Leslie Mean is a 25-year-old single white female who presents to the PA school admissions committee on her second attempt to get into PA school.
She has a 3.6 overall GPA and a 3.5 science GPA. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, had an SAT score of 1,200, and a GRE score of 303.
She has two years of hands-on clinical experience working as a CNA and a long history of volunteer work, which exemplifies her desire to help her community.
She is kind and considerate and has reference letters that demonstrate her maturity and strong interpersonal skills.
She was accepted into PA school on her second attempt.
Who is Leslie, and why did she get into PA School?
When asking the question: What do I need to do to get into PA school? You would be smart to talk to Leslie.
Leslie is a hypothetical PA school applicant who went on to become a PA school student, an entirely average PA school student.
She also embodies what PA schools across the country are looking for at this very moment.
How do I know this?
Because the most recent data from the PAEA semi-annual report, representing responses from over 85% of PA programs detailing characteristics of the 27,283 PA school applicants and 8,802 students accepted in PA school, show that they are filling their seats with Leslie.
As much as I like to talk about not being average and differentiating yourself from the pack, it's nice to know what average is. Average provides a baseline by which you can measure your progress, set goals, and develop an application timeline.
Does this mean you have to be just like Leslie to get into PA school?
Absolutely not, first, factors such as race, age, ethnicity, etc., are of no importance, and you certainly don't have to be female to get into PA school (I am living proof).
But it is safe to assume that most schools are looking to keep their graduation and certifying exam pass rates high. They have an incentive to take fewer risks, and because of this, anything below average is considered a risk.
Thus, take a good look at Leslie and focus on factors that you can control to differentiate yourself, like your academic standing, your experience, your volunteer activities, your references, and your essay.
If you set the bar at Leslie and end up being a Mother Theresa, I am fairly sure you will be accepted into PA school, although I have no data on religious preference and PA school acceptance rates. 🙂
What are your chances of getting into PA school?
- Approximately 27,283 people apply to PA school in any given year.
- Approximately 20% of all applicants across the nation gain acceptance to a PA program in any admissions cycle.
- Applying to one PA program gives you about a 25% chance of acceptance while applying to 12 PA programs increases those chances to 49%. There is no statistical benefit to applying to more than 12 PA programs.
- Of the PA students accepted, more than two out of three (65.3%) (a.k.a. the majority) had applied to PA school previously.
- The average PA program's acceptance rate is 7%. However, some schools have much higher acceptance rates, while others have much lower acceptance rates. For example, the acceptance rate at Harvard Medical School is 4%, while the acceptance rate at the University of Central Florida is 65%.
So, what does an average PA school applicant who is admitted to PA school (i.e., student) look like?
Let's take a look:
In studies, the five most influential noncognitive factors known to have an effect on PA school admissions are faculty interactions, career motivation, knowledge of the PA profession, maturity, and professionalism. - Journal of Physician Assistant EducationClick To Tweet→ The average PA school student is 25 years old
- The average age of first-year students ranged between 25 and 28 for all categories
- The median age at application is 25 years old
- The median age of recently certified PAs is 27
- For the past six years, the median age of all certified PAs is 38
Age Range | Percentage of Matriculants |
---|---|
22-23 | 21.6% |
24-25 | 24.5% |
26-27 | 22.2% |
28-29 | 17.1% |
30-31 | 10.8% |
32-33 | 3.6% |
34-35 | 1.1% |
36-37 | 0.6% |
38+ | 0.4% |
→ The average PA school student is female
The gender distribution of first-year students has started to stabilize after a 20-year trend of a gradually increasing proportion of women. In 1980, 36 percent of PAs were female. Today, 65.6% of matriculated PAs are female.
- Female: 65.6%
- Male: 32.9%
- Non-binary: 1.5%
Gender | Percentage of Matriculants |
---|---|
Female | 65.6% |
Male | 32.9% |
Non-binary | 1.5% |
As you can see, the majority of matriculating PA students are female. This is consistent with the overall trend in the healthcare field, where women make up a majority of the workforce.
There are a few reasons why there are more female matriculants than male matriculants in PA schools. First, women are more likely to be interested in healthcare careers. Second, women are more likely to apply to PA school than men. Third, women are more likely to be accepted to PA school than men.
