Embarking on a career as a Physician Assistant (PA) in the United States is a commendable goal for International Medical Graduates (IMGs). However, as of 2025, evolving immigration policies have introduced new challenges to this journey. This comprehensive guide provides IMGs with essential insights into the PA application process, credential evaluations, prerequisite coursework, English proficiency requirements, healthcare experience acquisition, visa considerations, and strategies to craft a competitive application amidst the current immigration landscape.
Pre-Physician Assistant
Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) Strategies for PA School: A Comprehensive Guide
Preparing for PA school interviews can feel overwhelming, especially when facing the unique challenges of Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs). Unlike traditional interviews, MMIs involve a series of short, focused interactions at various stations, each designed to assess different aspects of your abilities. Whether it’s handling ethical dilemmas, behavioral questions, demonstrating communication skills, or thinking critically […]
Elevate Your Personal Statement: Using Bloom’s Taxonomy for Impactful Writing
The most common advice writers often give pre-PAs is to “show, don’t tell” in your essays. (Though we like to encourage showing AND telling – just like kindergarten!) One form of showing is telling a story in a narrative form, like a scene in a book. Or it could use specific and descriptive anecdotal examples […]
How to Answer Behavioral Questions in Your PA School Interview
In this post, we share expert strategies and real-life examples to help you master these tricky questions. You’ll learn how to use the STAR method to structure your answers, tailor your responses to the specific program, and showcase your unique skills and empathy.
From Mock Interviews to PA Practice: Tolu Fannon Shares Her Journey
Gain valuable insights from Tolu Fannin, a practicing PA who shares her journey from being a pre-PA student to a mock interviewer. Learn tips for gaining experience, selecting a program, excelling in school, and thriving in your PA career.
How Much Does it Cost to go to Physician Assistant (PA) School?
So you are considering PA school? Great, now how are you going to pay for it? With the average undergraduate education debt prior to PA school at $36,300 and the average anticipated debt load from PA school at $112,500, it’s probably time to ask the next logical question: With an average undergraduate debt of $36,300 before […]
Generative AI and PA School Applications: What You Need to Know
Should PA school applicants use AI tools to write their personal statement? Get clarity on what’s allowed versus prohibited and why authenticity matters most.
How to Change PA Specialties: Pain Management, Family Practice, Dermatology
Watch the Virtual Shadowing REPLAY featuring Cassie McGee, PA-C, as she shares her journey from Pain Management and Family Practice to Dermatology. Gain valuable insights into the life of a practicing PA and explore the reasons behind her specialty switch. Don’t miss this engaging Live Q&A session, full of personal experiences and professional wisdom, perfect for aspiring PAs and healthcare enthusiasts.
Everything You Need to Know About Being a PA (and then some)
The ultimate guide to the PA profession – Navigate every aspect from certifying bodies like NCCPA and PAEA to data on applicants, programs, rotations, certification, salary, and the growth of PAs. Learn critical stats on PA schools, the PA job market, and new developments shaping the role of physician associates globally.
Who Gets Into PA School in 2025? Here’s What You Need to Know
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 […]
Crafting the Perfect Letter of Recommendation for Your PA School Applicants
The Importance of Prioritizing Character Over Credentials As a preceptor and mentor for PA school applicants, I am frequently asked to write CASPA letters of recommendation. For years, when writing letters of recommendation, I had a specific process that I followed. First and foremost, I only agree to write letters for individuals whom I know […]
What is a PA? How to Nail This Not-So-Easy Interview Question
“Can you tell me what a PA is?” This is a simple question with a complex answer – It is one of the most common questions posed during a PA school interview. We will teach you how to navigate this question by deep-diving into the essence of a PA and offering guidance on how to answer this question in a personally meaningful and authentic way during an interview.
The Ultimate June Checklist for PA School Applicant Success
In June, PA school applicants can focus on finalizing their applications, preparing for interviews, and networking with PAs. This checklist outlines the most important tasks to complete in June for a successful PA school application.
