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:

1. They allowed students to borrow the total cost of their education
2. 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:

• Understanding PA School Acceptance Rates & Admissions in 2025
• How to Ace Your Didactic Year: PA School Ultimate Guide
• PA Specialties: How to Decide Which is Right for You

For many pre-PA students, the first step of the application process is deciding your top programs. As you start to explore PA schools, you feel your chest tighten and pulse quicken as you examine the statistics. How do you know if your application is competitive for your top programs? Should you factor in PA school acceptance rates and rankings when deciding where to apply? This leads you to another question: “How many PA schools should I apply to?”

Here is everything you need to know about PA school acceptance rates, what to consider when applying to different schools, and how to tell if your application has a good chance of acceptance into your program of choice.

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Are PA school acceptance rates a good indication of a program’s quality?

According to the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), the average PA school acceptance rate is approximately 20%, meaning that about 20% of all applicants across the nation gain acceptance to a PA program in any admissions cycle. This number is based on thousands of PA applicants applying to several schools in the hopes of being selected for an interview and eventually receiving an offer of admission.

Programs such as Duke University, long held as one of the top-ranked PA programs**, have acceptance rates as low as 2.3%. Likewise, Baylor College of Medicine and Emory University have acceptance rates of around 3%. There are great PA schools with much higher acceptance rates as well. Marquette University—which was #27 on the U.S. News ranking of top PA programs last year—has an acceptance rate of about 8%, while George Washington University—#6 on the same list—has an acceptance rate of about 6%.

What does a program’s acceptance rate actually mean?

These acceptance rates may not seem like large percentages, but it’s important to remember that acceptance rates are based on the number of total applicants versus the number that is eventually admitted into the program. When you have a large number of applicants competing for a fixed number of spots, then the percentage of accepted students is bound to be lower.

It is also important to remember that the number of students that each program is allowed to admit is inflexible and set by the program’s application to the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). To increase class size, a program must submit an application to ARC-PA with proof that they are able to accommodate and support a greater number of students. It makes sense then that the “top-ranked” programs would have more applicants and therefore, have lower acceptance rates because the ratio of applicants to the number of seats available would be greater.

**A note about PA school rankings

It is worth noting the U.S. News methodology for ranking PA programs. This list is based upon a survey sent to 170 out of 300 programs asking PA program administrators and deans to rank accredited programs on a scale of 1–5. They also have the option of selecting “don’t know” if they are not knowledgeable about the program.

Generally, this ranking is then based on subjective peer assessment rather than objective data. While peer assessment is important and noteworthy, it doesn’t give applicants a holistic evaluation of a program’s quality.

Overall, when considering which program(s) to apply to, there may be qualities that are more important to you than PA school rankings. These may include PANCE pass rates, affordability, location, clinical affiliations, student support and attrition rates, and job placement rates. 

How do you know if your application is competitive?

If there is one piece of advice you take away from this article, it is to apply early! Most PA schools have a rolling admission process, so the earlier you apply in the cycle, the fewer applicants you have to compete with.

Make sure you pay attention to the minimum requirements and, if possible, start planning to exceed those requirements early on to set yourself up for pre-PA success. If you wait until you’re about to apply to PA school to start looking at the requirements, you’re going to find yourself in the tricky position of figuring out if what you’ve taken meets the standards for your top choices. It’s best to figure out your pathway early in your career so that you don’t apply to programs based on which requirements you can meet, instead of picking schools that are a good fit for you.

What are PA schools looking for?

According to the 2020 PAEA Student Report, the overall average GPA of PA matriculants is 3.6 (with a 3.5 average science GPA). GRE scores for the most competitive programs are around 153 and 157 for average quantitative and verbal scores. The average PA student has a baccalaureate degree in one of the natural sciences and typically, has had at least three years of hands-on clinical experience usually as a certified nursing assistant or medical assistant.

Meeting these averages will, of course, place you in a good position for acceptance. But that’s not all PA schools are looking for. 

PA schools are interested in a well-rounded student who has a commitment to serving others, demonstrated through volunteer work, reaching out of their comfort zone, and retaining a passion for helping communities. The abilities to multitask, handle stress, and overcome adversity are all important factors in gaining acceptance. Even if you don’t have the average GRE or GPA scores, going above and beyond in your personal life to demonstrate these soft skills and characteristics will help you gain acceptance. Make sure this is a genuine effort—most admissions committees can tell if you’re checking off the boxes or if your actions reflect your drive to enter a field of service.