However, it is important to note that the number of male matriculants in PA schools has been increasing in recent years. This is likely due to the fact that the PA profession is becoming increasingly popular, and more and more men are choosing to become PAs.
→ The Average PA school applicant has a bachelor’s degree
The majority of PA school applicants hold a baccalaureate degree.
- No academic degree: 8.1%
- Certificate: 0.2%
- Associates Degree: 2.6%
- Baccalaureate Degree: 70.5%
- Master’s Degree: 6.6%
- Doctoral Degree: 0.9%
→ The Average PA school applicant graduated with a degree in Natural Sciences
Most PA school applicants hold a degree in natural sciences (biology, chemistry, etc.), but this doesn't mean you have to!
Major | Percentage of Matriculants |
---|---|
Biology | 28.4% |
Health Sciences | 19.4% |
Psychology | 16.2% |
Chemistry | 12.2% |
Sociology | 7.7% |
English | 5.2% |
Other | 9.1% |
The most common major is biology, which makes up 28.4% of all matriculated PA students. This is likely because biology provides a strong foundation in the sciences, which is essential for PA school.
Other popular majors include health sciences, psychology, chemistry, and sociology. These majors also provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in PA school and in the PA profession.
It is important to note that there is no one "right" major for PA school. PA programs are looking for applicants with a strong foundation in the sciences, but they also value applicants with a variety of experiences and perspectives.
Here are some tips on how to choose the best undergraduate major for PA school.
→ Matriculating PA students had an average of 2,669 patient contact experience hours.
PA school applicants come to the table with a variety of medical experiences, especially if they are strong applicants.
It is important to note that the amount of clinical experience required for PA school varies from school to school. Some schools may have no minimum requirement, some may have a minimum requirement of 1,000 hours, while others may require 3,000 hours or more. It is important to research the specific schools that you are interested in to see what their requirements are.
To be a successful PA candidate, you should aim to have at least 2,000 (preferably 3,000+) hours of hands-on patient experience at the time of application. This is 20-30 times more than the number of hours needed for medical school!
Experience in one of the following areas is common:
- Nursing
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Allied Health
- Physical Therapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Registered Radiologic Technologist
- Athletic Trainer
- Emergency Services
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Paramedic
- Emergency Room Technician
- Miscellaneous
- Phlebotomist (that was me!)
- Medical Researcher
- Medical Volunteer
Medical Experience Statistics for PA School Applicants
Of applicants admitted to PA school, 90.5% worked in healthcare before applying to PA school. The most common healthcare experience is a certified nursing assistant (CNA) 30.4% and medical assistant (MA) 26.5%. Among those accepted, 23.3% worked as a scribe, 19.3% had experience as an EMT/paramedic, and 8.9% had experience as an emergency room technician. In addition to paid healthcare experience, 55.2% of matriculating PA students participated in volunteer community service work, such as Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, service-learning activities, and mission work.
Health Care Employment Prior to PA School | Percent |
Nursing assistant | 30.2% |
Medical assistant | 26.5% |
Scribe | 23.3% |
EMT/Paramedic | 19.3% |
Emergency room technician | 8.9% |
Home health aid | 8.7% |
Phlebotomist | 7.3% |
Clinical research coordinator/assistant | 7.3% |
Physical therapist/Physical therapy assistant | 5.7% |
Pharmacy technician | 4.1% |
Athletic trainer | 3.8% |
Medical technician | 3.3% |
Medical reception/records | 2.9% |
Medic or medical corpsman | 1.7% |
Radiology technician | 1.6% |
Dental assistant/hygienist | 1.4% |
Source: 2020 PAEA student report |
Average Health Care Experience Hours of Matriculating Students
According to the latest PAEA program survey and report, for those applicants accepted to PA school, the average student had 2,669 patient contact experience hours. Accepted students had, on average, 1,490 hours of “other healthcare experience,” 378 hours of community service, 1,883 hours of other work experience, and 108 hours of healthcare shadowing.
Experience | Maximum | Mean | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Patient Contact Experience | 25,000 | 3,240 | 2,669 | 3,850 | 5,834 |
Health Care Shadowing | 2,807 | 215 | 108 | 152 | 231 |
Community Service | 18,000 | 719 | 378 | 515 | 938 |
Other Health Care Experience | 9,000 | 1,791 | 1,490 | 2,098 | 2,903 |
Other Work Experience | 12,651 | 2,315 | 1,883 | 2,278 | 4,200 |
* 2023-2024 Update: Some recent data suggests HCE hours are significantly declining, with a new average of 1.88 years of healthcare experience among matriculating (accepted) students.
