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PA Student Loans: How to Pay for PA School in 2026

Olivia Vahlsing, PA-C — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 21:14:34 +0000

Are you a future physician assistant wondering how to pay for PA school in 2026? Or maybe a recent grad trying to figure out how to pay off your PA student loans?

If you’re in either camp, you’ve got plenty of company. For many future PAs and recent grads, finances are a huge concern. It’s easy to see why—the average amount of student loan debt for graduates of PA school is $112,000! Whether you’re a borrower taking on new debt or a grad trying to pay off your loan, a number that big is bound to make you just a bit nervous.

An obvious solution would be to avoid going into debt, but for many of us, the loans are necessary. We’re told not to work during PA school, so we rely on them not only for tuition and fees, but housing and food as well. Given all that in combination is far from affordable for most students, many practicing PAs wouldn’t be where they are if they hadn’t been able to obtain student loans.

If you’re wondering how to pay for PA school in 2026, or a working PA dreading having to set aside money for your monthly payments, we can help. This post is for future PAs who have to go into debt to achieve their dream, and those who’ve graduated and are wondering how to pay off their loans. In the first half, we’ll discuss some recent changes that will impact how borrowers finance their education in 2026. Then, we’ll review some tips when it comes to refinancing, loan forgiveness, and the repayment options that are out there.

Let’s begin.

How to Pay for PA School in 2026: What New Borrowers Need to Know

The past few months have been full of change in the US Department of Education—and this has caused a lot of stress and confusion for borrowers. This is an especially trying time for students actively pursuing their Master’s of Physician Assistant studies. This section will detail some of the key changes that will impact new borrowers after July 1, 2026.

1. Grad PLUS loans are ending.

One of the recent changes that’ll affect students pursuing their PA degree the most is the elimination of Grad PLUS loans. These loans were beneficial to students pursuing graduate degrees for several reasons:

They allowed students to borrow the total cost of their education
Students didn’t have to begin repaying Grad PLUS loans until they’d been out of school for six months

With the elimination of this program, students will need to find other ways to fund their education.

What are your options?

One option is to take out direct unsubsidized loans, which are loans students can apply for regardless of their financial need. While you still don’t have to start paying back direct unsubsidized loans until six months after graduation, they’ll start accruing interest immediately upon disbursement.

2. There are updated limits for new borrowers.

Another recent change is a new cap on federal education loans of $100,000 for graduate school students and $200,000 for graduate students pursuing a professional degree. Unfortunately, the Department of Education has proposed that PAs do not fall under the “professional degree” category when it comes to federal loan borrowing. Thus, the cap for new borrowers seeking federal student loans for PA school after July 1, 2026 will be $20,500 annually, $100,000 total limit.

Compare this to the average cost of PA school which is between $10,000 and $20,000 per semester, or $20,000 to $40,000 per year on tuition alone. Of course, this doesn’t include the cost of housing and food during that time.

Given all the expenses, the new caps in 2026 will likely have students dependent on loans for their education looking closer at public school programs (which cost less).

3. Private banks will take on an increased role.

For any costs that exceed the new borrowing limits, students will need to turn to private loans. Unfortunately, they can be difficult to obtain for students with limited credit history and often require a cosigner. Banks rely on credit scores when deciding whether to let a student borrow. This can be a problem, as cosigning a loan is a huge commitment and borrowers may not be able to find someone with a good credit score who is willing to take on that burden for them.

The changes we’ve outlined here apply to both current and new students. However, students that are currently receiving graduate PLUS loans will be grandfathered in and allowed to continue this program.

PA Student Loans: Repayment Options for Graduates in Debt

Regardless of the changes to the student loan borrowing programs, the process of repaying student loans can be daunting. I’m about four years out from PA school, and still in the process of figuring out exactly what strategy I should use to pay off my loans. Borrowers have many options, including the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF), refinancing their loans, or opting for one of the many government repayment options. .

Let’s have a look at each.

1. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

The PSLF program affords the opportunity for borrowers who work for a nonprofit organization making payments towards their loans for 10 years to receive forgiveness of the remaining balance after that time. This program has been a hot topic lately, with some changes regarding qualifying organizations, but nonprofit hospitals have consistently qualified as public service.

If you want to pursue PSLF, ensure the healthcare system you work for is a nonprofit organization, as not all of them are. This can easily be determined with a quick Google search!

2. Refinancing

Refinancing your loans may be a good strategy if you aren’t opting to pursue a forgiveness program and are offered a lower interest rate than what’s available through the government. However, refinancing your loans will usually mean a repayment term of 5-20 years.

For context, government programs usually have a repayment term of 10-30 years. This can mean lower monthly payments and possible forgiveness of remaining balances after 20-25 years.

Should you refinance with a private lender?

It’s important to remember that the state of student loans is a hot political issue. Therefore, as political winds change direction, the repayment and forgiveness options may change with them. If you opt to refinance with a private lender, you won’t have any ability to undo this and become eligible for government based loan forgiveness in the future.

Before refinancing with a private lender, I recommend looking on the federal student aid website and utilizing the loan stimulator tool. This allows you to put in your estimated income and see various repayment options. This tool even goes as far as to tell you the true price you’re paying over the life of the loan, including the interest, and the amount you could have forgiven through available programs.

Final Thoughts

Overall, student loans are stressful for all of us. If you’re a new borrower, remember that Grad Plus loans have ended, and understand that any additional borrowing will have to be done from private banks. If you’re a grad trying to pay off your loan, it’s important to stay informed about your options. Repayment terms are constantly a topic of debate. This causes uncertainty in borrowers, but it’s a large amount of money you’re committed to paying off, so you owe it to yourself to stay informed as to what your options are.

Remember, there are paths that allow you to pursue repayment in a way that best fits your ability. Whether you’re a new borrower or a grad in debt, we’re all in this boat together.

For more (free!) content to help you navigate the PA journey, check out these other posts on the blog:

ECG Tips for Physician Assistants: A Tutor’s Guide

Frank Ritz, DScPAS, PA-C, MPAS — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 12:54:11 +0000

Although I have been a certified PA for almost 15 years, I remember those dreaded feelings of anxiety towards ECGs like it was yesterday. Sure, I understood the science, and even read a much-recommended resource on the topic by Dr. Dale Dubin, but putting that knowledge into practice was something else altogether. How did one read and interpret an ECG? I didn’t know how to tackle the problem. It seemed like an insurmountable mountain.

