You’ve gotten accepted into PA school! First of all, congratulations! Getting into a PA program is no small feat, and you should be incredibly proud of yourself. Now, you’re gearing up for that first year, and let’s be honest—it’s probably a little intimidating. You’ve heard the stories about the intense coursework, long hours, and the infamous PA school grind. But what’s it really like, and how can you set yourself up for success? Let’s dive in.
1. The Culture Shock: Adjusting to the Pace and Workload
PA school is a whole different ball game from undergrad or any other educational experience. The pace is fast, and the workload is heavy. Think about the most challenging semester of undergrad—and double it. There’s a reason PA school is often referred to as “drinking from a fire hose.” You’ll cover vast amounts of material in a short amount of time, and it can feel overwhelming.
Pro Tip: Focus on time management from day one. Find a study routine that works for you, and stick to it. Consider using a planner, time-blocking, or a digital calendar to keep track of lectures, exams, assignments, and study sessions. And remember: while it may feel relentless, it’s possible to stay on top of things if you’re consistent.
2. Making Peace with Imperfection
In PA school, it’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling like you need to be perfect. You’re surrounded by high-achievers, and sometimes it feels like everyone is competing to know the most, score the highest, or be the most prepared. But here’s the truth: no one can be perfect all the time, and striving for perfection can actually set you back. Instead, focus on doing your best and improving over time.
Pro Tip: Don’t compare yourself to your classmates. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and PA school will expose both. Concentrate on understanding the material rather than aiming for a flawless performance. And when you don’t know something, view it as a learning opportunity. You’ll grow so much if you focus on progress over perfection.
3. Building a Strong Support System
You’re going to need a strong support network to get through PA school. Whether it’s friends, family, classmates, or mentors, having people to lean on is essential. Your classmates can be a lifeline since they understand exactly what you’re going through. Don’t be afraid to reach out, form study groups, or even just vent to each other after a long day.
Pro Tip: Make time for social activities with your classmates when you can. Whether it’s a quick coffee break, a study session with snacks, or a dinner out, those moments can be refreshing. Having people around who understand your journey can make it less isolating and help you stay motivated.
4. Prioritizing Self-Care (No, Really!)
You might think, “I don’t have time for self-care in PA school!” But trust us, making time to take care of yourself isn’t optional—it’s necessary. Burnout is real, and without self-care, it can hit hard. This doesn’t mean you need to spend hours on self-care routines, but small things like getting enough sleep, eating well, and moving your body can make a world of difference.
Pro Tip: Schedule self-care just like you’d schedule a lecture or study session. Set aside even 10-15 minutes a day to do something you enjoy or that helps you unwind. Whether it’s a short walk, a quick journal entry, or a few minutes of meditation, these little moments can keep you grounded and help prevent burnout.
5. Study Smarter, Not Harder
PA school isn’t just about how much you study—it’s about how you study. Instead of trying to memorize everything, focus on understanding the “why” behind each concept. Connect topics to real-world applications, so you remember them better. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different study methods until you find what works best for you.
Pro Tip: Active recall (like quizzing yourself), spaced repetition, and teaching others are all effective study techniques. Many students find that studying with peers, discussing cases, or creating flashcards can help reinforce material. You don’t need to study 12 hours a day to succeed; you just need to study efficiently.
6. Embracing Feedback and Learning from Mistakes
In PA school, you’re going to get feedback—on your tests, in your clinical skills labs, and eventually from preceptors during rotations. Sometimes that feedback can be tough to hear, but it’s crucial for your growth. Embrace it, and don’t take it personally. Remember, every piece of feedback is a step toward becoming a better PA.
Pro Tip: Keep a growth mindset. When you get feedback, focus on how you can improve rather than getting discouraged. Use feedback as a learning tool and track your progress. You’re going to make mistakes; every student does. What matters is how you respond and grow from them.
7. Staying Connected to Your ‘Why’
It’s easy to lose sight of why you wanted to be a PA in the midst of exams, stress, and endless studying. But your motivation is a powerful tool. When things get tough, reconnect with the reason you started this journey. Maybe it’s a specific population you want to serve, a family member who inspired you, or a passion for helping others. Keeping that “why” close can help you push through the challenging moments.
Pro Tip: Write down your “why” and keep it somewhere visible—your study area, a sticky note in your planner, or even a note on your phone. When things feel overwhelming, take a moment to read it and remind yourself why this journey is worth it.
8. Looking Ahead: What’s Coming Next
After your first year, you’ll head into clinical rotations, which are an entirely different experience from the classroom setting. During your first year, start familiarizing yourself with the basics of clinical skills and patient interactions. The more you can learn now, the easier the transition will be later.
Pro Tip: Ask for shadowing opportunities or volunteer experiences that give you a glimpse into the clinical world. This can help solidify what you’re learning and make you more comfortable when it’s time for rotations.
Wrapping It Up
The first year of PA school is challenging, but it’s also transformative. You’ll learn more than you thought possible, build lifelong connections, and take big steps toward becoming a healthcare provider. Remember to take it one day at a time, lean on your support system, and give yourself grace as you grow. You’ve got this!
Good luck, future PA! You’re well on your way to an amazing career.