Admissions directors Q&A: What are some of the points that are extremely impressive to you in the application?
Commitment to community, overcoming adversity, a WELL written narrative, great letters of reference from someone that REALLY knows you, ability to juggle many responsibilities simultaneously, and activities that show a particular passion for something are what we look for in a PA school applicant - Penn State University PA ProgramClick To Tweet→ GRE scores of those accepted into PA school tend to be in the above-average range
The mean GRE scores for matriculated PA students are 152.2 for verbal reasoning, 152.0 for quantitative reasoning, and 3.9 for analytical writing. The 25th percentile scores are 140 for verbal reasoning, 139 for quantitative reasoning, and 3.0 for analytical writing. The 75th percentile scores are 164 for verbal reasoning, 165 for quantitative reasoning, and 4.5 for analytical writing.
GRE Section | Mean | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
---|---|---|---|
Verbal Reasoning | 152.2 | 140 | 164 |
Quantitative Reasoning | 152.0 | 139 | 165 |
Analytical Writing | 3.9 | 3.0 | 4.5 |
The average GRE score of matriculated PA school students has been trending up over the years.
Year | Average Total GRE Score |
---|---|
2021 | 303.6 |
2020 | 302.2 |
2019 | 301.4 |
2018 | 299.8 |
As you can see, the GRE is the most commonly required exam for PA school admissions. This is followed by the TOEFL, the MCAT, and the SAT.
Exam | Required by |
---|---|
GRE | 57.7% |
TOEFL (Internationl Students Only) | 71.3% |
MCAT or GRE | 14.0% |
SAT | 10.0% |
ACT | 7.0% |
CASPer | 5.0% |
Competitive GRE scores average around a composite score of 300, and scores above 310 are extremely competitive. This averages to about 150 on verbal reasoning, 150 on quantitative reasoning, and 3.5 on writing.
Please note that these scores are averages of past GRE examinations, and you should consider your score competitive if they are above the 50th percentile.
Percentiles are more important than actual GRE scores. Every GRE differs in difficulty, which is why none of them can be considered equivalent, thus, necessitating the need to use a standardized ranking method.
→ The average PA school student has between a 3.5 and 3.6 overall GPA and an undergraduate science GPA of 3.5
- According to the latest PAEA program report, the average undergraduate overall GPA for PA school applicants who were accepted into PA school was 3.6. Accepted students had, on average, a science GPA of 3.5, a non-science GPA of 3.6, and a CASPA BCP (biology, chemistry, and physics) GPA of 3.5
- The average overall GPA for students who were not accepted into PA school was 3.28. Non-matriculant science GPA was 3.17.
Interesting factoid: As the age of applicants increases, their GPA tends to be lower.
GPA type | Average |
---|---|
Overall GPA | 3.6 |
Science GPA | 3.5 |
Non-science GPA | 3.6 |
CASPA BCP GPA (biology, chemistry, and physics) | 3.5 |
GPA | Percentage of Matriculants |
---|---|
3.75 or higher | 56.5% |
3.50-3.74 | 28.5% |
3.25-3.49 | 8.5% |
3.00-3.24 | 4.5% |
Below 3.00 | 2.0% |
→ Most PA school students are Caucasian
As you can see, the majority of matriculated PA students are white. This is consistent with the overall trend in the United States, where white people make up the majority of the population.
However, it is important to note that the racial makeup of PA students is becoming more diverse. The percentage of Asian matriculants has increased in recent years, and the percentage of Hispanic/Latino matriculants is also increasing.
If you are considering applying to PA school, it is important to be aware of the racial makeup of PA students. If you are a member of a minority group, you may want to consider applying to programs that have a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Race | Percentage of Matriculants |
---|---|
White | 67.2% |
Asian | 14.3% |
Hispanic/Latino | 10.3% |
Black or African American | 5.4% |
Native American | 0.8% |
Multiracial | 2.0% |
→ What are your chances of being accepted into PA school?
- If you apply to one PA program - you have a 25% chance of getting in
- If you apply to 12 programs (or more) - you have a 49% chance of getting in
- The average number of PA programs applied to is 8
Interesting factoid: There is little statistical benefit of applying to more than 12 programs!
