Volunteering can sometimes feel like one more thing to add to your already overwhelming to-do list as a pre-PA student. But here’s the deal: it’s not just another checkbox for your PA school application—volunteering is a chance to stand out, show your passion for helping others, and even learn something new about yourself in the process.

Plus, it doesn’t always have to be related to healthcare. That’s right! PA programs care more about the qualities you’re developing (like compassion, leadership, and dedication) than whether or not your volunteer gig is directly tied to medicine.

Why Volunteering Is SO Important for Your PA School Application

Before we dive into specific opportunities, let’s talk about why volunteering is a big deal for your application.

1. Shows Your Commitment to Serving Others: Physician assistants are all about serving people, so naturally, PA programs want to see that you’re genuinely interested in helping others—not just getting hours under your belt.
2. Builds Soft Skills: Volunteering—especially in diverse settings—helps you develop essential soft skills like communication, empathy, and adaptability. These are skills you’ll need every single day as a PA.
3. Offers New Perspectives: Volunteering allows you to step into different communities and learn about issues you might not experience firsthand. This kind of awareness and understanding is priceless in healthcare, where you’ll work with patients from all walks of life.
4. Helps You Stand Out: PA programs see so many applicants with medical experience, but if you have unique volunteer experiences—maybe something like working at an animal shelter or mentoring underprivileged kids—you’ll stand out. Schools appreciate well-rounded candidates.

Now, let’s talk about where you can volunteer.

Medical-Related Volunteering (Obvious but Effective)

Of course, volunteering in healthcare settings can be super beneficial. Here are a few ideas to consider:

• Hospitals or Clinics: Many hospitals have volunteer programs where you can assist with patient transport, help at the front desk, or even just chat with patients who need company. You’ll gain exposure to the healthcare environment and possibly make some great connections.
• Health Fairs or Community Health Programs: Volunteering at local health fairs allows you to get hands-on experience helping people navigate healthcare, learn about health resources, and sometimes even assist with screenings.
• Crisis Hotlines: If you’re interested in mental health, consider volunteering for a suicide prevention hotline or crisis line. You’ll develop your listening and communication skills, which are so important as a future PA.

Non-Medical Volunteering (Don’t Sleep on This!)

Not all of your volunteering has to happen in scrubs. In fact, non-medical volunteering is a great way to show that you’re a well-rounded person with diverse interests.

• Food Banks or Homeless Shelters: These settings will give you a deeper understanding of the social determinants of health. You’ll gain empathy and perspective, and PA schools love seeing that.
• Animal Shelters: Volunteering with animals can be incredibly rewarding and shows that you’re compassionate. Plus, it’s a nice break from the intensity of pre-PA life while still contributing to your community.
• Tutoring or Mentoring: Whether you’re helping kids with homework or guiding a high school student through the college application process, tutoring and mentoring roles highlight your leadership skills and your ability to communicate complex ideas—both essential for being a PA.
• Environmental Volunteering: If you’re passionate about the planet, there are tons of opportunities to volunteer with environmental cleanup projects, sustainability initiatives, or community gardening. It’s a unique way to show that you’re committed to improving the world around you, and it makes your application stand out.

How to Choose a Volunteering Opportunity

Here’s the thing: PA programs don’t care where you volunteer as much as they care why you volunteer. Pick something you’re passionate about, because that enthusiasm will come through when you’re writing your application or talking about it in your interviews.

Ask yourself:

• What causes do I care about?
• What skills do I want to develop?
• How can I make a real impact in my community?

Once you answer those questions, you’ll be able to find a volunteering opportunity that’s both meaningful and beneficial for your PA school application.

Final Thoughts: Quality Over Quantity

PA programs are looking for depth over breadth when it comes to volunteering. So rather than spreading yourself thin with a bunch of random volunteer gigs, focus on finding one or two that really resonate with you. Stick with them for a while and get deeply involved—you’ll get more out of the experience, and it’ll show on your application.

And remember: the goal is to show that you’re a well-rounded individual who’s committed to helping others, no matter the setting. Whether you’re handing out food at a local shelter or working at a health fair, it’s all about the impact you’re making.

Now go out there and find your next opportunity to serve—you’ve got this!