2 Steps To Do Before Applying To PA School
Step 1: Shadow a PA
First things 1st, you need to know the role of the Physician Associate before you even consider applying for P.A. School. You can do all the research in the world, BUT YOU NEED TO SHADOW a P.A. to understand what being a P.A. entails. It can be challenging to find people to shadow. I tried many ways to find someone to shadow.
5 Ways to Find a PA to Shadow:
• Check PA school websites to contact alumni
• Volunteer at a hospital to meet PAs to network and ask if they would allow you to shadow
• Ask your doctor if they know anyone who is a PA that you can contact
• Join PA forums and look for mentors
• Join AAPA or your state-affiliated PA organization to connect with other PAs
In the long run, you must always keep mind… IT’S NOT WHAT YOU KNOW BUT WHO YOU KNOW. I was able to shadow a P.A. because of my best friend. My best friend Patricia Burrows, also a PA, connected me to Ms. Jannet Wright-Watson, an excellent P.A., teacher and woman. In addition, both are graduates of the same program as I am (CUNY PA Program).
My Shadowing Story:
I registered as a volunteer at Bronx Lebanon Hospital, where she worked, and then set up a schedule with her to come to the hospital after working my pharm job from 9 am to 5 pm. YES, I WORKED FULLTIME M-F AND VOLUNTEERED 2-3 TIMES PER WEEK (including weekends). I sometimes shadowed until 10 pm because I enjoyed all the significant cases I assisted Jannet with within the hospital.
She was so personable with the patients. Volunteering in an underserved community in the Bronx, NY, made me quickly realize the disparities in medical care. Jannet helped me understand the role of a P.A., and the amount of autonomy one has with being a P.A. In addition, I could network with other people shadowing her to pursue a P.A. career. Oddly enough, we were all accepted into the same cohort simultaneously.
Jannet always said, “You could pay me back by paying it forward to someone else who needs help, whether it be letting them shadow you or providing them with resources”, which is why I created this blog.
Step 2: Open House
Attend open house events for the schools you want to apply to get to know the program and the staff. By going to the open house, you will show interest, they will get to know you and place a face to the name on the applications, and you can make a thorough decision on whether the school’s mission fits your goals as a P.A.
SHOW INITIATIVE...DON’T BE BORING...BRING YOUR A GAME!
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