→ Pucker up, baby. Most PA students are single!
Most students are single (72.2%), though about a quarter are married (24.5%). A little under two percent were divorced, and 1.6% were in a domestic partnership/civil union.
Most students (92.1%) have no legal dependents. For the nearly 7.9% of students that reported having legal dependents other than themselves, the average number of dependents was two, with a range of 1 to 9 dependents.
Legal dependents | Percentage of Matriculants |
---|---|
With | 7.9% |
Without | 92.1% |
Over 30% of respondents said they were considered dependent of their parents.
Marital Status | Percentage of Matriculants |
---|---|
Single | 72.2% |
Married | 24.5% |
Divorced | 1.6% |
Domestic Partnership/Civil Union | 1.6% |
Separated but still legally married | 0.2% |
Widowed | 0% |
→ Most PA students are from "The Burbs"
Half of the students reported spending most of their time in a suburban setting. One-quarter of respondents reported spending most of their time in a rural environment, followed by 15% in an inner-city setting.
→ Most PA students don't come from extreme riches
According to the PAEA Student Report, the median family gross income of matriculated PA students was $110,000. This means that half of the matriculated students had a family gross income below $110,000, and half had a family gross income above $110,000.
The family gross income of matriculated PA students varies widely. The 25th percentile family gross income was $85,000, and the 75th percentile family gross income was $135,000. This means that 25% of the matriculated students had a family gross income below $85,000, and 75% had a family gross income above $85,000.
Family Gross Income | Percentage of Matriculants |
---|---|
Below $85,000 | 25% |
$85,000-$110,000 | 37.5% |
$110,000-$135,000 | 25% |
Above $135,000 | 12.5% |
Admissions directors Q&A: Who is the perfect PA school applicant?
Our program will look to utilize a holistic approach to admissions. We look at academic success, life experiences, and community activities to evaluate all candidates. There is no one mold to fit the PA profession. However, PAs need strong communication skills, leadership, grit, and a willingness to support the community - Michigan State University PA ProgramClick To Tweet Students need to be well organized, know how to manage their time and outside influences, and have a genuine desire to help and care for people. PA school is rigorous, so we recommend honest conversations with family and friends ahead of your start. - CWRU PA ProgramClick To Tweet→ PA school students don't smoke pot and are not drug dealers or part of the Italian Mafia
According to the PAEA Student Report, 99% of PA programs require a background check and 92% of PA programs mandate drug testing. This means that the vast majority of PA programs require applicants to undergo a background check and drug test before they can be admitted to the program.
The background check typically includes a review of the applicant's criminal history, driving record, and employment history. The drug test typically screens for illegal drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine, and heroin.
The purpose of the background check and drug test is to ensure that the applicant is of good moral character and that they are not using illegal drugs. PA programs have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their students, faculty, and patients.
If you are considering applying to PA school, it is important to be aware of the background check and drug testing requirements. You should also be prepared to provide documentation of your criminal history and drug use.
Here is a table that summarizes the background check and drug testing requirements of PA programs:
Requirement | Percentage of Programs that Require |
---|---|
Background Check | 99% |
Drug Testing | 92% |
Some Important Points
It's Not Rocket Science: It is important that a candidate demonstrates reasonable aptitude in the hard sciences such as anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and biology. It is more likely that the committee may overlook a grade of C in U.S History or Spanish I. They will be less tolerant of a marginal grade in the sciences.
Show compassion: Your GPA is stellar, and you've amassed an impressive amount of medical work experience in the little spare time you have while keeping your grades pristine, but you still get that dreaded rejection letter. Why?
You didn't do enough volunteer work. Volunteering exemplifies your desire to help your fellow man—the attribute identified by schools as one of the most integral to becoming a successful PA.
Students who have had experience in working with underserved populations, rural or diverse populations, performing volunteer service or disaster relief, or other experiences that illustrate a drive and compassion for others often stand out to the admissions committee!
The view from the top isn't that crowded
It's an easy race to the bottom, so set your sights on the top.
Many people will be set back when they read that only 25% of applicants will be accepted into PA school in any given year, but this should be good news. Being in the top 25% in any field is not nearly as hard as it sounds, simply because the majority of the competition is in the bottom 75% and has bottom 75% qualifications.
