Interested in becoming a Physician Assistant? Check out this helpful overview of the application process.

1. Getting into pa school By Sarah Sanders, PAS-II Midwestern University

3. Choosing the right school

4. Becoming a competitive applicant

6. PA vs MD Points for the PAs: You can change specialties relatively easily You will go to school for 2-3 years You will have smaller debt You can find a job conducive to a family life Points for the MDs: You will be “in charge” You will make more money

7. PA vs NP Nurse Practitioners Are RNs with advanced training in a clinical specialty Take a biopsychosocial approach as they collaborate with physicians Are able to function independently Physician Assistants Are trained much like physicians, focusing on diseases/pathologic aspects of healthcare Take a team approach with their supervising physicians

8. what program is right for me?

9. Factors to Consider Location How far are you willing to move? Curriculum, length of program Do you have specific desires, such as international rotations? Do you cringe at the thought of doing a thesis? Do you need a part-time option?

10. PANCE pass rate Will they prepare you well? Program reputation Are bragging rights important to you? Degree awarded Certificate vs Bachelors vs Masters Cost Most students will survive on loans and grants

11. So who has what I want? Browse programs websites Visit campuses Call admissions advisors Check out what others have to say **Be selective, but remember that staying open-minded will increase your chances of acceptance!

12. Okay, I’ve narrowed down my list. Now what?

14. The Application Process As the PA profession grows in popularity, competition for admissions is becoming steeper and steeper Nearly 800 people applied to MWU last year, 86 were accepted www.caspaonline.org You can apply to most of the schools through this one central application Some schools require additional paperwork

15. To Do List Pre-requisite coursework Each program is slightly different, so make sure that you’ve completed everything you need If these aren’t required, you should still consider taking them Medical Terminology Immunology Pharmacology GRE Just do it

16. Healthcare experience Hands-on experience gives you a good foundation to build on (ex. EMTs, MAs, athletic trainers, CNAs, EKG Techs…) Unique situations help you stand out in the applicant pool and give you a different perspective on things (ex. Military, Public Health, PeaceCorps, medical lawyers…) CASPA/Essay Keep in mind that this gives the Admissions Committees their first look at you…avoid fluff and focus on what makes you special

17. Interview You’ve impressed the Committee on paper, or at least intrigued them enough to meet in person  Prepare, but don’t rehearse Familiarize yourself with the program (mission statement, unique aspects) and the faculty members Make sure you have a clear goal in mind and think about how you are going to convey that to them The most important thing to keep in mind is to BE YOURSELF and don’t overanalyze things

18. Throughout this whole process…

19. Remember That There’s Help Out There For You Advisors Current PAs Current students The internet www.physicianassistantforum.com www.aapa.org www…

20. Thank You! ~Sarah Sanders, PAS-II