Talk to physician assistant students and learn about the PA education process. There are many great free resources that will help you decide if this career is right for you, and that will help you understand the application process. Inside PA Training (
(http://www.mypatraining.com) and its forum, The Becoming a Physician Assistant Forum (
(http://www.mypatraining.com/forum), are worth checking out.
Get lots of medical experience, Physician Assistant programs love for their applicants to have broad medical knowledge. 2 years of hands on patient care is usually sufficient. People who usually apply are surgical technologists/surgical assistants, medical assistants, nursing assistant, Licensed Practical/Vocational nurses, athletic trainers, physical therapy technicians, emergency medical technicians, and military medics
Get a bachelor’s degree in Health Science, however there are other classes that are required for admission. Usually, Anatomy and Physiology, Biology 101, Microbiology, Math, and English are standard.
Research the program/s of your choice. See what their requirements are, read their website in detail.5Contact the program directly. Tell them that you're interested in applying. Ask them to mail you an information packet.
Try to find someone who's graduated from the program of your choice. At least try to meet a physician assistant, preferably a new graduate. Talk to them, learn from them, get their recommendation.
Open an account with CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants). Most of the programs ask that you apply to them through CASPA. Note that some programs may require additional application, such as application for admission to their university. CASPA applications take a long time to complete, so apply early. It helps to gather all of your educational and employment information before you apply.
Find at least three people (at least one has to be a doctor or physician assistant) to write you good recommendations.
Write your personal statement. On CASPA application read the question and try to answer it in a clear, grammatically correct essay. Proof read, have others proof read, and ask for more help on writing your personal statement. Your personal statement is your first impression. Make it stand out
Complete any additional paperwork that the PA program may require.
Interview. If you were invited to the interview, pat yourself on the back and start preparing.
Do a mock interview with a doctor and a physician assistant. Ask them about the questions that are asked during the admissions interview.Read about the history of the profession. Learn as much as possible about the specific PA job.Dress professionally. If you have no idea what to wear, ask for assistance from sales representatives.Arrive early to the interview.Act professionally during the interview. Don't fidget around, don't ask too many questions.