For example, you have read this entire post, so you now know what the average PA school applicant who has had some success looks like. You understand what a top 75 percent candidate looks like. Your goal now is to be better than the average 75% and exceed the top 25%.
If you aim high, you will be competing with a much smaller minority, and your odds of getting an acceptance letter will increase dramatically. It also helps if you apply to 12 programs. 😉
*Tables and data were sourced from the latest PAEA Semi-Annual Report.
Karen says
My daughter who will be 20 years old when she graduates from UT Austin in May 2016.She has know medical experience. I would like some advise on how she should get her medical experience. Should she go on and become an RN, or something else. Before she applies to PA school.
Thank you
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Karen,
There are many options. Take a look at my article regarding this topic here: https://www.thepalife.com/hce-paschool/. Also, I would recommend reading this comprehensive post by Paul Gonzlaes PA-S. I would not recommend going on to get her BS in nursing if she is interested in PA school, if she were to go this route it would probably be best to continue on and become a Nurse Practitioner (which is a viable option). Many people get their certification as an EMT, MA, CNA, Phlebotomist etc. etc. All while volunteering and shadowing and building a reference base. You want a certificate you can get fast and inexpensively. The goal is to quickly build experience with an eye on the prize of PA school admissions. But, if you read the above articles, you will see there are many roads to get there. I think CNA is very good option for many in your daughters situation. She should begin volunteering and finding opportunities anywhere she can while she is still in College and while on summer break. The more the merrier, and campus health centers/hospitals are often a very good place to start. She will have an advantage as a student.
– Stephen
nick says
Any experience with online degree holders getting into a PA program?
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Nick,
I can’t say I do, but I have a feeling online degree holders are equally competitive! The prerequisite educational requirements hold much less weight than other parts of your application. If you have decent grades and show a lot of determination with strong HCE and good letters of rec along with a strong personal statement…. You will be competitive regardless of how you completed your prerequisite coursework.
– Stephen
Dan says
Stephen-
I am a combat veteran from the special operations community and am currently attending a prestigious private university pursuing a BS in Biology. Would my 8 years of active duty be considered “volunteer” service in the manner that PA schools would expect? Or should I expect to do additional volunteering in the areas listed in earlier threads in addition to my summer EMT job? I’m just trying to make efficient use of my time. And here’s a silly question which stems from a rumor in my community: are admission boards (PA) required to interview veterans with a certain disability rating? I would suspect not. Thank you sir.
-Dan
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Dan,
Although your military time will not count towards volunteer experience, your combat experience will be looked highly upon and will provide you with some advantage. Just think of the perspective this gives you and your vast amount of training and life experience! You will find your personal statement is the key to expanding upon this and letting the admissions committee truly understand your background and how it has prepared you for the PA profession. Your summer EMT job will give you the HCE you need as long as you have enough hours. If you can find time to pursue other volunteer activities that interest you it never hurts, along with accumulating all the HCE you can. But, like you said, you have to make the most efficient use of your time.
And as far as the “disability rating” is concerned, that sounds like a bad rumor to me. I imagine the admissions committee truly values US Military Veterans and understand the nature of the job, the discipline and the life skills this provides to it’s applicants. The military vets I know who are now PAs are among the very best, hell that is where the PA profession got it’s start!!!
You sound like you have a very good plan in place.
Drop me a line if you ever have any more questions, I am happy to try to help.
Thanks for your service and dedication to our country, I will be rooting for you!
Stephen
whatwillyousay says
Thanks for the information. I have a question about prerequisites, is it okay to take them at a community college or do PA programs prefer to see them done at a university?
Thanks!
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
It is absolutely OK to take your prerequisites at a community college and will not reflect poorly on you whatsoever.
– Stephen
Jack says
Hey Stephen. I applied to PA school last cycle, I have a 4.0 science GPA, a 3.6 undergraduate GPA, and a 3.86 graduate school GPA. I was advised by 2 doctors to apply solely as a Black-African American applicant, even though I am half black and half Asian. I listened to their advice, and I got no interviews despite applying to pa schools all across the United States. Comparatively, I know 3 white students (who I took prerequisites with) with worse grades, far less Direct patient hours, and whose essays were full of platitudes and empty statements. I am wondering if I should apply to the next cycle as a half black-half white, or possibly as Hispanic (since I can pass due to my complexion). What do you think? I have visited the class statistics page of over 100 pa programs, and there are usually 0, 1, or at most 2 black students out of 30-70. Please help. I don’t want my race to hinder me from getting in
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Jack,
I would like to say that race plays no part in the PA school admissions process, but I am an idealist. I am also a realist who understands that schools may like to have diversity in their PA program and if two candidates are neck to neck with race being the only difference would they chose one over the other in hopes of having a more diverse student body? The truth is, you don’t know and you never will.