Unfortunately, it was a mountain I had to climb. In multiple clinical medicine courses like Cardiology and Emergency Medicine, the ECG was a major part of the coursework. And yet the more I worked at it, the more it seemed to elude me. This was a problem, because I needed to know the ECG to not only get through PA school, but also do well on my End of Rotation Exams and prepare for the PANCE!

Sound a little (or maybe a lot) like your own struggles? Take heart—there was a solution to be found! One of my mentors helped me TREMENDOUSLY by teaching me the five steps to reading and interpreting ECGs. And yes, I would be happy to pay the information forward to you as a virtual mentor!

The ABCs of ECGs

Let’s start by considering what an ECG is. Essentially, an ECG is a mechanical analysis of the dynamic physiology of the heart.

A bit of a history lesson for you: in 1887, Augustus Waller used a mercury capillary electrometer and observed deflections of the mercury that indicated electrical activity in the heart. Using Waller’s discovery, Willem Einthoven built a modified version of the mercury capillary electrometer and recorded the activity of the heart in an improved way. He developed a string galvanometer, which can be seen in this article from NCBI.

Of course, since Einthoven, there have been many changes to his design that have dramatically improved cardiac care. However, we still thank you, Einthoven!

Why Should PA Students Learn to Interpret ECGs?

As a PA student and future certified PA, your ability to successfully read and interpret ECGs is tantamount to effective practice as a clinician, especially if you work as a cardiology PA, emergency medicine PA, or even as a surgical PA (as they are obtained for preoperative consultations).

If you apply the following 5 Steps, it greatly improves your interpretation, but it really ensures you don’t miss anything on the ECG, as there are multiple “look-alikes” and otherwise hidden nuggets of valuable data that can be easily missed. However, if you follow the steps, you will be less likely to miss those important nuggets!

Alright, now that we’ve set things up, let’s move on to the how and why of the five steps to reading and interpreting ECGs like a cardiologist!

The 5 Steps to Reading and Interpreting EKGs

1. Is the rhythm regular or irregular?

Most ECGs indicate a regular heart rhythm. Observe the QRS complex; moreover, focus on the upward positive deflection, this is the “R” portion of the QRS. These are usually the easiest to identify on an ECG.

I’ll bet you didn’t know that well before I became a PA, I was a DJ! When examining an ECG, be like a DJ: look for the discernable “marching” of beats. If you can appreciate a regular beat—it is regular!

Pro tip: when starting out, consider using calipers to observe the distance between the “R” portion of the QRS. If you don’t have calipers, place a piece of paper just below the Rs and make a mark under subsequent ones. If they appear the same distance, you are regular!

For irregularities, you will not be able to march out Rs!

2. What’s the rate?

The normal rate is between 60 and 100 bpm. Always remember this!

With a regular rhythm, there are two methods to determine the heart rate using a given ECG (whether a 12-lead full ECG or a rhythm strip).

The first is the counting of large boxes. Starting with an R wave that best lines up with a solid (dark) red line, count the lines between until you reach the next R wave. The rates start at 300 bpm with line 1, then 150 bpm with line 2, 100 bpm with line 3, and so on. Here is a very helpful graphic to help you learn the rates:

I would commit them to memory. Do a couple of practice tracings to get this down pat!

For regular (or irregular) rhythms, there is another method. If you consider a typical 12-lead ECG or rhythm strip, the amount of time across the entire thing is usually 10 seconds. You can count the number of QRS complexes that you see in the strip, and multiply by 6. This will give you a 60-second timeframe of beats. For example: if you count 12 QRS complexes on the ECG, you have a rate of 72 bpm (12 x 6)!

3. What do the P waves and the PR intervals look like?

After determining the rhythm and rate, look at the appearance of the P wave. This is referred to as the morphology (i.e., what does it look like). The P wave represents atrial depolarization (and contraction). It should appear like a small round mound. Here are some examples of abnormal appearing ones and their interpretations.

Additionally, are the PR intervals normal? The PR interval is measured leading from the beginning of the P wave to the first part of the QRS complex. It is normal if it’s between 0.12 and 0.20 seconds. This is equal to three to five smaller boxes.

If it is abnormal or there are specific changes, this may indicate a heart block or even a condition called WPW (if it appears short).

4. What do the QRS complexes, ST segment, and T waves Look Like?

The QRS complex represents the depolarization of the ventricles. It should be less than 0.12 seconds (3 small boxes or less).

Is it “tight,” which means the rhythm is being generated by the sinoatrial (SA) node? Or, does it appear wide, which is known as aberrancy? Aberrancy on an ECG is an abnormal conduction of a supraventricular impulse through the ventricles, causing a widened QRS complex that deviates from the normal heartbeat pattern. The ST segment is a subject for an entire blog post on its own!

Bottom line: a normal ST segment should be flat. If it is elevated, there may be myocardial infarction (heart attack) or if it is depressed there may be ischemia (a lack of normal blood flow).

As for the T wave, it represents the repolarization of the ventricles. It should have a gradual hump appearance, not a flipped one. If it is, this may be another sign of ischemia. If it is peaked, the patient may have hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood).

5. Interpretation

Here is where all of the data you’ve obtained leads to your diagnosis. Pro tip: if everything is normal, you are looking at a normal sinus rhythm!

Final Thoughts

If you’re interested in learning ECG interpretation based on both single-concept and case-based questions from an online Qbank, take a look at Blueprint PA’s Clinical ECG Qbanks!

Please do not hesitate to reach out to the fabulous, experienced PA tutors at Blueprint Prep for all of the mentoring you need to become an expert on ECGs!

To your success,

Frank Ritz, PA-C, DScPAS, MPAS

Blueprint Test Prep Tutor

Originally published April 2023 / Updated November 2025

New PA, Who This? How to Build Confidence in Your First Job

Olivia Vahlsing, PA-C — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 20:32:18 +0000

While PA school does an excellent job at teaching you the foundations of medical knowledge, you’ll still face a large learning curve when you transition to clinical practice. This is to be expected, so don’t let it scare you! You’ve been down a similar road before. Remember how it felt when you started to get the hang of things during clinical rotations? That feeling of growing confidence will come again with time. As a new graduate, it may take you months to a year to really start feeling self-assured as a provider, but trust me, the time will fly by.

Nevertheless, things may be a bit tricky in the meantime. But don’t worry, you’re not alone on this journey. We’re here to guide you through the days ahead!

