We ended our last blog post by saying you are interviewing schools almost as much as they are interviewing you.
What do we mean by that?
First, while the interview is definitely a place to get your final questions answered, you should start considering what you want in a PA program as soon as you decide to become a PA.
The offerings, curriculum, size, and details of PA programs across the country vary as much as the requirements for admission.
While schools obviously want to sell themselves, they are also invested in applicants who will thrive in their specific learning environment.
A program can think you are the greatest person since Taylor Swift, and you might be impressed by a school’s rank, but if you don’t like how the school structures its curriculum, it might not be the place for you.
Duke was the first PA program in the world and has been consistently ranked the number one program for many years, yet we will be the first to tell you that our accolades and history don’t mean much if you don’t like how we structure our curriculum, want a small class size, or hate experiencing all four seasons.
So what are you looking for in a PA Program?
Some things to consider:
The prerequisites: Do you meet the prerequisites for the program? Start here because most programs don’t make exceptions. If you don’t have a prerequisite, either cross that school off your list or make a plan to get it. This includes GPA minimums, taking the GRE, or anything that is a requirement or has a cutoff. Suggested averages are only guidelines, though they are still something to consider. Also, look at expiration dates for courses or GRE scores.
The mission: Make a list of reasons why you want to be a PA and what you hope to give back to the world once you begin practicing. Basically, write your own mission statement. Not only will this be helpful when you write admissions essays down the line, but it is also useful as you look at which schools have mission statements and values that most align with your own.
Cost: Some students are more willing to take on significant debt to pay their way through PA school, while some would prefer to have the lower debt of an in-state public school tuition. There is no universal right or wrong here. Also, look into what scholarships are available for specific institutions.
The curriculum: Do you do best in small group learning? Do you love hands-on problem-based learning? Do you prefer a more competitive or collaborative feel?
Online learning: If it matters to you, look into how much of the program is online vs in-person.
Class size: There are upsides and downsides to both large and small cohorts. A smaller cohort has a better feel for some, while others like the depth of experience and range of friendship opportunities brought by a larger class size.
Location, location, location: It’s true that PA school will take up a lot of your time. But if you’re truly practicing the self-care you need to get through the program without burnout, you also need to live a life outside of school. Do you feel you need to stick near your local support system, or do you want to start somewhere fresh? Do you prefer rural or urban locales? Is the program on the main campus or up the road a bit? This might affect your access to other campus amenities such as gyms, dining halls, and libraries but lend itself to easier parking. How expensive is the location? What is the climate like?
Affiliation with an academic medical center: This will likely come with many of the benefits listed below, including interprofessional opportunities and diverse electives and rotations. You might also get guest lecturers who are experts in their field and cutting-edge technology. On the other hand, it does sometimes mean various health professions education programs share limited resources.
Cadaver labs: Do students utilize cadaver labs, and do they get to perform dissections, or is it prosection only? What is the student-to-donor ratio, and are the donors shared with other health profession education learners?
Clinical rotation opportunities: Schools vary in clinical rotation options. If there is a specific specialty you are particularly interested in, then one criterion might be to find a school that offers an elective in that field. If you are very interested in international medical opportunities, look for programs with global health electives.
Other factors:
Interprofessional education
Community service
Extracurricular opportunities
Leadership training
Religious affiliation
People are unique and so are PA schools. Make sure to spend your application money wisely and apply to the best choices for 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.
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