Pre-PA Consulting and Advising

Comprehensive Pre-PA Coaching and Mentorship for Aspiring Physician Assistants/Associates

Our Pre-PA Coaching and Consulting Services are designed to guide you through every step of your journey to becoming a physician assistant (PA). Our service includes a one-hour Zoom consultation with a practicing PA who is an experienced pre-PA coach. Here’s what you can expect during our sessions:

Key Consultation Themes:

• Is PA the Right Career for You? Understand the PA role and its suitability for your career aspirations.
• Starting Your PA Journey: Step-by-step guidance on how to begin your PA career path.
• Reapplying to PA School: Strategies to improve your application after an initial rejection.
• Addressing a Low GPA: Tips on how to enhance your application despite academic shortcomings.
• Shadowing and Experience Hours: Guidance on securing shadowing opportunities and fulfilling patient care requirements.
• CASPA Application Support: Detailed review and assistance with planning and completing your CASPA application.

We can answer any other questions you may have during your consultation to ensure you are fully prepared for your PA school application journey.

Consultation Process:

1. Schedule Your Consultation: Book your one-hour Zoom session and complete your payment securely via PayPal or credit card through Stripe.
2. Complete a Questionnaire: Provide additional information for your coach by completing a brief questionnaire before your session.
3. Receive Zoom Details: Get a Zoom meeting ID, link, and calendar invite upon purchase.

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Our Physician Assistant (Associate) Consultants and Mentors

Kelley Rutter PA-C

Kelley Rutter completed her Master of Science in physician assistant studies in 2019, focusing on primary care in underserved and rural communities.

Before PA school, she had recently completed her undergraduate degree in 2016 and had volunteered in various healthcare settings.

She applied to eight physician assistant programs and was accepted to all, deciding to stay local and attend her home state university's program. While in PA school, she received a service-based scholarship and the Excellence award from her program, passed the PANCE two weeks after graduation (with help from the Smarty PANCE review podcasts), and began working at a local hospital shortly after. In addition to her clinical duties, Kelley serves as a consultant and has helped develop an internal medicine curriculum for a board review company. She regularly writes board review questions for PANCE/PANRE and end-of-rotation exams.

Kelley is passionate about providing compassionate, patient-centered, team-based healthcare and promoting the physician assistant profession. She believes that while the application process for PA school can be intimidating, it can also be used to highlight an applicant's strengths and, in doing so, increase the likelihood of securing a spot in the program of choice.

Maci Pfaffenberger PA-C

Maci Pfaffenberger graduated from Western University of Health Sciences in 2016 with a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies.

During PA school, Maci excelled with individualized study techniques and a focus on school-life balance. She was involved in the interview process for the incoming class with extensive knowledge of what it takes to stand out as a great candidate. Maci enjoyed participating in Q&A forums for prospective students and sharing her opinion on patient care hours, the application process, helpful resources like The PA Life blog, course load, and program details, as well as the day-to-day schedule of a busy PA student.

Since graduating, Maci has taken full advantage of the lateral flexibility of the physician assistant profession by first starting her career in Urgent Care and then transitioning to Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. She provides insight into the various settings for a practicing PA with her experience in outpatient clinics as well as hospital-based intra-operative and peri-operative care.

Maci is enthusiastic about promoting the PA profession and sharing her personal experiences to benefit those investigating what it means to be a PA, applying to their dream program, or feeling intimidated by a strenuous curriculum. Let Maci encourage you on your journey to becoming a PA!

Tolu Fannon PA-C

Tolu Fannon graduated with her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Texas Medical Branch in 2021, where she earned a 4.0 GPA, the Faculty Award for Clinical Excellence, and was inducted into the Pi Alpha Honor Society.

She utilized a multitude of resources throughout her journey from pre-PA paramedic to her everyday practice as a PA-C, including Smarty PANCE and the mock interview service with The PA Life. The mock interview prepared her to present herself as a highly competitive candidate for each of her interviews for PA programs.

She loves delivering comprehensive and compassionate care to her patients while partnering with them to restore their quality of life. She is eager to lend her support and expertise to help you succeed, no matter where you are in your journey.

Becky Tsang, PA-C

Becky Tsang, PA-C, graduated with her MS in PA Studies from Stanford University School of Medicine in 2022, specializing in healthcare administration. With hands-on experience in head and neck surgical oncology at Stanford Health Care, Becky brings a deep understanding of patient care and clinical practice to her pre-PA consultations.

Since 2020, she has guided aspiring PAs through every step of the CASPA application process, offering personalized advice on personal statements, experience descriptions, and overall application strategy. Becky's extensive background includes experience as a medical assistant, scribe, and private tutor, allowing her to tailor her consultations to meet the unique needs of each applicant. As an experienced mock interviewer, she prepares candidates to navigate challenging questions with confidence, helping them excel in high-stakes interviews.

Her recent academic and clinical experience makes Becky an invaluable resource for those looking to stand out in the competitive PA school admissions process. Whether you're just starting your application or preparing for interviews, Becky ensures Pre-PAs are well-prepared for every step of the journey.

Testimonials

Read more testimonials and success stories.

My consultation has helped me tremendously! My consultant answered all of my questions and I am able to email her with questions that may come up. She is extremely kind and I genuinely feel that she wants to help me. I would recommend consultations to all pre-PAs!

- Nicolette Kalein Pre-PA

This was a very helpful meeting where I learned more about the application process as well as some of the resources that I can use as a guide before I apply!

Tatiana, Pre-PA

My interaction with Kelley was extremely helpful and informative. She has continued to help me since our discussion via email. I highly recommend this to anyone who is questioning what things they need to know while applying and how to enhance the application itself.

- Stephen Armstrong, Pre-PA

My consultant (Maci) through The PA Life been extraordinarily friendly and wonderful throughout my pre-PA consultation. She took the time to review portions of my application and gave me critical and very valuable feedback with my clarity, usage, and grammar. We were able to problem-solve on some of the issues I had been facing, and she was able to guide me in the right direction. I felt more confident in my application process after our consultation and I was even happier when she requested to still stay in touch even after our meeting. Maci is the best!!

- Mushairat Mamun, Pre-PA

My consultation through The PA Life was incredible. By the end our talk, all the questions that were looming over my head about the PA application process were answered and I left with a better understanding of my application timeline.

- Ellie, Pre-PA

Book Your Appointment Today

Maximize your chances of acceptance into a PA program with our expert Pre-PA consulting services. Let our experienced consultants guide you through the process and help you achieve your dream of becoming a physician assistant. Schedule your consultation now and take the first step towards a successful PA career!

Click on "any available" to view all appointment times, or click on the consultant's name and bio to view times and availability specific to that consultant.