Here’s some things you can do as a new graduate that’ll boost your confidence and get yourself on track to become an independent provider.

1. Seek out good mentorship.

Gaining confidence as a new provider is a lot easier when you have the right support.

When you’re interviewing for your first PA job, I highly encourage you to inquire about their onboarding process. You want to make sure you’re working with a team that’s invested in your learning and has a plan to provide guidance to a new graduate. Failure to acknowledge that you’ll need additional training support is a red flag during interviews. You’re looking for a place that wants to invest in your education and help you become the best provider you can be.

2. Hit the books.

If you want to hit the ground running in your new position, I recommend spending some time further educating yourself before starting. (Yup, you’ve just spent over two years studying constantly and I’m advising you to do more!) Some extra preparation is especially helpful in specialized practice areas that are minimally discussed during your PA education.

Now, this isn’t meant to be hours spent hitting the books, but a podcast or journal article here and there while you await credentialing can go a long way. Nobody expects you to come in as an expert, but building some basic knowledge will not only help you feel more confident in yourself, it’ll also help your colleagues feel more confident in you.

3. Avoid comparison.

The saying “comparison is the thief of joy” is definitely relevant here. Whether you’re comparing yourself to your experienced colleagues or a fellow new graduate, it’s not a productive mindset. Try to avoid it whenever possible.

If your friend from PA school texts you saying she’s already independently seeing patients and you’re still in a shadowing phase of your onboarding process, don’t feel bad about yourself. Remember that each speciality, practice site, and patient population is different. Each position will have different learning requirements and some will take a lot longer than others. It’s not a race and your focus should be solely on providing high-quality care to patients!

4. Know your value.

When you’re relying on others to teach you, it can be easy to feel more like a burden than a coworker. Remind yourself that you did what it takes to be where you are today. You’ve obtained your master’s degree and passed the PANCE. The team selected you as their newest employee for a reason! Whatever you need to be reminded of, words of affirmation go a long way.

While most of us PAs consider ourselves perfectionists, nobody expects you to know what you’re doing as a new hire. This is true whether you’re fresh out of school or even just switching jobs with years of experience under your belt. Your coworkers expect to teach you. You’ll quickly no longer be a burden when you’re helping them manage their schedule in a few short months!

5. Consider a fellowship.

Fellowships are great options for people who are interested in highly competitive specialities or those who just desire a little more guidance as they transition to practice. They can also be a good way to land a job at a desirable facility that otherwise may not hire new graduates.

Fellowships usually result in a decreased initial salary, but can be helpful in landing a dream job following completion. No matter what you’re looking to pursue, fellowships aren’t the only way to get there, but they can be a good opportunity to learn at an institution dedicated to teaching.

When I graduated in 2021, I pursued a critical care and hospital medicine fellowship. This lasted six months and resulted in a position afterwards. Now, I won’t lie. The fellowship was exhausting. I was working overnights and well over 40 hours per week. Like most fellowships, it was also at a reduced rate of pay. However, I’ll say I learned a ton from this experience and it definitely increased my confidence as a provider.

6. Remember you’ll always be learning.

After about a year in the fellowship, I switched my specialty to cardiothoracic surgery. Just like that, I was facing another learning curve and starting over as the new kid on the block. While my experience definitely helped a bit, the position was completely different and required me to put my learning hat back on.

The truth is, whether you’re a new graduate, an experienced provider switching PA specialties, or even staying put in your career, you’ll always have something to learn. That’s the beauty of medicine—it’s always evolving. The best providers embrace this and continue to keep themselves updated as standards of care change.

Final Thoughts

It’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed as a new graduate PA. But you’ve gotten this far because you have everything it takes to succeed. Remember, nobody expects you to get through this without a few bumps in the road. Follow these tips and you’ll make the transition from student to provider as smoothly as possible.

How to Recognize and Manage Physician Assistant Burnout

Olivia Vahlsing, PA-C — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 16:48:16 +0000

According to a JAMA study, 35.4% of health care workers reported symptoms of burnout (physical or emotional exhaustion surrounding work). Practicing as a PA, like any other medical profession, is an extremely rewarding career that requires focus, critical thinking, and a lot of responsibility. With this responsibility, many PAs may experience a high level of stress depending on their overall comfort level and patient population. Additionally, some positions may require longer work days or call shifts, leading to an increased risk of physical and emotional exhaustion. If you think you’re experiencing symptoms of physician assistant burnout, here’s how to recognize it and a few next steps to consider.

What are the signs of physician assistant burnout?

According to the Maslach Burnout Inventory, there are three specific components in assessing burnout: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a lack of a sense of personal accomplishment.

One common warning sign that may indicate the beginning of burnout is a loss of motivation at work. This lack of motivation may stem from physical exhaustion with symptoms like frequent headaches or lower energy levels throughout the week. Or, you may experience symptoms of emotional burnout, such as feeling more withdrawn or becoming easily angered in both professional and personal settings.

Additionally, burnout may make you dread going to work or stress about your job outside of work hours. Overall, you may no longer feel the same excitement about your position or career that you once had.

How do I minimize the effects of physician assistant burnout?

Take advantage of your paid time off

If you are already experiencing burnout, there are many ways to help combat this. Many positions allow you to accrue paid time off (PTO), so make sure you are using this time when able!

You do not need to have an event planned to justify taking some much-needed time off. Perhaps a relaxing three-day weekend could be exactly what you need to help alleviate some stress. Remember that there may never be the “perfect” time to take off, so as long as it can be approved, you should not feel guilty using the vacation hours you have earned. Your mental health is extremely important. Always remember that you work hard and deserve the break!

Prioritize your well-being

Of course, PTO is a limited resource. Aside from this, make sure to focus on self-care to maintain a sense of mental balance during the work week. This includes prioritizing things like exercise, sleep, and eating well. I know that hitting the gym, cooking a meal, or even getting eight hours of sleep is not always possible. However, do your best to try and find time for this when you can throughout the week.

Finding time for yourself, your loved ones, and your hobbies can help create a better work-life balance, which is essential to a healthy lifestyle. Having regularly scheduled activities outside of work that you look forward to, such as a book club, intramural sports, or even scheduled evenings out to dinner, can be helpful to ensure that you commit to time for yourself outside of work.

Discuss with your supervisors

If the responsibilities of your position are becoming too much to handle, discuss your situation with your supervisors to see if there is anything that can be done to help reduce the burden you carry. At the end of the day, it is important to put yourself first. You worked hard to get here and you should feel happy and satisfied with your career!

