The 5 Best Books for Aspiring Physician Assistants

Whether you're a first-time applicant, reapplicant, or merely interested in the PA profession, The Ultimate Guide to Getting into PA School provides a time-tested template to understand every step of the application process. 

1. Decide if the PA profession is a good match for you
2. Learning to navigate the CASPA application process
3. Writing a winning PA school essay
4. Learning how to present your best self in your interview

I bought the first edition of this book from a little-known entity called "a bookstore" years ago when I was researching the PA profession. I have purchased every version since and recommend it above all others as the most well-researched and comprehensive book on the topic. It should be in your reading arsenal. 

Learning as much as you can about the PA profession and its roots will provide you with a much higher comfort level when completing the application and interview process. The admissions committee will know you've done your homework and you are serious. Written by Ruth Ballweg (who was the focus of this documentary series on the blog), Physician Assistant: A Guide to Clinical Practice covers the history of the profession in detail, along with international development, accreditation, certification and licensing, PA MD relationships, healthcare financing and reimbursement, politics, and practice laws, and much, much more. If you are serious and want to get a leg up on your competition, read this book from cover to cover.

I promised a shameless plug, so here it is. If you were to poll 100 PA school admissions directors, most would agree that the personal essay is the most critical part of the application process. Once you have submitted your application, your grades, test scores, and medical experience are set in stone, so your essay is your best chance to personalize your application. The purpose of the PA school personal statement is to sell yourself to the reader. How to Write Your PA School Personal Statement provides you with everything you need to know about essay writing, from form to finesse, with step-by-step tips and examples from winning essays.

I did a mock interview via Zoom with a PA school applicant who had been interviewed four times in the past year and didn't get accepted to any programs. I reviewed his CASPA application and was impressed by his above-average GPA, many hours of clinical experience as an EMT, and remarkable test scores. I was as puzzled as he was. Less than two minutes into our mock interview, it all became clear why he was getting interviews but not getting accepted. You can dramatically enhance your interview by studying some basic principles and practicing. While there are several additional books on this topic, including those by Paul Kubin (highly recommended) and Savanna Perry, this book by Andrew Rodican is an excellent place to start.

With over 240+ PA programs (and growing), trying to make sense of it all can be overwhelming. While digital resources comparing PA school programs continue to evolve and improve, having a physical book will eliminate confusion and provide a big-picture overview, which can then be augmented by online search engines and the use of a trusty Excel spreadsheet.

I would be remiss to feature only reference books in this list, so I am going to add one more book that you should read about the heart and soul of what it means to pursue a career in medicine. Aside from Mountains Beyond Mountains (another must-read book), I highly recommend either the audio or digital form of When Breath Becomes Air. It was named one of the best memoirs of the decade for a good reason. It is a book about life, death, it is equal parts beautiful and heartbreaking. If you have an upcoming interview, read it, reread it, and be reminded of "why" in the why you want to be a PA!