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Why Healthcare Experience Matters

in pre-pa on 04/09/16

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Physician Assistant school is one of the most competitive medical graduate degrees out there. People have caught on to what a wonderful career PA school offers. In fact, people have gotten so caught up in the coolness of the career that they forget to ask themselves if it is the right career.

 

That is why health care experience is such a key part of the journey to get into PA school.

 

I often hear people ask if their experience will count towards their required hours, or what type of experience will look best on their application.  This is the wrong attitude to have. Yes, there is a component of pragmatism that we can’t ignore. BUT, there are two other reasons why healthcare experience is important.

  1. Do you understand all the roles in healthcare? If you don’t have exposure to medical settings, how will you even know if the PA role is right for you? Learning about how different people function in their jobs will give you a clearer picture of what kind of position is right for you. You may find out that what really excites you is nursing. Or that you would rather be counseling patients solely on nutrition. If you don’t see these other people in action, than you won’t have a full understanding of how you want to fit into the system.
  2. Do you have what it takes? Exposure to patient care allows you to really find out if you can handle frustration. Managing sick people isn’t always fun. It can be annoying, tiresome, and draining. Some situations are just plain tragic. Not everyone is cut out for it. Being a PA has given me some of the most rewarding experiences of my life, but for every mountain there is a valley.

 

I know there are programs out there that don’t require any hours of healthcare experience. But you need to look at the big picture. The last thing you want to do is to commit your time and finances to a career that you don’t know anything about. Being a Physician Assistant is a way of life, not just a 9-5 job.  There needs to be a passion that drives your desire to help people. So instead of worrying about how something will look on your CASPA application, think about how your experience will strengthen your resolve to care for patients. Or maybe your experience will show you that medicine really isn’t the right place for you, and that’s OK!

 

Becoming a PA is one of the biggest decisions you will make in life. Make sure you go into it with full knowledge of what you are committing to.

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What people are saying about PA Trek Coaching

I would like to share some excited news with you. I recently was accepted to 2 PA schools and still have another interview coming.

I was accepted to Marshall B. Ketchum in Fullerton, CA, and Touro University- California.  and another interview at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, Ca.

I wanted to thank you for giving me the best coach ever. He is super supportive and always check if I was ok during the process. I am so happy and proud of myself that I even got in the first year. I know how competitive PA schools are, so I am just so thankful that I found you all.

Betty, accepted at Marshall B. Ketchum and Touro University, California Coaching Package

I took your advice and went into my interview with confidence. I just want to thank you so much for all your help!!! I am truly grateful for what you’ve done for me. 🙂 

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Robin Coaching Package

I don’t even know how to thank you for all your help!! I was accepted to my first choice program at the Yale School of Medicine Physician Associate Program Class of 2019! Not only that, but I was one of those they called right after the interview. I am absolutely excited (and scared)!

Thank you again for all your through assistance! I don’t think I could have done this without you!

Angela, accepted at Yale School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program Coaching Package

I just got their acceptance email. Beyond excited and grateful. Thank you so much for everything. I would not have come this far without your help!

 

Aleena, accepted at UTGRV Mock Interview/Personal Statement Critique

My experience with PA Trek Coaching was great. The team really provided me with the guidance I was looking for, plus tons of extra information that really came in handy. Initially, I was struggling with my personal statement but my PA Trek coach encouraged me to look inside myself and dig deep. Without their help, I’m not sure if I would have been able to articulate my story in such a professional way. Additionally, the mock interview with my coach gave me a new perspective and insight on the entire process. I know the mock interview helped me gain confidence with my interviewing skills, which really paid off. Thank you, PA Trek Coaching! 

Liza Chapman, accepted at Emory University Coaching Package

I used personal statement review and interview bootcamp. These resources were INVALUABLE to me. I felt my confidence grow, and when it was time for my last interview at my top choice school, I killed it!

Lindsay Hickman, accepted at St. Catherine University, MPAS Personal Statment Critique/ Interview Bootcamp Personal Statement Critique and Interview Bootcamp

I just wanted to share that after my ONLY interview this cycle (aaand my first cycle applying), I was just accepted to Carroll University’s PA Program and will be starting this coming May!!!!!
I will be forever glad that I took advantage of  PA Trek! My coach gave me great advice and suggestions which I definitely took to heart and worked on the week following our mock, and knowing what I needed to work on gave me the confidence that I needed. I felt I truly rocked that interview and clearly I did something right. 🙂

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Mary, accepted at Carroll University Mock Interview

We took an hour for a mock interview at the end of September and I just wanted to give you an update on my interviews! So far, I have gone to four. I was accepted at South University (Savannah, GA) and Western Michigan University! Your mock interview helped me so much. At WMU, I had an impromptu essay about the state of health care in America / pros and cons of the current health system and I felt completely prepared – I wouldn’t have had too much to say if you hadn’t recommended I look into it further! Just wanted to let you know! Thanks so much for your time. It was well worth it.

Laura, accepted at South University and Western Michigan University Used our Mock Interview

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