Should I consider switching specialties?

Perhaps the feeling of physician assistant burnout is stemming from misalignment with your position or specialty as a whole. Remember, the beauty of our role as PAs is the ability to transition to different areas of practice. If your specialty no longer aligns with your lifestyle needs, then you might consider switching PA specialties.

There are many reasons why you may want to switch positions or specialties, including relationship changes, becoming a parent, or even adopting a pet. At the end of the day, anything that changes your day-to-day life can alter your work-life balance.

This is not always an easy decision to make, especially if you still feel fulfilled in other aspects of your career. However, working as a burnt-out provider is not an ideal or safe environment for you or your patients. There are many different shift schedules and specialties available for PAs to explore, so keep your options open and find one that works best for you and your lifestyle!

The importance of finding the right fit

I worked for one year as a nocturnist PA as my first year of clinical work after PA school. The position taught me how to work autonomously overnight and think critically as a provider. I loved the work I was doing, however, I quickly realized that working overnight was not for me.

With my partner working during the day, I was often sad to only have a quick overlap of schedules before I went to work for the night. I would travel to different hospitals and sometimes even stay in a hotel following shifts. Overall, it was extremely draining, and I recognized the signs of physician assistant burnout much too early in my career.

Pursuing an alternative position was extremely scary to me, especially after gaining comfort in my role at the time. After fully transitioning to my new position, however, I can say confidently I am feeling much happier with my day-to-day life and just as fulfilled in my career.

Everyone is different in which specialty or position will best align with their lifestyle goals. Never feel guilty for making a decision that leads to a higher level of job satisfaction and work-life balance. Finding the right fit will help you feel your best at work and provide the best care to your patients!

I Failed a PANRE-LA Quarter. Now What?

Nadya Tsytsyna, PA-C — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 15:20:07 +0000

If you’re anything like us, you most likely signed up for the PANRE-LA hoping for a less stressful process that would result in a passing score. The attractiveness of an exam that’s open book with testing times five-times longer than a typical recertification exam sounded like a win!

While it certainly can be, at the end of the day, it’s still a standardized recertification examination and that comes with its own set of stressors, struggles, and questions to navigate. As you go through the PANRE-LA quarter by quarter, you may find yourself asking “How do I know which outside materials are the right ones? Am I doing as well as my peers? Have I answered enough questions right?” Or even, “What happens if I fail a quarter? And what happens if I fail the entire PANRE-LA?”

6 Tips When it Comes to Taking the PANRE-LA

Like anything that’s new, sometimes we forget to read the manual! Don’t forget these critical components (and perks!) about the PANRE-LA to make the testing process easier for you.

When taking the exam, remember that:

1. You don’t need to complete all 25 questions in one sitting.

While some PAs prefer to complete all 25 questions at once, that may not be the best fit for everyone. Determine what your testing threshold is. Is it three questions? Or maybe five? 10?

Maybe you discover that once you get two questions wrong in a row, it’s best that you take a break and start again on another day. One of the best things about the PANRE-LA is that it gives you the freedom to take it in a way that works for you!

2. You can skip a quarter.

Sometimes our lives get busy or we have a lot of life changes happening all at once, which makes the thought of recertifying seem insignificant. Remember that you have up to 12 quarters to complete your PANRE-LA, but you could pass in as few as eight quarters.

So what does this mean? If maybe April-June is just not your time of year, no sweat! Don’t force yourself to rush through questions you may not do well on. Pick it up next quarter and try again to increase your chances of earning the PANRE-LA passing score.

3. You can store questions.

Maybe the next question is on pulmonology and that isn’t a strength of yours. No worries! You can store it for later.

While it may feel like you’re postponing the inevitable, you’re also giving yourself more time to review pulmonology topics or practice pulmonology questions until you feel more comfortable.

4. You receive feedback immediately after submitting your answer.

Don’t skip over the explanations. Review the correct and incorrect answers. Make a note of topics you need to review again.

5. You receive a score update after each quarter’s questions are completed.

This allows you to see how you’re progressing after each quarter, how you’re performing compared to your peers, and how you’re performing relative to the PANRE-LA passing score.

Of note, the exam score scale ranges from 1000-1500, and the PANRE-LA passing score is 1150.

6. You can use outside resources.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to reference your favorite medical textbook or go-to peer reviewed website. This is one of the striking differences between the traditional PANRE and PANRE-LA, so take full advantage of it.

You can check out UpToDate, textbooks from Access Medicine, journal articles from JAAPA, etc. Phoning a friend or working on the exam with a peer isn’t allowed.

I Failed a PANRE-LA Quarter. Now What?

While it’s certainly discouraging to not meet or surpass the PANRE-LA passing score, you still have a lot of options (unlike the traditional PANRE, where it’s one and done).

A failing PANRE-LA score after one quarter is the equivalent of performing poorly on a small section of the traditional PANRE. The NCCPA even states that you don’t need to meet the passing standard each quarter. You still have 11 quarters to improve your score if you fail the first PANRE-LA quarter.

If you do fail a quarter, you’ll want to review your overall performance and do some self-reflection. Consider asking yourself these questions:

Which topic areas were missed? Were there any surprises?
What resources (if any) were used? Were they helpful?
Was there enough time to look up the information and answer the questions? (Did you know you can use testing accommodations for the PANRE-LA? See the NCCPA’s website for more information.)

Once you’ve answered these questions, make a game plan for the next quarter, so you can achieve a PANRE-LA passing score the next time.

First, review any topic areas that you missed. Why? The PANRE-LA will repeat topics that were answered incorrectly the previous quarter and count the better responses. .

Next, create a practice exam using the Blueprint PANRE-LA Qbank based on the topics that were missed. Aim to spend no more than five minutes on each question and practice using the same references you’ll use on test day. This will improve your confidence, allow you to review topics in greater detail, and assist you in figuring out how to use your resources properly within the allotted time.

For more information about how to use the PANRE-LA Qbank during the exam itself, check out this video demo:

And be sure to check out our PA team’s blog for tips on how we’re approaching the PANRE-LA!

My Interim PANRE-LA Score is Below Passing. Now What?

Remember, you don’t need to meet the passing standard each quarter to pass the overall exam. As noted, the PANRE-LA passing score is 1150, and recertifying PAs who don’t reach this score after eight quarters will continue into the third year of the exam to complete the final four quarters.

