Prereqs/Tests
Name 3 prerequisites required for PA school
Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, Microbiology, Medical Terminology, Genetics
What question does your personal statement answer?
Why PA?
T or F: Volunteer experience must be medical
False! Volunteer experience can be anything that you dedicate your time to
T or F: You pick one specialty to focus on in PA school
False! PA school teaches multiple different specialties that you can choose from once you start working and change at any time.
Name a PCE job
Medical assistant, PT aide, EMT, CNA, CCT, PCT
What major do you have to be to apply?
Any! As long as you complete all necessary prereqs, you can be any major you want.
What does rolling admissions mean?
Schools review applications as they come in. The earlier you submit the better!
T or F: Shadowing a doctor or NP doesn't count as shadowing hours
False! Shadowing all types of clinicians is great and can help pinpoint exactly why you want to be a PA
How long is PA school?
2-3 years
What is the difference between PCE and HCE?
PCE is hands-on experience working with patients, HCE is working in a healthcare setting but with no hands-on experience
What standardized test is sometimes required?
The GRE
When does CASPA open each year?
What is the difference between shadowing and PCE?
Shadowing is simply observing a PA or other clinician doing their job while PCE is working hands-on in a healthcare setting with patients
Name 3 specialties a PA can work in
Family medicine, internal medicine, dermatology, gynecology, emergency medicine, urgent care, orthopedics, oncology, psych
PCE or HCE: Pharmacy Tech
HCE!
What is the PA-CAT?
A specialized test for Pre-PA students to test their academic preparedness. Rare, but schools are starting to require it
What section of CASPA does not roll over each cycle?
Letters of rec!
Name 2 leadership roles
Club E-board, TA, training someone on the job, lab assistant, LA
What test must you pass after PA school to become certified?
The PANCE!
Does being a scribe count as PCE or HCE?
Trick question! Could be either, depends on the PA school
When is it considered "early" to submit your application?
May-June
When do PA-Cs have to retake the PANCE?
Every 10 years to maintain certification!
Can you "double dip" your hours if your job has both PCE and HCE aspects?
No!!! In this case, you can separate your hours. If you have 1000 hours at a job with both PCE and HCE aspects, you can count 750 as PCE and 250 as HCE depending on your responsibilities.