Choosing the right PA program is a crucial step in your journey to becoming a Physician Assistant. It’s about finding a program that aligns with your career goals and personal needs.
But with so many options out there, how do you make the right choice? What factors should you consider when comparing different programs?
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process and highlight key considerations as a non-traditional student.
So, whether you’re a pre-PA undergraduate, a career changer, or a healthcare professional looking to expand your qualifications, this guide is for you.
Before we dive into the article, I want to debunk two myths:
Myth 1: You must choose the most prestigious school to get the best jobs.
Truth: Nobody cares which PA school you go to.
Myth 2: Community college will count against you.
Truth: Nobody cares where you earned your undergraduate degree as long as it’s from an accredited institution.
Key Factors in Selecting a PA Program
Choosing the right PA program involves considering several factors. These include the program’s accreditation, program quality and graduate outcomes, location, cost, length, and clinical rotation opportunities.
- Location: Consider if you prefer to study close to home or are open to relocating.
- Prerequisite Requirements: Focus on programs for which you would be a strong applicant.
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by ARC-PA. This guarantees the quality of education and eligibility to sit for the PANCE exam.
- Program quality and graduate outcome: Compare program PANCE pass rates and job placement after graduation.
- Cost: Evaluate the tuition and living expenses against your budget.
- Length: PA programs typically last 2-3 years. Consider if this fits your career timeline.
- Clinical rotations: Look for programs that offer diverse clinical rotation opportunities.
Location! Location! Location!
Location can greatly impact your PA school experience. Evaluate the local healthcare landscape and opportunities for clinical rotations.
Consider choosing a program closest to your support system and within a reasonable commuting distance. If you don’t have a strong support system, staying local may still be your best option, as relocating a child is a significant transition for both of you. Keeping them in a familiar environment may help ease the shock of you starting PA school.
Relocating for PA school is possible with a family, but it is expensive and both emotionally + physically taxing.
Is that specific program worth it when you factor in out-of-state tuition, moving expenses, significant other transferring jobs, security deposits, activation fees, and the hassle of moving in general? Or is there a local option available?
In addition, staying local allows you to make meaningful connections with potential employers and references in the city or state where you plan to work.
Prerequisite Requirements
A strong application is key to getting into a competitive PA program. It should highlight your healthcare experience and academic achievements. Choose a program for which you have a realistic chance of acceptance. If you plan to apply for the next cycle and a school requires a 3.5 GPA + 5,000 PCE hours, but you have a 3.0 GPA + 1500 PCE hours, it’s probably not in your best interest to apply to that specific program. But there are other program options within your reach; focus on those.
Accreditation, Program Quality, and Graduate Outcomes
Accreditation
Accreditation by ARC-PA is a must. This ensures the program meets the required educational standards.
As a PA, you’ll work in tandem with physicians, providing medical care to patients in various healthcare settings.
The education for this role is rigorous and comprehensive. It combines classroom instruction with clinical rotations, preparing you for a wide range of medical scenarios.
Accreditation is a crucial aspect of PA education. Look for programs accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
It also makes you eligible to sit for the PANCE exam upon graduation and obtain state licensure to practice as a PA-C.
Program Quality + Graduate Outcome
The PANCE pass rate can also gauge program quality. High pass rates suggest that the program prepares students well for the exam.
Lastly, consider the program’s reputation. Look at rankings, alumni success, and faculty experience.
Graduate outcomes are also important. Look for programs with high job placement rates and successful alumni networks.
Costs
Cost is another major factor. Evaluate tuition fees, cost of living, and potential financial aid.
Whether you’re cash-flowing tuition or planning to repay student loans later, the cost of education is another crucial factor to consider when choosing a program. To reduce the financial strain on your family, decide the maximum amount you plan to spend/borrow + repay for your career goals and select the programs that fit. Don’t forget to factor living expenses into the equation. Also include moving expenses if applicable.
Rotations and Program Length
Clinical Rotations
Clinical rotations are a crucial part of PA education. They provide hands-on experience in various medical specialties.
Some programs offer rotations in diverse settings, exposing you to a wide patient population. This can be beneficial for your future practice.
Also, consider if the program offers any specializations. This could be an advantage if you have a specific area of interest.
As the number of medical programs increases, so does the competition for clinical rotation sites. That means your clinical rotation sites may not be local. Some might be a few hours away or maybe 1 to 2 states away. This could negatively impact childcare if you’re not prepared ahead of time for this surprise. Accommodations may not be granted due to the limited ability of rotation sites. Conversely, you may want to rotate in your home city/state or complete an international rotation. Knowing whether or not this option is available to you ahead of time could be what solidifies your choice of a program.
Length
The length of the program can affect your career timeline. Most PA programs last 2-3 years, so plan accordingly.
Other Factors
Further, narrow your list by including other factors relevant to your circumstances. The number of schools you apply to should match the number of schools that meet your criteria.
Conclusion: Aligning with Your Goals and Values
Choosing the right PA program is about aligning with your goals and values. The program should provide quality education and resonate with your career aspirations.
Remember, this is a two-way street. Programs want the best of the best, and you want to select a school that offers you the best training. Make your choice wisely.
Best wishes on your application!
What criteria do you use when choosing the right PA program for your family?
Comment below!