If it were me I would check both boxes Asian/Black (if possible) because that is the only honest answer and in my experience “the truth will set you free” both from a mental and application standpoint. If you choose Mexican you may be surprised when you show up for your interview and they start speaking Spanish. 🙂 I would advise you to be brutally honest here, this way you will have no regrets and you will feel confident knowing that you did the right thing. You will have been honest with yourself, the admissions committee, and you will avoid chasing any perceived advantage. If you find any statistical data proving otherwise then maybe you will have a case for a different decision.
Great question!
Stephen
Sukey says
hi I’m about to graduate from undergrad major in health sciences, minor in bio. I have a 3.57 GPA, science GPA of 3.48. I applied last year (CASPA), got two interviews but into none (still had 4 prereq to take). I have taken summer and winter classes to get all prereq in that had nothing to do with major or minor. In between all of this I have accumulated about 500 hours of PA shadowing and to date about 300 hours of patient care (working in pediatrician office and as a patient care tech in a hospital.
When I apply this year (CASPA) I will have finished all of my prereqs for the various PA admissions school with the exception of calculus which will be “in progress” when I apply. All this said, how can I compete with the nurse or EMT or lab technician who has way more “medical” experience.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Comparison is deadly, yet it seems to be inherent in human nature. If we look at what other applicants have to say, or their grades, experiences or backgrounds and value it above our own, we create a barrier, It’s a paralyzing barrier.
The healthiest type of comparison is to compare our work, our grades and our experience with our previous efforts and try to build on that.
You already had two interview which proves you deserve to sit right alongside anyone in that room! Your personal statement, your letters of recommendation, your shadowing hours (which you probably know are way above average) your passion and drive, your knowledge of the program and your ability to present this to the admissions committee. The question is how can an RN or an EMT compete with you?
Hang in there, be confident in your experience, your skills and your burning desire to help people. If you can show the committee who you truly are and why you deserve to be there, they will have little choice but to admit the person who can embody their programs ideals and be an integral part of the class dynamic. And that of course will be you. Don’t fall into the comparison trap, it is a zero sum game.
I wish you the very best!
Stephen
MLN says
Hi Stephen,
Thanks for the article. I am a pre-PA student who has been feeling a bit discouraged lately, but this gave me some motivation to kick my butt into gear. I am working on getting my GPA up from a 3.0 after a very rough semester. It is and will continue to be hard work as I have a young child, but I’m hoping with my volunteering experience at a memory cafe (for those early onset dementia) and through working as an emergency medicine scribe I will have better chances. I’m hoping to make chief scribe by the time I am applying to schools.
Thanks again!
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi MLN,
I love hearing stories like yours, what a wonderful experience it must be to volunteer at a “memory cafe” I have never heard of such a thing and it sounds like such a great idea. This combined with your experience as a Scribe is excellent. You hang in there! As a parent of 2 I know how difficult it is to stay the course, I am so impressed by your determination and drive! You sound as though you have a sense of purpose, hold onto this and never let it go, use it as your motivation through the tough times, working, volunteering and being active in patients lives, they are what the profession is all about, keeping this in mind will take you very far indeed!
Cheers,
Stephen
Nur says
What type of medical experience can I get started on if I haven’t taken any PA pre-req classes? I plan to finish them in a community college once I graduate with my bachelors degree. Would volunteering at a camp for children with cancer be of any substance, or does it need to be more clinical?
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Yes working with children with disabilities or certain types of medical conditions (cancer) is great experience. Volunteering at your local food shelter or women’s shelter, delivering meals, building homes in Costa Rica, working with international or local medical teams, assisting with a health health fair… Getting out in your community and being active in whatever one way or another is a great start. Go out to your local hospital and ask how you can help, volunteer at the senior center, play guitar for kids in the cancer ward, hold somebody’s hand who needs some love and attention. There are opportunities everywhere you just have to go out and make yourself available. Of course starting to acquire the skills to find paid employment is a good idea as well… CNA, phlebotomy, EMT, and a host of other options await you.
