Preparing for PA School

Checklist

Before Applying

• Research PA Programs:
  
• Explore different PA programs to find ones that align with your career goals, location preferences, and admission requirements.
  
• Consider factors such as program accreditation, faculty expertise, clinical rotation opportunities, and student outcomes.
  
• Prerequisite Courses:
  
• Review the prerequisite courses required by PA programs you're interested in.
  
• Ensure you have completed or plan to complete these courses before applying.
  
• Healthcare Experience:
  
• Gain hands-on healthcare experience through volunteering, shadowing, or working in healthcare settings.
  
• Aim for diverse experiences to gain insight into different aspects of patient care.
  
• Academic Preparation:
  
• Maintain a strong academic record with a focus on science and healthcare-related courses.
  
• Aim for a competitive GPA, as many PA programs have minimum GPA requirements.
  
• Letters of Recommendation:
  
• Cultivate relationships with professors, healthcare professionals, or supervisors who can provide strong letters of recommendation.
  
• Ensure your recommenders know you well and can speak to your abilities and suitability for PA school.
  

During the Application Process

1. CASPA Application:
   
• Create an account on the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) website.
  
• Complete all sections of the application thoroughly and accurately.
  
• Double-check for errors before submitting.
  
2. Personal Statement:
   
• Write a compelling personal statement that highlights your motivation for becoming a PA, relevant experiences, and personal qualities.
  
• Tailor your statement to each program you're applying to, emphasizing why you're a good fit for their program.
  
3. Transcripts:
   
• Request official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
  
• Ensure transcripts are sent directly to CASPA and any additional programs as required.
  
4. Standardized Tests:
   
• Take the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) if required by the programs you're applying to.
  
• Prepare thoroughly for the exam to achieve your best possible score.
  

After Submitting Your Application

1. Follow-Up:
   
• Monitor the status of your application through the CASPA portal.
  
• Follow up with programs to ensure all application materials have been received and processed.
  
2. Interview Preparation:
   
• Prepare for PA school interviews by researching each program, reviewing common interview questions, and practicing your responses.
  
• Dress professionally and arrive early for interviews.
  
3. Acceptance and Enrollment:
   
• If offered admission, carefully review acceptance letters and deadlines.
  
• Make informed decisions about which program to attend based on factors such as location, curriculum, faculty, and financial considerations.
  
• Submit any required deposits or enrollment forms by the specified deadlines to secure your spot.
  

Typical Didactic Year Coursework

• Anatomy and Physiology
  
• In-depth study of the structure and function of the human body.
  
• Topics may include gross anatomy, histology, neuroanatomy, and systemic physiology.
  
• Pathophysiology
  
• Examination of the underlying mechanisms of disease processes.
  
• Focus on understanding how normal physiological processes are disrupted in various disease states.
  
• Pharmacology
  
• Study of medications, including their mechanisms of action, indications, contraindications, and side effects.
  
• Emphasis on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and drug interactions.
  
• Medical Genetics
  
• Exploration of basic principles of genetics and their relevance to clinical practice.
  
• Topics may include inheritance patterns, genetic disorders, and genetic counseling.
  
• Clinical Medicine
  
• Comprehensive coverage of common medical conditions encountered in primary care and specialty settings.
  
• Topics may include cardiology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, infectious diseases, etc.
  

• Physical Examination and Clinical Skills
  
• Hands-on training in performing a thorough physical examination and mastering clinical skills.
  
• Practice sessions may include taking patient histories, performing physical assessments, and mastering procedural skills such as suturing and casting.
  
• Clinical Laboratory Medicine
  
• Understanding of common laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures used in clinical practice.
  
• Interpretation of laboratory results and their implications for patient care.
  
• Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry
  
• Exploration of psychological and social factors influencing health and illness.
  
• Understanding of common mental health conditions and their assessment and management.
  
• Professional Practice Issues
  
• Introduction to ethical, legal, and professional standards governing PA practice.
  
• Discussions on topics such as medical ethics, healthcare disparities, cultural competency, and healthcare policy.
  
• Evidence-Based Medicine
  
• Introduction to the principles of evidence-based practice and critical appraisal of medical literature.
  

What to Expect in the Clinical Medicine Units

• Internal Medicine
  
• Focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of adult medical conditions.
  
• Covers topics such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, and renal diseases.
  
• Family Medicine
  
• Emphasizes comprehensive healthcare for individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.
  
• Covers preventive care, acute and chronic illness management, and health promotion.
  
• Pediatrics
  
• Focuses on the healthcare needs of infants, children, and adolescents.
  
• Covers growth and development, common pediatric illnesses, immunizations, and well-child care.
  
• Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN)
  
• Covers women's reproductive health, pregnancy, childbirth, and gynecological conditions.
  
• Topics include prenatal care, labor and delivery, contraception, menstrual disorders, and menopause.
  
• Surgery
  
• Covers surgical principles, techniques, and perioperative care.
  
• Includes topics such as general surgery, orthopedic surgery, cardiovascular surgery, and neurosurgery.
  
• Emergency Medicine
  
• Focuses on the evaluation and management of acute and life-threatening medical emergencies.
  
• Covers trauma, cardiac emergencies, respiratory emergencies, toxicology, and procedural skills.
  

• Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine
  
• Addresses mental health disorders and psychosocial factors impacting patient care.
  
• Covers assessment, diagnosis, and management of psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders.
  
• Dermatology
  
• Focuses on the diagnosis and management of skin conditions and disorders.
  
• Covers dermatological assessment, common dermatoses, skin cancer, and dermatologic procedures.
  
• Neurology
  
• Covers the diagnosis and management of neurological disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
  
• Topics include stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, headaches, and movement disorders.
  
• Geriatrics
  
• Focuses on the healthcare needs of older adults and the management of age-related conditions.
  
• Covers topics such as polypharmacy, dementia, falls, and end-of-life care.
  
• Infectious Diseases
  
• Covers the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases.
  
• Includes topics such as bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections, antimicrobial therapy, and infection control.
  
• Rural and Underserved Medicine
  
• Addresses the unique healthcare challenges faced by rural and underserved populations.
  
• Covers access to care, cultural competency, and community-based healthcare delivery models.
  

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