If you’re early in the testing process, missing more questions will have a disproportionate impact on your interim score. So you’ll want to adjust your testing strategies, review important concepts, and complete practice questions as quickly as possible.

If you’ve been practicing within a specialty for a long time and feel out of your element when it comes to general medical knowledge, consider the Blueprint PANRE/PANRE-LA Live Review Course to brush up on material you haven’t accessed in a while!

I Failed the Entire PANRE-LA. Now What?

If you don’t reach the PANRE-LA passing score after 12 quarters, you’ll have to complete the traditional PANRE. There are no PANRE-LA retake options.

You’re given three opportunities to pass the PANRE after taking the PANRE-LA. Recertifying PAs must wait at least 90 days before taking the traditional PANRE. Again, if you’d like a more structured, accelerated review of the exam material, we highly recommend the PANRE/PANRE-LA Live Review Course to get you back on track!

Important note: If you’ve gotten through two years (or eight quarters) of the PANRE-LA and your peers are being informed that they’ve passed, but you haven’t received the same good news, don’t fret! This just means that your score after eight quarters isn’t at the passing standard, but you still have four more quarters to pass!

If you failed a PANRE-LA quarter, please remember that you can fail a quarter of the exam and still wind up with a PANRE-LA passing score in the end!

If you happen to fail the entire PANRE-LA, once again it’s not the end of the world—you’ll still have three chances to pass the traditional PANRE, and we’re here to help along every step of the way. Reach out to us and we’ll help get you back on track for your PA recertification!

Is the PANRE Review Course Worth It? My Honest Review

Hannah Brauer — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 22:55:01 +0000

Preparing for the PANRE comes with its fair share of challenges—there’s a lot to review, and only so many hours in the day! One option many PAs consider is enrolling in a PANRE review course, but is it actually worth the time and investment?

We spoke with Natalie McQueen, PA-C, a recent learner from Blueprint’s PANRE Live Review Course to get the inside scoop! From interactive teaching methods to confidence-boosting strategies, here’s her honest take on what it’s really like and how it impacted her exam prep.

(And P.S…she passed!)

A Q&A with a Blueprint PANRE Live Review Course Student

What made you decide to take Blueprint’s PANRE Live Review Course?

As a busy PA, I needed a resource that would comprehensively and efficiently prepare me for the traditional PANRE. I knew Blueprint’s PANRE Live Review Course was well-recognized for its comprehensive coverage of must-know topics for the PANRE, with content tailored specifically to the exam’s format.

Additionally, I was looking for a live review format that allows real-time interaction, where I could ask questions and engage with instructors who are experts in the field. I also liked that the course included practice exams and test-taking strategies, which could help identify any areas of improvement and boost my confidence going into the exam.

What was your first impression of the PANRE review course?

My first impression was how well organized and fun everything was! It was much different than any review session I’ve ever done before—unlike standard formats that often focus heavily on rote memorization, this course emphasized a more interactive and engaging approach. The instructors were knowledgeable and approachable, creating an environment that encouraged questions and allowed discussions to flow naturally.

Additionally, incorporating real-life scenarios made the material more relatable and easier to grasp. Overall, the course felt dynamic and well-structured!

Were there any moments where you thought, “Wait…learning can actually be fun?”

Mike Sharma always had a funny anecdote or memory trick to go along with the material to make things fun. One that will always stick with me is “shoedomonas!” (Pseudomonas is a common bacteria in an injury caused by a puncture wound to your foot through a tennis shoe.)

Want a sneak peek into the mnemonics we use in Blueprint’s PANRE Live Review Course? Get the FREE download to reference throughout your exam prep!

How did the live format help you stay engaged and on track?

The live format definitely helped me stay on track better than a self-paced course. There’s simply no way I would have covered that volume of information on my own in the span of four days (and it was imperative that I did because my PANRE date was quickly approaching)!

The real-time interaction with instructors and other learners created a dynamic and stimulating environment. With set schedules and structured sessions, it was easier to maintain a consistent study routine and prevent procrastination (which can easily become a habit with self-paced learning).

Did you use any supplemental materials before, during, or after the course?

I used Blueprint’s app for the PANRE/PANRE-LA Qbank with CME alongside the PANRE review course. It was the perfect way to do some extra practice questions and review on the go and get CME at the same time!

I used the free mobile app for a couple of months leading up to the course and then I took the course immediately before taking my PANRE.

What was your favorite part of the PANRE review course?

The instructors! They were absolutely phenomenal—fun and engaging, but also incredibly knowledgeable. They were all gifted teachers who knew how to communicate medical topics in a way that was easy to understand and remember.

In addition to making complex topics much more accessible, the instructors also encouraged questions and fostered engaging discussions that brought the content to life.

Were there any concepts you finally understood because of the way the course explained them?

I’ve been a PA for 10 years and I don’t think I had ever actually fully understood the pathophysiology of Addison and Cushing disease before taking this course. The instructors are amazing at taking complicated concepts like this and making them something that is easy to grasp. Shoutout to Sara Lewis for taking what I thought was an impossible concept and making it completely understandable!

What was your biggest hurdle before taking the PANRE?

Before taking the PANRE, my biggest hurdle was managing the vast amount of material without feeling overwhelmed. Between working full time and managing family and social commitments, I felt like I just didn’t have the time to study everything I needed to for the PANRE.

My PANRE review course helped me overcome this by providing a structured, focused approach to studying. It broke down complex topics into manageable segments, highlighting key areas likely to appear on the exam. The interactive sessions and real-life scenarios provided clarity and context, which reduced the stress I initially felt and boosted my confidence.

Ultimately, my exam prep was more effective—and even enjoyable!

The course is an intense four days! What were your hacks/motivations to stay engaged?

Just to name a few: a comfy location with a view, all my favorite study snacks that I used in PA school, hydration, and getting up and physically moving around during each break.

When the live portion wraps up for the day and you’ve completed all your assigned work in the course, turn off studying completely—no more looking up one more thing or reviewing one more disease process! Go do something fun, take your mind off the content, move your body, and get a good night’s sleep.

How did you feel going into test day?

Going into test day, I felt a mix of nerves and “being ready to get it over with.” I will say that the PANRE review course significantly boosted my confidence—I felt much more prepared and focused.

