Duke Physician Assistant Program Admissions Blog
Our applicants find their passion for the PA profession at a variety of life stages. Some know they want to be a PA or a health care professional as children. Others come to the profession after a decade in different careers.
Many potential applicants learn about the profession while working on their undergraduate degrees. Last month, we discussed the possible advantages of taking a gap year after college to shore up your application.
But what can you do while you’re still spending most of your time in class?
Join your school’s pre-PA club
A pre-PA club can be a tremendous asset for finding others on the same trajectory and hearing more about the profession. Most PA school applications will have some variation of the “Why do you want to become a PA?” question, and discussing your interest with those who share your passion can help solidify your answer.
If your school does not have a pre-PA club, consider a broader pre-health club. Or better yet, demonstrate leadership by founding a Pre-PA club!
Start showing your commitment now
Even if you can’t work many hours during college, you can still show your dedication to health care by volunteering. It is also a fantastic time to squeeze in some shadowing hours.
Research your PA school options
Read each school’s mission statement and find the ones that best align with your values and interest. This can give you some direction in choosing volunteer opportunities and even the type of health care experience you pursue.
Plan your undergraduate courses
Create a spreadsheet (here is one you can modify to fit your needs) of the prerequisite courses required by each PA school.
Take a copy of the spreadsheet when you meet with your advisor to plan your undergraduate courses.
Many PA schools do not require a bachelor’s degree in the sciences to apply. At the Duke PA Program, some of our students have come to us with backgrounds in literature, dance, fashion, and art history, to name a few.
Choosing a natural science major will be the easiest way to come out of college with all your prerequisites taken care of and a high number of natural science credit hours. Otherwise, you will likely have to take some prerequisite courses after graduation.
Be Flexible
Early planning will go a long way toward your future as a PA but anticipate some setbacks and changes to your plan along the path. Keep your goal in mind and use your time as an undergraduate to chip away at the requirements, and you will get there eventually.
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.