Evaluating PA Programs Beyond the Rankings
Choosing a PA program can sometimes feel like an intimidating task. You know you want to go to PA school, but you aren’t sure where to start. Sometimes, it’s so easy to get caught up in numbers and rankings. While that is definitely important, the search goes far beyond, and there are other factors to consider that can help you narrow down your list.
PA schools certainly do a lot of the interviewing: however, in a way, you are also interviewing the schools. It’s one thing to like how a program looks on paper, but if you don’t take the time to determine whether or not you’d be a good fit, those numbers can only tell so much.
Admissions statistics, PANCE Pass rates, and rankings are ALL important factors to consider. At the same time, they don’t tell the whole story. Finding a program the fits with your values, goals and learning preferences matters just as much.
So, what else can you look for?
Consider the learning environment
Think about how you learn best in the classroom. Not every program teaches the same way. Some programs are primarily online, while others may be hybrid or in person. Explore how each program delivers curriculum and whether that approach matches your preferred learning style.
Ever wondered how much class size affects your ability to learn? Well, I can tell you that it makes a bigger difference than you may think. Some students thrive in a smaller class, while others may prefer being a part of a mid- to-larger style class cohort. The Duke PA program is on the larger side, with around 90 students per cohort. As you are researching programs, make sure to take note of class size and consider which learning environment will help you be successful.
Explore clinical opportunities
Your clinical year is a major part of your PA school journey. During this time, you’ll have the opportunity to take everything you have learned in the classroom and put it into practice. Each program offers different rotations, electives, and patient populations.
Here at the Duke PA program, students have access to more than 200 clinical sites both in and out of state, with some international opportunities. As you explore these programs, take a close look at their clinical experiences to determine how they best align with what you are looking for in your PA education.
Support
PA school can be both rewarding and challenging. It’s one of those experiences where you are happy to be there, but also just ready to make it to the finish line. Every student needs support at some point during PA school. As you continue researching, start to ask yourself some other questions: Is academic assistance available? What about faculty advising and mentorship? Are there resources that support student wellness? The answers to these questions can provide insight into the type of support you’ll expect throughout the program. A strong support system plays a big role in student success.
Think about YOUR personal connection to the program
So, as you are narrowing down your options, let’s take a trip down memory lane, back to your interactions with the schools on your list. Consider the people you’ve met, the overall culture, and how they made you feel. In the words of our awesome Associate Director of Admissions, Wendy Elwell-Paige, make sure you chase those "warm and fuzzy" feelings.
Most importantly, remember why you wanted to become a PA in the first place and let that guide you as you choose the program that best fits you!
The Duke Physician Assistant Program Admissions Blog presents information based on the experiences of Duke PA Program staff and faculty. While the information provided is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication, requirements can change. Please visit the Duke PA Program website for the most up-to-date information.