The interactive elements from my course (like real-life scenarios and discussions) clarified tricky concepts and made the material more memorable, so by test day, I had a solid grasp of the content. I felt reassured knowing I had prepared adequately, which eased much of my anxiety and allowed me to approach the exam with a clearer mindset.

Was there anything about the course that surprised you?

I was truly surprised by how much fun the course was. I had memories of the course I took in preparation for the PANCE 10 years ago with a different company—long, boring days of lectures with black and white handouts. But Blueprint’s course was nothing like that!

I was also pleasantly surprised by all the little “extras” in the course, like test-taking strategies, tips on how to break down an exam question, and the Fast Pharm quick review questions.

What would you say to another PA who’s on the fence about taking the PANRE review course?

Blueprint’s PANRE Live Review Course is worth it 100x over! The structured setup can reduce stress and boost your confidence, making it such a worthwhile investment. The interactive format, along with the structured schedule, helps clarify difficult concepts and keeps you on track. It’s an effective way to enhance your confidence and readiness for the exam. And with Blueprint’s 100% pass guarantee, you really can’t go wrong.

Lastly, if you could sum up the course in three words, what would they be?

Engaging, comprehensive, and interactive! 💙

About Blueprint’s PANRE Live Review Course

Want to join in on the fun? Here’s what you’ll get when you enroll in Blueprint’s PANRE Live Review Course:

Earn 20 AAPA PRA Cat 1 CME Credit(s)™ with included AAPA Self-Assessment General PA Qbank
4 days (30 hours) of live content review
Two instructors live on camera
970 PANRE-style practice questions
- Diagnostic exam
- Daily assessments
- Full-length mock PANRE/PANRE-LA Exam with course-exclusive content
- AAPA Self Assessment CME Qbank
High-quality digital handouts
Powerful performance analytics
100% Pass Guarantee!

Find a sample schedule below:

We’d love to see you there—new cohorts start every month! 🚀

Further Resources

Looking for more (free!) resources for PA-Cs? Check out these other posts on the blog:

Tips for Accepting Your First Job Offer as a PA

Olivia Vahlsing, PA-C — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 13:17:20 +0000

Whether you have one job offer or multiple, the process of finally accepting your first position as a newly certified PA is equally as exciting as it is overwhelming. You’ve worked so hard to make it to this point, and now your career as a health care professional is finally materializing.

However, it’s important to not just rush into any offer that’s been sent your way. To ensure that your first job experience is a good one, consider these best practices for accepting and preparing for the position.

🔎 Still job searching? Check out this other post on the blog first: How to Land Your First Physician Assistant Job

1. Get to know the workplace

If you do get offered a position, it may be beneficial to ask the recruiter if you would be able to come in and shadow for a day. This is a great way to step into the opportunity and make sure the setting is right for you.

You can also ask the employer in your interviews about what prompted the open position. This can lead the conversation to discuss the rates of turnover and prior employee satisfaction. Learning about past and current employee experiences can help paint a picture of what you can expect from the position.

2. Carefully evaluate the offered pay

The first thing you may be inclined to notice when receiving an offer is the pay, often in the form of salary but may be an hourly rate depending on your position. After working so hard to obtain your degree, you do want to make sure you are being appropriately compensated for your work. This can be difficult to determine, as there is a ton of variation in pay across different specialties, states, and, of course, years of experience.

My favorite resource for determining pay is the yearly AAPA Salary Report. This narrows down the average salary (or hourly rate) for physician assistants practicing based on their specialty, years of experience, and even state. It is an excellent resource to determine if your offer is where it should be.

If you feel the offer is unfair, you are absolutely able to and should negotiate this with the recruiter. When doing so, be sure to cite a reliable source and the reasoning for why you feel you should be paid more. You should also provide a reasonable counteroffer respectfully while reaffirming your interest in the position.

Unfortunately, as a new graduate, you might find that many larger organizations have set budgets for the positions and may not be able to offer anything further. However, it is always better to ask. If you are still disappointed in the offer enough to no longer want to accept, you can respectfully decline the position.

3. Remember to weigh employee benefits

Of course, while you may be drawn to the pay, do not be blindsided by this. There are many other things that need to be considered. For starters, consider employee benefits.

Employee insurance

If you will be relying on insurance benefits offered by your employer, such as health care/dental care/vision, you should absolutely review these before accepting an offer. If you personally are not too aware of the average cost of different benefits, I recommend consulting with someone you trust who’s more experienced with scrutinizing benefits packages!

Paid time off (PTO)

In addition, make sure to pay attention to your PTO balance and accrual. You work hard, and you will absolutely want to be able to take your much-needed time off! By ensuring right from the start that the position offers sufficient work-life balance, you can help prevent PA burnout before it becomes an issue.

My own first job as a PA had no PTO, with a schedule of seven 12-hour shifts every other week, with a week off in between. I was compensated a bit higher because of the lack of the PTO benefit, but any days on my “week-on” I wanted to take off needed to be made up. I found that I really needed to be able to have some guilt-free time off to achieve my optimal work-life balance.

This may be completely different for you, and it may fluctuate by your stage of life, but overall make sure you review the PTO allowance/accrual to see if it meets your needs. In addition, PTO means nothing if you do not get approved for time off. You may want to ask in your interview how PTO and requests work at that company.

Additional benefits and relief

Some other benefits to keep an eye out for include physician assistant CME, signing bonuses, relocation assistance, and student loan repayment. Most companies should offer some kind of CME allowance, so be sure to take a look at what your position offers and what it includes. It is really nice to be able to put licensing costs on your CME fund, such as your DEA license, state license, and NCCPA license fees.

Moreover, they should fund the materials/conferences needed to meet your CME requirements per the NCCPA. They may also cover the costs of travel/lodging if you do go out of town for the event. In addition, they may offer paid CME days that can be used to further compensate you for the time spent keeping your license up to date. Student loan reimbursement is less common but still sometimes available in positions. This is a huge benefit, so if it is offered in your position you should definitely calculate just how much additional money this could save you annually.

Finally, signing bonuses have been relatively common in the PA job search. They can be great to entice candidates, especially when this would be your first position out of school. However, certain signing bonuses come with a requirement of time spent at the position. While something like two years may not seem like a long time, in a job you do not like it definitely does. The penalty for leaving prior to whatever time commitment given by the company is likely having to pay back either some or all of the signing bonus. Keep this in mind, but if you feel great about the position it is often just a great way to make some extra money at the start of your career!