Stpehen
Amber says
I’ve been considering here recently on going back to school. I would love to be a PA but i’m afraid I won’t be able to get into any programs. I currently have a Bachelors of Science in Athletic Training and i’ve been working in that field for 2 going on 3 years. However, when I was in school my grades weren’t the greatest, which is the part the makes me most nervous. Given that in our program we had to make a B- or better in all our core course, I still graduated with 2.9. I know I would still have to take a few prerequisite classes but should I just go in a different direction or take those courses and see how I can improve my GPA.
Thanks for the article!
Amber
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Amber,
I wish I could answer this question for you, but it is one you have to answer for yourself. I have been in your exact same shoes, and I was very close to throwing in the towel in desperation. But I am glad I hung in there. If you want something bad enough you will figure out a way to get there. Are there other options? For sure, but are those options what you want? Or do you really want to be a PA? Dig deep, I think you will know the answer, if your question is whether or not you can still get into PA school with your GPA and experience, the answer is yes. The admissions committee takes everything into consideration.
Stephen
Elizabeth says
Please excuse typos typing to fast.
Elizabeth says
Good evening, I am hoping someone might be able to help me out. I m a bit old to be starting this journey (38) and starting at the bottom. I am an Ophthalmic Technician and a reservist in the AF I am starting to look at programs for my BS degree an one I was looking at was AMU American Military University for class schedule and the fact that it works so well with the military. That said the more research I do the bigger my trepidation becomes with an online program being accepted by a PA program. Has anyone had experience with online universities and getting or not getting accepted.
Thank you in advance for any insight
Elizabeth
Simone Williams says
I am currently a junior at Florida State University. I have the plans of working as a EMT for a couple of years after graduating next Spring. I am also interested in receiving a Masters degree. My only issue is deciding what would be the best degree to pursue prior to applying to PA school?
Thanks,
Simone.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Simone,
I think the key to deciding on your major lies at the intersection of what interests you the most and also allows you to complete your prerequisites in an appropriate amount of time. What are you considering?
– Stephen
Kedah says
You were a phlebotomist? That’s a relief to hear! I always worry that it’s not as quality experience as some others, but that’s good to know it works!
Thanks for the great post!
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Yes, I know many PAs who were phlebotomists prior to PA school. To this day, I think it is wonderful healthcare experience for PA school. Just think about all the aspects of medicine that go into drawing a blood sample or collecting a specimen. From patient privacy, to helping patients overcome fears to the ability to work in hospital and clinic environments as part of a larger healthcare team, understanding/interpreting lab values, educating patients, etc. etc. etc. You work one on one with patients and their families every day, often when they are extremely vulnerable. Take note of all this, don’t understimate the value of these patient encounters, they can be a very strong foundation upon which to build your entire application.
Cheers,
Stephen
Cameron says
It seems that race is a factor in acceptance for medical school programs but not in PA programs (when comparing average gpa and acceptance rates), what do you think is the reason behind that discrepancy?
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Cameron,
I was actually not aware of this discrepancy. It is a great question, what do you think is the reason?
Stephen
Candie. says
This was a very interesting article. I would like to think that if I can become a PA, anyone can. The key to success is the correct mindset and perseverance. Although my first year applying I was rejected, I continued to work in the field of medicine, all the while, enrolling in challenging semesters, also keeping my GPAs competitive. As a single mother working 3 jobs while attending undergrad, the challenge of keeping a high GPA, while not “completely” losing my mind, showed the selection commity, that my commitment and determination was ever present. All programs are accelerated and the commity wants to know you have what it takes to handle the stress of the PA program. Not a day goes by that I m not thankful to work and a PA. Going on 14 years and still love my job.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Thanks Candie,
I think people really need to hear this. My wife and I did not have children until after I graduated from PA school. Now that our kids are 7 and 4 I have even more respect for moms and dads who not only make it into and through the rigors of PA school but who do it while working and raising kids… Especially as a single mom! This is a testament to your grit and any PA program would be crazy not to take you 🙂 It is also great to hear that 14 years later you continue to love what you do. I feel this is common among us PAs. Thank you for sharing your inspiring story and I wish you the very best in life as a PA and a pretty cool mom!
