Amber studied political science. Now she's a PA student at USC.

If you're worried that your major or your background disqualifies you, listen to this. Amber came into medicine from somewhere completely different, and it made her a stronger applicant, not a weaker one.

What we talk about:

• Going from political science to prerequisites to PA school
• How she explained the career switch in her application
• What non-traditional applicants bring that programs actually want
• Inside the PA program at USC's Keck School of Medicine
• Why their medical Spanish training matters for patient care
• Her advice if you're starting over from another field

Resources:

Free application timeline: https://www.thepaplatform.com/services/free-application-timeline

PA Program Map: https://www.thepaplatform.com/pa-platform-map

Free personal statement worksheet: https://www.thepaplatform.com/services/free-personal-statement-worksheet-download

One-on-one pre-PA counseling: https://www.thepaplatform.com/services/pre-pa-counseling

This podcast episode features an enlightening discussion with Dr. Ken Harbert, a distinguished former Physician Assistant (PA) program director, who imparts invaluable insights regarding the intricate admissions process for PA schools. We delve into the competitive landscape of PA applications, highlighting that aspiring candidates must not only meet minimum academic requirements but also exhibit a profound understanding of the profession and a compelling personal narrative. Dr. Harbert emphasizes the significance of dressing professionally and presenting oneself with confidence during interviews, as well as the critical role of preparation in distinguishing oneself among thousands of applicants. Throughout our conversation, we explore practical strategies for enhancing one's application, including the importance of teamwork experiences and the necessity of articulating personal motivations clearly and authentically. This episode serves as a vital resource for those seeking to navigate the complexities of the PA school admissions process with greater efficacy. A brief summary of this episode

Takeaways:

• In today's podcast episode, we engage in a profound discussion with Dr. Ken Harbert, a distinguished figure in the field of physician assistant education.
• Dr. Harbert shares invaluable insights about the competitive nature of PA school admissions and the qualities that admissions committees seek in candidates.
• We delve into the significance of crafting a compelling personal statement that reflects genuine experiences and motivations for pursuing a career as a PA.
• Listeners are encouraged to take proactive steps, such as thoroughly researching PA programs and preparing meticulously for interviews to enhance their competitiveness.
• The episode emphasizes the necessity of understanding the admissions process and the importance of personal narratives that resonate with authenticity and passion.
• We conclude with an invitation for listeners to engage with Dr. Harbert for personalized consultation services to navigate their journey into PA school.

Mentioned in this episode:

CapYear Training

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You sent questions on social media. I answered them.

This one's a grab bag of what you've been asking me most, and a couple of the answers might not be what you're expecting.

What I cover:

• How healthcare reform affects PAs and the patients you'll see
• How much health policy you actually need to know before an interview
• Talking about choosing PA over medical school in your personal statement
• The phrasing that makes admissions question your commitment
• When to apply, and why meeting the minimums is the real trigger
• What to do with your time while you finish requirements

Resources:

Free personal statement worksheet: https://www.thepaplatform.com/services/free-personal-statement-worksheet-download

Free personal statement email course: https://www.thepaplatform.com/services/free-personal-statement-email-course

Have me review your essay: https://www.thepaplatform.com/services/pre-pa-essay-review

Free application timeline: https://www.thepaplatform.com/services/free-application-timeline

Hannah went straight from high school into a direct-entry PA program. Almost nobody gets to do that anymore.

She's a fourth-year PA student at St. John's University now, and she hosts the podcast Atypical Presentation. We talk about what that direct-entry path actually looked like, whether she'd recommend it, and what she thinks you should do with your time before PA school.

What we talk about:

• How direct-entry bachelor's to PA programs work
• What Hannah gained and gave up by committing that early
• Why volunteering and shadowing still mattered for her
• Getting through didactic year without losing your mind
• Keeping hobbies and outside interests alive in PA school
• Starting Atypical Presentation and where she's taking it

Resources:

PA Program Map, including direct-entry programs: https://www.thepaplatform.com/pa-platform-map

Free application timeline: https://www.thepaplatform.com/services/free-application-timeline

One-on-one pre-PA counseling: https://www.thepaplatform.com/services/pre-pa-counseling

Jesse and I went to Kenya together, and we finally sat down to talk about it.

He's a dermatology PA and the founder of Skin Made Simple, so this one covers a lot of ground. What a medical mission trip actually involves, what we took away from ours, and how he built a skincare business alongside clinical work.

If you're curious about global health, or about PAs who do more than see patients, start here.

What we talk about:

• What our trip to Kenya was really like
• How mission work changes the way you think about practicing
• Choosing a trip that's actually ethical and useful
• Jesse's path into dermatology
• Building Skin Made Simple while working as a PA
• Where medicine and business overlap for PAs

Resources:

Free application timeline: https://www.thepaplatform.com/services/free-application-timeline

PA Program Map: https://www.thepaplatform.com/pa-platform-map

One-on-one pre-PA counseling: https://www.thepaplatform.com/services/pre-pa-counseling

Mikayla asked what the hardest parts of being a PA actually are. So I answered honestly.

This isn't a doom episode. I love this job. But you should walk into interviews knowing the real challenges facing the profession, because you will get asked about them.

At the end I get into mentorship, including why you should never hand someone a big check just to shadow them.

What I cover:

• People still not understanding what a PA is or does
• Insurance headaches and how they affect your day
• How much state regulations change what you're allowed to do
• Why interviewers ask about challenges in the profession
• Working this into your personal statement without sounding negative
• Finding real mentorship, and the shadowing scams to walk away from

Resources:

PA School Interview Guide: https://www.thepaplatform.com/physician-assistant-school-interview-guide

Mock interview with me: https://www.thepaplatform.com/services/mock-interview

Free application timeline: https://www.thepaplatform.com/services/free-application-timeline

One-on-one pre-PA counseling: https://www.thepaplatform.com/services/pre-pa-counseling

Mentioned in this episode:

CapYear Training

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Still torn between PT and PA? Go talk to someone who actually does the other job.

Matt is a traveling physical therapist, and I brought him on because so many of you are weighing a couple of healthcare paths at the same time. He breaks down what PT school asked of him, what his work really looks like, and why he chose travel assignments.

What we talk about:

• How Matt landed on physical therapy
• PT school requirements compared to PA school requirements
• What a physical therapist actually does all day
• How traveling positions work
• The upsides and the tradeoffs of travel healthcare
• Getting real exposure to a career before you commit to it

Resources:

Free application timeline: https://www.thepaplatform.com/services/free-application-timeline

PA Program Map: https://www.thepaplatform.com/pa-platform-map

One-on-one pre-PA counseling: https://www.thepaplatform.com/services/pre-pa-counseling