Why Our Program? How to Answer This Common Supplemental Essay and Interview Question
Why our program? As you begin your PA school application process, one of the most common supplemental essay and interview questions you may encounter is, “Why our program?” This is an opportunity for you to explain why you are specifically interested in attending that particular college or university and why it is a good fit […]
50 PA School Supplemental Essay Prompts You Need to Know
If you are applying to PA school, you know that writing a strong personal statement is not enough. You also need to craft compelling supplemental essays that showcase your fit for each program and highlight your unique strengths and experiences. Supplemental essays are extra questions asked by individual PA programs to find out more about […]
How to Become a PA for IMGs and International Students
Tips for International Students & International Medical Graduates on Becoming a Physician Assistant in the USA The number of International Medical Graduates (IMG) and International Students (IS) pursuing a career as a physician assistant in the US is on the rise. For PA programs, in general, the requirements and rules are the same for everyone. […]
International Pre-PA Applicant Consultation Service
Are you an international student or an international medical graduate (IMG) aspiring to become a physician assistant (PA) in the United States? Our International Pre-PA Applicant Consultation service is tailored just for you. This specialized service offers a thorough review of your background and qualifications, paired with a personalized consultation from our expert advisors. What […]
ChatGPT Answers the Top 46 PA School Applicant Interview Questions
Just be yourself! This is the one piece of interview advice we have all heard a gazillion times. Maybe you heeded this advice but failed to get into PA school. Or, maybe, like many, advice to “just be oneself” while examining one’s greatest weaknesses doesn’t’ bode well for confidence? Be myself? But who’s that exactly? […]
How to Add Virtual Shadowing to Your CASPA Application
In this blog post, I provide tips and resources for finding and completing virtual shadowing experiences and how to effectively include them in your CASPA application for PA school.
How to Cope with PA School Application Rejection
Have you been rejected from PA school? Don’t give up on your dreams! This blog post will provide helpful tips and advice on coping with rejection and staying motivated during the PA school application process.
CASPA Video Tutorial Section Four: Program Materials
Welcome to part four of our five-part CASPA tutorial video series. In this video we’ll go step by step over the last section of your CASPA application: The program materials section.
CASPA Video Tutorial Section Three: Supporting Information
Welcome to part three of a five-part CASPA video series walking you through every step of your CASPA application from start to finish! In this video, we’ll go over the third section of the CASPA application: Supporting Information.
CASPA Video Tutorial Section Two: Academic History
This is part two of a five-part CASPA video series walking you through every step of your CASPA application. This video will cover the second section of your CASPA application: Academic History.
CASPA Video Tutorial Section One: Personal Information
Welcome to part one of a five-part CASPA video series walking you through every step of your CASPA application from start to finish! In this video, we’ll go over the first section of the CASPA application: Personal Information.
How to Bring Your Best on PA School Interview Day
The interview is the last milestone you reach before acceptance. It’s the final opportunity to showcase your best qualities and leave a strong impression on faculty members. With so much hard work leading up to the interview, we all want to be able to put our best face forward and be well-equipped with the tools […]
My PA School Interview Preparation Strategy
Do these 4 things to set yourself up for PA school interview day success! As summer comes to a screeching halt and application deadlines are looming, we are shifting into full-swing interview season. Since many programs adhere to a rolling admissions format, interviews are conducted as early as June and as late as April, right […]
Here’s What a REAL PA School Interview Looks Like (in 2024)
Are you applying to PA school in 2024? Here are the interview details from an accepted PA school applicant. This is an email I received from one of our mock interview clients. He describes in detail the elements of his PA school interview and how he successfully approached each portion. I am sharing it with […]
I got into PA School and So Can You! Top Advice from an Accepted 2022-23 PA School Applicant
“Whether you’re a high school student, thinking about transitioning from another career path or currently interviewing, I hope you learn from the things I wish I knew sooner.” – Arynn Horne PA-S About a month ago, I had my first PA school interview, followed by a week of intense post-interview rumination, and finally, acceptance. Having […]
The Ultimate PA School Applicant Logbook – Track HCE, PCE, Volunteer Hours, Schools, Costs (and more!)
As applicants to PA school, we have a lot on our plate. Between prerequisite coursework, health care experience requirements, shadowing, volunteering, and more – it’s a lot to keep track of! This is where The Ultimate PA School Applicant Logbook comes in. This logbook was designed by PA school applicants (who know the process intimately!) […]
Start at the End: Advice for your PA School Personal Statement
Not sure what to include in your personal statement? Start at the End! The conclusion should summarize your entire essay. Consider the structure of an elevator pitch to write the conclusion of your PA school essay and guide the content of your personal statement! Hi, I’m Deanna Matzen, an editor at the PA life […]