How many PA schools should I apply to?

According to the 2020 PAEA Student Report, the average PA school applicant applies to eight PA programs. Applying to one PA program gives you about a 25% chance of acceptance, while applying to 12 PA programs increases those chances to 49%.

To specifically answer how many PA schools to apply to, I personally don’t recommend applying to more than 12 programs, as there is no data that proves this will increase your chances of acceptance.

Should you apply to a program even if your application doesn’t match the average criteria?

Short answer: YES! If you worry about a lower-than-average GRE score but have a great application otherwise, please apply!

Remember that PA programs expect applicants to have done reasonably well in their undergraduate education and on standardized testing, but there are thousands of applicants that meet those criteria.

What makes your application stand out is the amount of time you’ve spent outside of the classroom gaining experience and maturity. PA programs know that they can teach you medicine, but it’s much harder to teach someone compassion. Working with diverse and underserved populations, volunteering your time, and demonstrating empathy and compassion are desirable skills that every PA program is looking for in a candidate.

Tip: Your CASPA personal statement and/or supplemental essays are great places to highlight these qualities!

How important are acceptance rates and rankings when deciding which programs to apply to?

Overall, program rankings do not include all of the existing PA programs and rely on peer evaluations rather than objective data. This isn’t to say that the rankings aren’t one of the valuable tools in deciding what program to apply to—however, the top-ranked, highly desirable programs will have lower acceptance rates just based on the ratio of the number of applicants to the number of seats available.

Use a holistic approach in deciding which programs to apply to and focus more on the programs that fit your personal priorities. Make sure your plan is to identify several programs where you’ll feel you’ll succeed, exceed the minimum requirements, apply early, and back up your words with actions that demonstrate your passion for the profession. If you use that strategy, acceptance rates won’t be a worry at all.

How much does PA school cost? The short answer is…a lot. In fact, the average PA school tuition for a 27-month program can range from about $70,000 to $120,000. 😶‍🌫️

A number of factors determine whether you end up closer to the low or high end of that range. In-state students usually receive a discount on their tuition, while private school programs often cost more than public schools. 

Of course, scholarships can help reduce the price, but there aren’t many scholarship opportunities for PA students—and any available scholarships are often very competitive. So odds are, you’ll likely end up having to invest a pretty penny to become a PA.

If the PA school cost has you concerned and you’re wondering how you’re going to finance your education, don’t worry. We can help! In this post, we’re going to talk about PA student loans, strategies for paying them back, and ways to save on the cost of your PA education.

Let’s begin by talking about some hidden expenses that can end up having a big impact on your bottom line as a PA student.

PA School Cost: More Than Just Tuition

While obviously important, tuition is just one expense you need to consider. And there are times when it’s not the most important thing!

Living Costs

For example, when I applied to PA school, I was accepted into two programs. One was a public school in the downtown of a major city, while the other was a private school in a rural community about 40 minutes away from a big city. The cost of tuition at the public school was about $30,000 less than the cost of the private school.

However, I would have been paying much more for an apartment in the city than I would for one at the private school in the rural area. This influenced my decision, because if my rent was about $800 more per month for 27 months, that accounted for over $21,000 of the difference, not to mention additional expenses that come with living in a more desirable location. Since I knew as a PA student I wouldn’t have much opportunity to enjoy the city anyway, I opted to go to the technically more expensive school.

While confident I made the right decision, under different circumstances I may have opted for the urban location. For example, if I knew I wanted to start my career in the city, it would definitely have been worth going to school there just to get acquainted with the area and gain exposure to hospitals on clinical rotations.

Pro tip: Only apply to programs you would attend and can afford! 

At the end of the day, I was lucky. Having a choice to pick my top PA programs is a luxury. Given the competitive nature of the application process, a lot of times students only get into one school.

Therefore, you shouldn’t waste time and money applying to a school you don’t think you’d attend. And I would research the price of tuition for each program you’re thinking about applying to, as well as what your cost of living will be.

Really picture yourself getting accepted into the program, make sure it’s somewhere you’d like to attend, and the cost of it is something you can afford. You don’t want to end up in a situation in which you get accepted to an expensive school and don’t have other options! At that point, you may feel forced to attend and graduate in serious debt, which may have been avoided if you’d selectively applied to schools with a more reasonable price tag.