4. Carefully read and reread the offer before signing.

When you officially accept an offer, at some point you will likely have to sign a contract. Be sure you read these thoroughly before signing. There are certain items you should be especially wary about in these.

For example, confirm your pay is adequately listed. Also, keep an eye out for the notice you will have to give if you decide to leave the position. This is typically between thirty to sixty days, but some companies will have longer notices that you should keep in mind.

Noncompete clauses

You will also want to see if there is a noncompete clause in your contract, which essentially could mean that if you were to leave that practice you may not be able to work within a certain mile radius for an allotted number of years. These work restrictions may or may not be specialty specific. This is important because if you are working in an area you know you will want to live indefinitely, it could really limit your opportunities beyond that position.

You can also ask your recruiter about any noncompete clause if this would be a dealbreaker for you accepting the position. Overall, if you are unsure about any part of the contract you should discuss it with your employer prior to signing.

Best of luck in your PA journey—we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way!

What to Know About Physician Assistant Malpractice Insurance

Olivia Vahlsing, PA-C — Mon, 12 May 2025 19:14:16 +0000

As a practicing PA, you’re diagnosing and treating patients in various settings on a daily basis. This responsibility comes with certain risks. For even the most diligent providers, taking care of patients leaves the chance for unexpected lawsuits and you need to ensure you’re protected!

While not legally required to practice, physician assistant malpractice insurance (also known as professional liability insurance) is a must for all practicing PAs. It’s designed to cover you in case any medical legal claims are made against you. Specifically, malpractice insurance will cover the cost of legal fees and settlement prices associated with any lawsuits.

If you feel a bit intimidated by the subject, you’re not alone. It’s a tricky topic. To set your mind at ease, we’re going to answer some FAQs about it. This should give you a better sense of the options available, and what form of coverage might be best for you.

Let’s get started!

The Bottom Line

Overall, at minimum you need to ensure malpractice coverage is provided by your employer at your current position. However, many providers opt to protect themselves further with individualized malpractice insurance.

At the end of the day, the choice is your own, but relying solely on your employer’s coverage does come with risks. You owe it to yourself to get the protection you need—after all, it’s important to look out for our patients, but remember to look out for yourself, too! Stay safe out there, and stay covered. 💙

How Much Do Physician Assistants Make? A Cost & Compensation Breakdown

Olivia Vahlsing, PA-C — Mon, 05 May 2025 19:42:45 +0000

How much do physician assistants make? If you’re on the path to becoming a PA-C, there’s a good chance you’ve pondered this question. The short answer is that, according to the AAPA Salary Report, the median salary for a practicing PA in 2024 was $134,000 (a 5.5% increase from 2023)!

The long answer is that in order to understand the overall return on investment as a PA, you should also consider the cost of earning and maintaining your certification. Here is the cost and compensation analysis for PAs, including salary, benefits, and the cost of a PA education.

How Much Do Physician Assistants Make? Comparing Costs & Compensation

How Much Does it Cost to Become a PA?

So, before we can talk about how much you’re compensated to become a PA, we have to talk about how much it costs to get there to give you the full picture!

Prerequisites

When it comes to the question of how much do physician assistants make, we have to take a look at costs. The first technical cost of becoming a PA-C is fulfilling the requirements to apply to PA programs. Usually, PA programs require you to complete prerequisite courses and a bachelor’s degree prior to applying. Many prospective PA students will already have student loans from their undergraduate degree before even applying to graduate school.

On top of that, some schools require applicants to submit a GRE score. The GRE has a $220 registration fee with an additional $30 fee to send your score to each program. It’s advisable to also factor in the cost of any accompanying GRE prep material, which can easily add up.

Besides the prerequisites, the PA school application process itself can add up to be pretty expensive as well. Most applications are through the CASPA portal, which costs $179 for the first program and $55 for each additional program. On top of this, some schools require supplemental applications with additional fees.

Therefore, it costs a minimum of $875 to apply to 10 PA programs, if at least one of those programs requires the GRE. This estimate only increases if you include supplemental application fees and factor in the cost of your undergraduate education costs. This “cost of entry” can pose a challenge because while applying to more programs may increase your chances of being accepted, it can also add up to be quite costly.

Are you starting PA school soon? Try some free pre-PA practice questions!

PA School

When asking how much do physician assistants make, you obviously need to factor in the cost of PA school. Like most graduate programs, PA school is expensive. According to AAPA, PA program tuition can vary between $30,000 to more than $120,000. This is a wide range due to public institutions generally having lower tuition than private programs. While you may be able to receive a scholarship, you should not bank on it when planning for education costs.

It is not advisable to have a job during PA school, given the rigorous coursework and schedule variability. With that, most students find themselves taking out loans to pay for both tuition and living expenses. It is important to consider the cost of living in the location of your school. Generally, rural schools may offer cheaper options for housing than urban areas would. So, if you plan to take out loans for rent, you should factor this into your total cost. Other notable costs of PA school include textbooks and course supplies including a computer.

Lastly, it’s important to note the opportunity cost that comes with pursuing this career path. In addition to the financial investment, you are also investing years of your time and energy into PA school! While this investment is all worth it in the end, the road to get there does require you to sacrifice other opportunities along the way.

Certification

This is another factor you need to look at when asking how much do physician assistants make. After PA school, your final step to becoming a certified PA is passing your certification exam, the PANCE. This is a high-stakes exam that you’ll want to pass on the first attempt and transition into your career. Therefore, in addition to the $550 PANCE registration fee, most students also invest in study materials. Review materials include PANCE Qbanks, review books, and online courses (or even a combination of the three), which can quickly become just as costly as taking the exam itself.

In order to maintain your PA certification, you will also need to complete the 10-year certification maintenance process. This process includes earning 100 continuing medical education (CME) credits every two years, paying a certification maintenance fee, and passing a recertification exam before the end of your 10th year of certification. You can opt to take either the traditional PANRE (a 4-hour exam taken during your 9th or 10th certification year) or the PANRE-LA (an open-book, longitudinal exam taken over the course of 2-3 years). The PANRE and PANRE-LA both have a $350 registration fee and share the same content blueprint.

How Much Do Physician Assistants Make?

Now let’s take a look at the flipside. How much do physician assistants make in terms of compensation? Let’s break it down by salary, continuing education, and benefits!

