Becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) is an excellent career choice for those interested in pursuing the healthcare industry. Supervised by a doctor, PAs are trained to help diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and assist in surgeries. PAs have rewarding careers in various healthcare specialties and settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices, providing flexibility and career growth opportunities.
It is popular because a PA course takes less than half the time it takes to finish a full medical degree, costs less to complete, pays well, and is highly in demand. However, competition is stiff, and the acceptance rate is even lower than that of med schools.
While getting accepted into a PA school can be challenging and competitive, there are seven certified tips to ensure you meet all the prerequisites, increasing your chances.
- Get Into A PA School Even With A Low GPA
GPA is a gray area and depends on the requirements of your PA school of choice. Aim for a GPA of at least 3.0 or higher, so check the requirements of the programs you are applying to.
Though maintaining a strong academic record in your prerequisite courses increases your chances, keep hope even with a less-than-ideal GPA. The requirements from the easiest PA schools are more relaxed, and these schools maintain high standards guaranteeing good training.
- Obtain A Bachelor’s Degree Or Its Equivalent
Most PA programs require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree. Having a science-related field such as biology, chemistry, or health sciences is recommended. These degrees typically include courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and other related sciences. Some PA programs may also require specific prerequisite courses, such as statistics, psychology, and medical terminology.
However, some PA programs offer a pre-professional phase open to recent high school graduates and students with some college credit.
- Take The GRE
A significant portion of PA schools, though not all, mandate that candidates take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). This comprehensive exam evaluates a candidate’s abilities in areas such as verbal and quantitative reasoning, along with analytical writing skills.
Typically, the quantitative and verbal scores for most high-ranking PA programs hover around 153 and 157, respectively. In general, a total score above 300+ is considered satisfactory, while surpassing 310+ makes your application more competitive among PA schools. Therefore, thorough preparation for the GRE could be instrumental in enhancing your prospects of securing admission into a PA program.
- Gain Healthcare Experience
Healthcare experience is a crucial component of the PA school application process. Ideally, applicants must complete a minimum of 500 to 1000 hours of healthcare experience. This can be obtained through internships or by working as a nurse, EMT, medical assistant, or any other healthcare-related job.
Volunteering in healthcare settings can also count towards your healthcare experience. Volunteering shows you are committed to helping others and have a passion for healthcare while providing a verifiable experience that can be added to your application. Look for volunteer opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and non-profit organizations.
- Shadow A PA
Shadowing a PA will give you an insight into the profession and help you understand what the job entails. You can shadow a PA in a hospital, clinic, or private practice. Some PA programs require a minimum number of shadowing hours, so check the requirements of the programs you are applying to.
Another thing to remember is to be at your best when volunteering or shadowing. Even if the program does not award credits, the recommendation of your superiors may spell the difference between getting accepted outright or getting wait-listed.
- Write A Compelling Personal Statement
Your statement should highlight your strengths, experiences, and goals. It should also demonstrate your passion for healthcare and your commitment to becoming a PA. Be sure to proofread your statement and have someone else review it before submitting it.
- Apply To Multiple Programs
Never put all your eggs in one basket. You’ve probably heard this line before, and it’s true for PA schools, too. Applying to multiple PA programs can increase your chances of being accepted. Research the programs thoroughly and ensure that they align with your career goals. Go over the instructions carefully and be prompt about submitting requirements.
Final Thoughts
Getting into a PA school takes work, but it is a career that is so rewarding on many fronts. Take the first step toward fulfilling your passion with these seven certified tips. Even applicants with less than stellar college records can still find schools that offer excellent curricula and training.
To increase the chances for acceptance, volunteering, shadowing, submitting an application to multiple programs on time, and writing a heartfelt personal statement will help you get accepted to the PA school of your choice.