Best,
Stephen
Candie. says
Goodness. Committee! Not sure how is overlooked that, twice. :0)
John says
Hi everyone one,
This was a great article. I just wanted to share my brief story for some of those who may be feeling discouraged or nervous about getting into PA school. I am a black male in my early twenties with a bachelors and a masters. My undergrad was grade point average was barely a 3.0 and my GRE was just above average. I made up for it with post bach an graduate school classes and volunteered and worked as a tech in a hospital. I also scribed. Don’t be afraid to go back and improve your grade point average or get a masters because it definitely works. I applied to one school my first year and didn’t get in. I got my masters and did post bach classes and applied again and was rejected from 9 schools and accepted to 1. I got zero interviews from the 9 schools that rejected me. That being said I’ve listed some things below that I think are helpful.
1. Don’t be afraid of rejection, because statistically it’ll happen. 2. Apply broadly and research the schools you want to go to to see how well you fit their standards. 3. Don’t forget to apply to non-caspa schools. There are plenty of schools that have their own application process and you don’t want to miss out on those! 4. Live out of your imagination and not your memory because you can’t fail in your imagination. If you believe you can do it then it’s only a matter of time until it’s done.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Wow, John thank you so much for sharing your story, would it be OK if I shared this as part of a post on the blog? I think what you said here is wonderful advice for everyone applying to or thinking of applying to PA school. I can relate completely.
– Stephen
John says
Hey Stephen,
Sure I’d love to have it on part of the blog. Feel free to clean up my typos. I just typed it and clicked send. Now that I’ve reread it I see there are a few glaring ones ha. Thanks again for the article.
Jiditte says
I enjoyed reading your comment. I am in a similar situation and this gave me some greatly needed motivation. Thanks 😉
Brianna S. says
This really set my mind at ease. I observed the other day in the surgical rooms, and I was hooked!! Loved the surgical atmosphere!!! I have already had a visit with a head dean of admissions for Medical School (just to talk about the school), i will be visiting the surgical center more, and visiting oral surgeons, and many other doctors, and coaching for a local track team. But after i had the visit in the surgical center, it has really kicked my butt in high gear because that is where i want to be! And after reading this, it has pushed me but with my mind at ease.
Thank you!!
(Fingers crossed for the future)
Tiffani P. says
Stephen,
This post was very eye opening…thank you so much for sharing! I am a mid-thirties AA female who was introduced to the PA profession about 15 years ago! I’ve enjoyed a 10+ year career in public health and my interest in a PA career has grown more and more these past few years. One of my primary motivating factors is the under-representation of people of color within the profession. I believe more PAs of color are needed to provide quality care to families in urban/underseved communities. I work within those communities now and I want to extend my sevices to the clinical side of healthcare. Thank you again for developing such a great resource for Prospective PA Students!
Duke Pasquini says
I read some of this yesterday and then read all of it today. I sent the link to one of our clients this morning. Seventy-two percent are women is a concern. What happened to balance in the PA profession? Nice for the women, but it could be discouraging for men. I really like your emphasis on it isn’t necessarily that hard to be in the top 5%.
Stephen says
The key question is what percentage of applicants to PA school are female versus male? Just like what percentage of applicants are non-white? If you look at college enrollment in general you will see a similar trend http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/03/06/womens-college-enrollment-gains-leave-men-behind/. Why is this happening? It is a good question that probably has many factors, I am sure many of which would be very surprising. In general, the 2007 economic decline had a far greater toll on men vs. women, women have recovered at a faster rate http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=246154500. What does this mean for the next gen of men? I guess time will tell.
– Stephen
Rogue says
Oh no… a field that isn’t dominated by straight, white men! What tragedy!
Stephen says
There is no tragedy here, straight, white men have held court for a long time, and honestly I don’t think the results have been that impressive.
Love your comment!
Stephen
Lauren says
Quick note here: Mafia not Mofia, no idea how that made it past spell check but I am pointing it out now! 🙂 Great post!
Stephen says
Thanks Lauren,
Your last name isn’t by any chance Corleone? 🙂 I really appreciate your editing help. The WordPress spell check has gotten better over the years, but as you can tell, it is far from perfect as am I… Thanks again!
– Stephen