1. Interview Workshop

2. Preparation Practice, practice, practice! KNOW THE ROLE OF A PA!!!
Know about current topics regarding health care and the PA Profession (i.e. The Affordable Care Act)
Research the school (mission statement, faculty, why you want to go there)
Get a preparation book… or don’t

3. Interview Attire Dress conservatively and professionally
Leather portfolio

4. Before Your Interview
Review your CASPA, personal statement and supplemental application
Bring all paperwork and resume in a leather portfolio
DON’T BE LATE! Go an hour early!
Eat/ use the restroom before you go
DO NOT BRING IN YOUR PHONE

5. During Your Interview
SMILE, be enthusiastic, use good body language, eye contact and be CONFIDENT
Interact and be friendly with everyone
Don’t compare yourself

6. During Your Interview Keep answers concise and to the point
Give specific examples of life experiences to show how you’ve evolved and that contribute to your answers (don’t be too personal) and paint a picture of one or two experiences rather than listing off everything you’ve done
If you are in a group interview, make sure you are heard as well as get others to engage
TEAMWORK, TEAMWORK, TEAMWORK

7. During Your Interview
Avoid negative words like “don’t” - make everything POSITIVE!
Avoid filler words (i.e. umm, you know, like) It’s okay to pause and use it to gather your thoughts
DON’T bash other professions! Or be negative in general
If they tell you you’re wrong, DO NOT CHANGE YOUR ANSWER!
Physician Assistant NOT Physician’s Assistant
Don’t say work under, say work alongside a Physician
Ask interviewers questions about themselves
Have questions at the end of the interview to show your interest (that can not be found on the program’s website)

8. After Your Interview
Send out thank you cards to everyone
Be patient!

9. Interview Questions
Why do you want to be a PA? Practice this with a friend or family member. Say it out loud. Don’t memorize what you want to say, they can tell.
What will make you a good PA? What qualities should a good PA have? They like knowing you can work as a team!
Why should we pick you for our program? What contributions can you make? Teamwork, flexibility, encouragement, etc.
How are you going to handle the curriculum? Use examples that show time management and flexibility

10. Interview Questions
What are your weaknesses? Give one that has a solution to it.
Why did you choose to be a PA vs. a Doctor, ARNP, or RN? Again, don’t speak negatively about the others. Focus on reasons why you want to be a PA
Know the differences of PA vs. Doctor vs. ARNP
Explain the Role of a PA. Don’t say it’s “in-between” a Doctor and Nurse!
When explaining PA supervision, DO NOT USE “under a physician”, use next-to or alongside

11. Interview Questions
In your opinion, what is the worst type of patient? Steer towards trauma patients vs. non-compliant patients
What opportunities have you had to observe a PA? Talk about shadowing or your job
Describe a PA to someone who knows nothing about the medical field
What will you do if you see a fellow student cheating? Don’t throw them under the bus, try to find other solutions first

12. Interview Questions
What would you do about language barriers? Take classes, try to learn
Where do you see the PA profession in 10 years? Talk about health care reform, etc.
What is going on in health care right now and how to PAs fit in? Look at the handout I made! ;)
If you don’t get in this year, what is your Plan B? Give an answer that show your dedicated and want to strengthen your application (i.e. continue to work, volunteer). Don’t say you’ll retake GRE! Overall, they are just trying to see that you're dedicated to the PA profession and will apply again