Ready to start building your PA school application, but unsure where to even begin. The good news is there are plenty of ways to showcase your experiences and unique journey, from hands-on patient care to leadership roles that make you stand out. Let’s break down the top five strategies that can help make your application not just competitive, but memorable.
1. Dive into Quality Patient Care Experience (PCE)
PA schools are looking for applicants who have real, meaningful interactions with patients. Patient Care Experience (PCE) is crucial, so make it count. Here’s what matters most:
• Get hands-on roles where you’re directly responsible for patients. Positions like CNA, EMT, medical assistant, or phlebotomist give you exposure to real-world patient care.
• Highlight key duties in your experience descriptions. Don’t just say “assisted in care”; detail how you took vitals, administered medications, or handled emergency situations.
• Be consistent with your hours. Schools value applicants who commit over time, so aim for steady involvement rather than a one-time shadowing gig.
Each patient interaction teaches you empathy, communication skills, and technical knowledge—all traits that will help you as a PA. And remember, PCE doesn’t just pad your resume; it proves to admissions committees that you can handle the challenges of clinical practice.
2. Get Involved in Volunteering (and Think Outside the Box!)
Volunteering is a fantastic way to show your dedication to helping others, which is essential in the PA profession. But it doesn’t have to be all medical—don’t be afraid to think outside the box:
• Community service in any form can be impactful. Think food banks, homeless shelters, or animal rescues. These roles demonstrate empathy, commitment, and a willingness to serve others.
• Long-term commitment is key. Schools often favor applicants who have shown consistent involvement in a cause they care about rather than one-off activities.
• Highlight unique experiences that taught you something valuable. Did you volunteer at a remote health clinic in another country? Or maybe you’ve spent years with a local organization tackling social issues. Experiences like these set you apart.
Volunteering is about more than checking a box; it’s a way to build character and get a fresh perspective on patient care and community health.
3. Step Up to Leadership Roles
Leadership experience can truly make your application shine, especially since it’s a skill PA schools look for. Here’s how to get it (and make it matter):
• Take initiative in your job, school, or community. If you’re a CNA, volunteer to train new hires. If you’re part of a club, run for an officer position.
• Highlight achievements in your roles. Admissions committees want to see more than a title; they want to know how you made an impact.
• Look for diverse opportunities to lead. Even if it’s not directly related to healthcare, leadership roles in clubs, sports, or community organizations show responsibility and teamwork.
By showing that you can take charge and inspire others, you demonstrate that you’re prepared to handle the responsibilities that come with being a PA.
4. Pursue Extracurriculars That Build Your Skills
Extracurriculars add dimension to your application and give you unique experiences to discuss in interviews. Choose activities that interest you, but try to include some that relate to the skills you’ll need as a PA:
• Join a health-related club or society. The Pre-PA Club, AED (Alpha Epsilon Delta), or Red Cross groups can connect you with other future healthcare providers and teach you about the field.
• Get certified in relevant skills like phlebotomy or CPR, which demonstrate your initiative and dedication to healthcare.
• Take on roles that build soft skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. If you’re in a club, participate in group projects or events that require collaboration.
These experiences add value by giving you a well-rounded background. Plus, they’re great talking points during your PA school interview!
5. Shadow a PA (and Make It Count)
Shadowing is your chance to observe what being a PA is really like, so make the most of it! Here’s how to take your shadowing experience from “I watched” to “I learned”:
• Be proactive by asking questions and reflecting on what you see. Don’t just observe; think about how you’d handle situations if you were in the PA’s shoes.
• Seek variety in your shadowing experiences. If possible, shadow PAs in different specialties—such as family medicine, emergency medicine, or orthopedics—to get a well-rounded view of the profession.
• Record your reflections after each session. Write down what stood out to you, challenges the PA faced, and skills you observed. These reflections can help you in interviews and your personal statement.
By shadowing, you get a front-row seat to a day in the life of a PA, helping you see the skills and challenges involved firsthand. It’s also a great way to confirm that this career is the right path for you.
Building a standout PA school application isn’t just about filling out forms and listing activities; it’s about creating a story of your journey, commitment, and readiness for the PA profession. Take time with each experience, make it meaningful, and show admissions committees why you’re a future PA they want on their team.