CASPA & Applying
A centralized application service used to apply to all PA programs in the United States
CASPA
Business Professional (dress pants, button up shirt, blouse, tie, suit jacket, dress shoes, etc.)
PAs can work in many different specialties such as surgery, emergency medicine, dermatology, pediatrics, etc.
True!
Are PAs considered doctors?
No! PAs complete a bachelors degree, hands-on experience, and a masters degree program. Doctors complete a bachelors degree, medical school, and residency
What is the minimum amount of letter of recommendations required for CASPA?
3
At ODU, how many interviewers will you have?
2
You must major in biology or another science to apply to PA school.
False! Some common majors include biology, chemistry, health sciences, psychology and many more
Most common misconception about starting PA school?
Your life is over and you miss out on everything... wrong!! You should continue to prioritize your health and personal/social well being in PA school.
When does CASPA open?
End of April
What are the 3 likely questions you will be asked during the Interview?
Tell me about yourself, Why "PA?", and Why our program?
All PA programs require applicants to have the exact same prerequisite courses and number of patient-care hours.
False! While most requirements are similar, each program varies on their exact requirements so make sure to check before applying!
What tends to increase and what tends to decrease in PA school?
Caffeine increases
sleep decreases (not me but y'all stay safe..!)
These experiences include hand-on roles where you are directly responsible for the patients care
Patient care experiences (PCEs)
What number of patient care hours is considered competitive when applying to programs?
2,000 hrs
PAs can diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medications within their scope of practice.
True!
A formaldehyde-preserved individual used in anatomy dissection to learn the body. They are our first patients as PAs
A cadaver
What is the meaning of rolling admissions?
Programs begin interviews and accepting students before their application deadline
What is the most important thing to remember during the interview?
Just be yourself!
Once a PA chooses a specialty after graduation, they must remain in that specialty for their entire career.
False! Lateral mobility is one of the many perks of becoming a PA!
Before you can officially add PA-C after your name, PA graduates must pass this board exam
The PANCE