Preparing For the PANCE/PANRE Exam: Conversation with Certified Medical Educators

The thing standing between you and becoming a PA, other than school of course, is the PANCE exam. The Physician Assistant National Certification Exam is the ultimate goal of your PA training; it is THE comprehensive review of everything you learned in PA school. Passing this test is the last hurdle to becoming a Certified Physician Assistant and getting started in your career.

There are multiple tactics people use to best prepare for this test, so for today's episode I asked Mike Nowak PA-C, director of Certified Medical Educators and a practicing PA to join me on the podcast. Mike has trained thousands of PAs over the years during his three- and five-day review courses and shares his best study tips and test recommendations with us.

Find Mike Nowak, PA-C and Certified Medical Educators here:

FACEBOOK: CertMedEd facebook page

WEBSITE: Certified medical educators

Links from Episode 9

Amazon links are "affiliate links" which means I earn a couple of dollars if you purchase using that link at no extra cost you. It's a great way to help support PA startup, the podcast, and helps us continue our efforts.

NCCPA blueprint

Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment, Comprehensive book (The "Blue Bible")

• 2019 Edition-https://amzn.to/2HWpY5O
• 2018 Edition-https://amzn.to/2FKjfbV
• Flashcards–https://amzn.to/2WJVgk2

CMDT Specialty Guides

• Family Medicine–https://amzn.to/2FJabE2
• Cardiology–https://amzn.to/2HVUbSy
• Surgery–https://amzn.to/2WKgwGd
• Pediatrics–https://amzn.to/2CQJdJX
• OBGYN–https://amzn.to/2Id1WTL
• Geriatrics–https://amzn.to/2FKM1Jf
• Orthopedics–https://amzn.to/2I3Hkx7
• Gastroenterology–https://amzn.to/2I3HKDH
• Emergency Medicine–https://amzn.to/2FTt5cx

HIGHLIGHTS—Time stamps of pertinent info for quick reference:

• 0:03–Killer Intro Music
• 0:27–Chris Darst, PA-C Has a Cold (er, Upper Respiratory Infection)
• 6:03–Hawaii Review Course!
• 10:20–Setting up a Study Schedule
• 13:40–Strategic Studying
• 15:08–Lag Time for New Information
• 17:53–Board Review Courses
• 18:43–Differences Between PANCE/PANRE
• 20:22–When Should Studying Start?
• 23:40–Variety with Studying
• 26:15–Why People Fail the PANCE Exam
• 29:24–Best Study Advice I've Heard
• 30:49–Test Taking Tips
• 35:30–Looking Forward: Preparing for your next boards