Applying to PA School So you want to be a PA…now what?! Presented by Laura Blanchard, PA-C & Anna Klein, PA-C

What is a PA? Physician Assistants are members of a healthcare team. In all fifty states, PAs can prescribe medication and see patients independently. State specific licenses are required. PAs can work in essentially any specialty in any medical setting, including surgery. PAs work under their own medical license in partnership with a supervising physician. Reimbursement for PAs is excellent and the hours can be very manageable leaving time for “life outside work.”

Points to Consider Why do I want to go to PA school? It’s not inexpensive! And is a serious time commitment! Program lengths generally range from 24-28 months. What are my long term goals? If you honestly think you want to go to medical school in the future, probably don’t start your graduate career with PA school. Do I have enough “direct patient care” hours to apply? Shadowing PAs doesn’t count – but looks great for your application.

First thing’s first… 1. APPLY EARLY!!! 2. APPLY EARLY!!! Most PA programs use the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) This online submission platform opens April 27, 2016 https://portal.caspaonline.org/caspaHelpPages/about- caspaoverview/

CASPA Transcripts Standardized test (GRE) score reports Letters of recommendation Personal Statement Work history Awards/achievements/certifications/publications

Selecting Schools Cost Do I meet all the prerequisites? Are my courses in date? Is there a minimum GPA cut-off? Is there a minimum number of patient care hours needed? Location Am I ok with living far away from family & friends? Do I like sub-zero winters? Would I be happy in this place? Cost In-state tuition at a public program is more affordable than private school For example: Tuition at ECU (for an NC resident) is $30,500. Duke’s tuition is $76,000

QUESTIONS!?