Salary

According to the 2025 AAPA Salary Report, the median salary for a practicing PA in the U.S. was $134,000 in 2024. Below you can see a breakdown of the earning spectrum nationwide (by percentile):

10th Percentile	25th Percentile	50th Percentile	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
$100,000	$116,000	$130,000	$150,000	$170,000

Now, there are many different things to take into consideration when it comes to total compensation. Let’s have a look at some of the main factors when it comes to physician assistant salaries.

1. Location

There are very notable differences in PA salaries based on their location’s cost of living. For example, PA jobs in New York City tend to pay salaries much higher than the national average because of the city’s high cost of living. In addition, your level of experience plays a huge role in your compensation.

If you’re just starting out your career in a location with an average or below-average lower cost of living, you may receive salary offers on the lower end of the earning spectrum.

2. Specialty / Workplace Setting

Another factor to consider is your medical specialty and work environment. PA-Cs working in more profitable areas of medicine—such as surgical subspecialties, emergency medicine, or dermatology—often find job offers higher than the average salary.

In contrast, those working in less profitable settings with a set schedule—such as occupational health, pediatrics, or primary care—may find themselves with a lower average salary. These generalizations are not always accurate, however, so you may still find job opportunities that contrast with the average trend.

3. Schedule

Additionally, jobs with an unconventional work schedule (e.g., swing or night shift positions) may have a higher salary considering these positions are harder for employers to fill. Traveling PA-Cs also tend to receive above-average compensation, as they serve an important role in filling vacant positions for a short amount of time. Working as a traveling PA is a very profitable option for more experienced PA-Cs who enjoy being contracted at different facilities around the country every couple of months.

Continuing Education

It’s common for PA jobs to include additional benefits, such as investing in your ongoing PA education. More specifically, many employers will give yearly CME stipends and even paid days off to complete CME requirements.

Because of your requirement to complete 100 CME credits every two years to maintain certification, this stipend will save you a lot of money out of pocket. Options for CME include completing PA practice questions, attending a conference, or taking a course. You’ll likely need to use your CME stipend by the end of each year or it will expire.

Other Benefits

Other benefits that come with most PA positions include retirement matching, health care/dental/vision benefits, life insurance, and PTO. Depending on the position, you may or may not receive paid holidays off of work. However, even if you do need to work holidays, many positions will offer extra pay for these shifts.

Many PA positions are salaried, but you can also find hourly positions which could be beneficial based on your specialty. For example, if you work in a specialty that may cause unexpectedly long work days (e.g. surgical specialties), consider asking if your employer offers overtime compensation. Otherwise, you may find yourself receiving a 40-hour weekly salary while actually working 60+ hours per week.

Some positions may offer loan reimbursement, though this is not as common as the above benefits and I would not plan for your position providing this. If you have federal loans and have worked at a nonprofit hospital for 10+ years, you may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. This is something to consider when taking a position if you are concerned about paying off your student loans.

Ask not how much do physician assistants make. Ask how much you can make of your profession!

While being a PA can definitely be profitable in many ways, I recommend not going into this field (or any field, for that matter) for the money. So, rather than asking “How much do physician assistants make?” maybe the better question is “How much can I make of this great career choice?” Medicine is ever-changing and you will work throughout your career to learn the best ways to care for your patients. This job is anything but easy, and it is important that you love what you do! As always, be sure to reach out if you need guidance. And best of luck on your journey!

Certified Archives | Blog | Blueprint Prep

Top Questions About CME for Physician Assistants in 2026

What is CME?

What are the CME requirements for PAs?

What are the different types of CME?

Category 1 CME

1. Regular CME

2. Certification Programs

3. Performance Improvement CME (PI-CME)

4. Self-Assessment

Category 2 CME

How do I log my CME credits?

How can I find CME opportunities as a PA?

Pro tip #1: Speak with your employer

Pro tip #2: Become a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)

Pro tip #3: Earn CME credits while studying for recertification using a Qbank

Why is CME important?

PA Student Loans: How to Pay for PA School in 2026

How to Pay for PA School in 2026: What New Borrowers Need to Know

1. Grad PLUS loans are ending.

What are your options?

2. There are updated limits for new borrowers.

3. Private banks will take on an increased role.

PA Student Loans: Repayment Options for Graduates in Debt

1. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

2. Refinancing

Should you refinance with a private lender?

Final Thoughts

ECG Tips for Physician Assistants: A Tutor’s Guide

The ABCs of ECGs

Why Should PA Students Learn to Interpret ECGs?

The 5 Steps to Reading and Interpreting EKGs

1. Is the rhythm regular or irregular?

2. What’s the rate?

3. What do the P waves and the PR intervals look like?

4. What do the QRS complexes, ST segment, and T waves Look Like?

5. Interpretation

Final Thoughts

New PA, Who This? How to Build Confidence in Your First Job

1. Seek out good mentorship.

2. Hit the books.

3. Avoid comparison.

4. Know your value.

5. Consider a fellowship.

6. Remember you’ll always be learning.

Final Thoughts

How to Recognize and Manage Physician Assistant Burnout

What are the signs of physician assistant burnout?

How do I minimize the effects of physician assistant burnout?

Take advantage of your paid time off

Prioritize your well-being

Discuss with your supervisors

Should I consider switching specialties?

The importance of finding the right fit

I Failed a PANRE-LA Quarter. Now What?

6 Tips When it Comes to Taking the PANRE-LA

1. You don’t need to complete all 25 questions in one sitting.

2. You can skip a quarter.

3. You can store questions.

4. You receive feedback immediately after submitting your answer.

5. You receive a score update after each quarter’s questions are completed.

6. You can use outside resources.

I Failed a PANRE-LA Quarter. Now What?

My Interim PANRE-LA Score is Below Passing. Now What?

I Failed the Entire PANRE-LA. Now What?

Is the PANRE Review Course Worth It? My Honest Review

A Q&A with a Blueprint PANRE Live Review Course Student

What made you decide to take Blueprint’s PANRE Live Review Course?

What was your first impression of the PANRE review course?

Were there any moments where you thought, “Wait…learning can actually be fun?”

How did the live format help you stay engaged and on track?

Did you use any supplemental materials before, during, or after the course?

What was your favorite part of the PANRE review course?

Were there any concepts you finally understood because of the way the course explained them?

What was your biggest hurdle before taking the PANRE?

The course is an intense four days! What were your hacks/motivations to stay engaged?

How did you feel going into test day?

Was there anything about the course that surprised you?

What would you say to another PA who’s on the fence about taking the PANRE review course?

Lastly, if you could sum up the course in three words, what would they be?