completely changed the game for pre-PAs.
Every single week, you get access to live shadowing sessions with practicing PAs in multiple specialties (think ER, surgery, pediatrics, psych, derm—the list goes on). You can interact, ask questions, and learn directly from providers.
And the best part?
✔️ Hours count toward CASPA.
✔️ All sessions are recorded, so if you miss one live, you can still watch the replay and log it for CASPA.
✔️ It doubles as a professional membership on your CASPA application.
It’s honestly one of the easiest and most consistent ways to knock out shadowing hours without the stress of cold-calling 100 clinics.
👩⚕️ 2. Shadow at Community Clinics or Free Clinics
If you’ve been banging your head against the wall trying to shadow at large hospitals, switch your focus. Community clinics, urgent cares, and free clinics are often more flexible with students. These settings give you a front-row seat to the teamwork, patient communication, and problem-solving that PAs do every day.
Pro tip: Be clear and professional when reaching out. A thoughtful email that introduces who you are, why you want to shadow, and how you’ll respect their time and patients goes a long way.
🏥 3. Ask Your Own Providers
It sounds simple, but so many pre-PAs overlook this!
If you’ve been seen by a PA for your own medical care (primary care, derm, urgent care, etc.), that’s a perfect person to ask. You already have a patient-provider relationship, which can make them more open to saying yes.
🌐 4. Leverage Pre-PA Clubs and Associations
Don’t underestimate the power of connection. Your school’s pre-PA club, local PA associations, and even national groups often have shadowing lists, mentorship opportunities, or events where you can meet PAs who are open to shadowing students.
Networking isn’t just a business word—it applies here, too. A short conversation can open a big door.
📣 5. Get Creative with Specialty Exposure
Yes, 100% your focus is to shadow PAs specifically, but don’t forget: exposure to other healthcare providers can still strengthen your application. If PA shadowing feels impossible in the moment, look into physicians or NPs who might allow you to shadow. This shows initiative and builds your understanding of the broader healthcare team—which makes for an excellent talking point in interviews.
Caveat: you want to make sure you’re still PA shadowing heavy, otherwise it can look like you may not know the exact scope of practice and daily role of a PA is because you haven’t shadowed PAs specifically.
✨ Final Thoughts
Yes, shadowing is harder to find than it used to be. But it’s not impossible—and you don’t have to sit around waiting for the perfect opportunity to land in your lap.
Between PA-Cers virtual shadowing, local clinics, asking your own providers, leveraging associations, and getting creative with specialty exposure, you can absolutely meet your shadowing requirements and build experiences that will make your application shine.
So, friend, if shadowing has been stressing you out, take a deep breath—you’ve got options. And if you want the easiest “yes” you’ll ever get? Come join us inside PA-Cers. Your future self (and your CASPA app) will thank you.