Additional Costs

In addition to the cost of tuition and housing, there are some things you’ll need to purchase. Some PA programs have a dress code, so you may have to update your professional attire. You’ll also likely want to have scrubs for anatomy lab and eventually for clinical rotations.

Every semester, new textbooks will be recommended for the courses you’re taking. And you’ll likely need to purchase a reliable computer for note-taking and studying throughout the program! 

Understanding PA Student Loans

For most of us, PA school would be unaffordable if we couldn’t take out student loans. Thankfully, despite the recent changes to the student loan allowances, there are still many options for obtaining student loans for PA school. You can also often get additional money (to cover rent and school materials) added to your total loan balance.

Student Loan Repayment 

At the end of the day, the decision to invest so much time and money into your education is an extremely personal one. While there are great options for student loan repayment, from the NHSC Loan Repayment Program (for those working in underserved communities) to the HPLRP (for military service), not everyone will qualify for those programs. I knew generally where I wanted to move following graduation and that I wanted to work in an inpatient setting, which made me ineligible for the NHSC or HPLRP.

There are some employers that offer loan repayment programs, but it’s not as common as you may think. Of course, PSLF is an option for those who work at not-for-profit organizations, but many are hesitant to bank on this option given how inconsistent government oversight of the program has been. 

In the end, it’s probably best to assume you’ll have to pay back any loans you take out. That way, if you’re able to find some kind of relief through employment, scholarship, or other repayment options, it’ll just be a pleasant surprise!

💸 For more information about the 2026 changes to student loans, check out this other post on the Blueprint blog! PA Student Loans: How to Pay for PA School in 2026

Believe me, you’re not the only one! 

As someone who graduated from PA school with way over $100,000 in student loan debt, trust me, I get it! This can be a stressful conversation. I can assure you that as an aspiring health care professional you’re not alone in this.

The good news about becoming a PA is that your skills are in high demand and there’s excellent job security in this profession. Even if you need to relocate, you’ll likely always have a job. With reliable income, you can pay off your loans in a few years. Continuing to educate yourself on cost and loan repayment options is a very powerful way to stay informed and take control of your finances. 

Final Thoughts

PA school is expensive, but there are things you can do to reduce how much you’ll owe upon graduation. Keep these tips in mind and your financial future will be a bright one. In the end, becoming a PA is a smart financial investment. The profession pays well, and demand for skilled healthcare professionals like you is only growing!

If you’re in undergrad considering your path in healthcare, you may be wondering a common question: “Is PA school hard?” Well, the short answer is, yes! (But, you can get through it if you’re armed with knowledge about what’s ahead. 😉)

The goal of this article is to give you a sense of what to expect and how to overcome the obstacles that’ll inevitably come your way if do choose to pursue PA school! Let’s begin by taking a look at how PA school stacks up compared to other healthcare career paths. Is PA school hard relative to other grad-level medical degree programs, and what other factors make this path challenging?

How hard is PA school compared to med school or NP school?

As an aspiring healthcare professional, you may have taken the time to compare different healthcare careers. Oftentimes, students on this journey will compare and contrast the MD/DO, NP, or PA pathways. These careers are all very rewarding! 

While they have their differences, one large misconception is that PA school is an “easier” option than other healthcare pathways. This isn’t necessarily true—all these paths are rewarding and challenging in their own way!

So, if you’re looking to pursue a career as a PA because it’s the “easier” option, you’ll be unpleasantly surprised. While going to PA school is a very rewarding experience, it’s also a challenging path. You can do it, but like other grad healthcare career paths, it’s going to be tough.

Is PA school hard to get into? 

While PA school isn’t as long as medical school, it’s just as challenging and often proves to be even harder to get into given its current popularity. 

To give you a sense of what admittance standards are, the minimum GPA requirement is usually a 3.0 to apply to most PA schools, and the average GPA of accepted PA students is closer to 3.6.

💡 For more answers about the admissions process, check out this post about PA school acceptance rates!

How hard is PA school from an academic standpoint?

Since most PA school applicants are high academic performers, they usually head into PA school assuming the same study techniques they used during undergrad will work in PA school. But after just the first few weeks, many students realize their old study habits won’t cut it anymore. 

Given the sheer volume of material you have to learn, it’s crucial to develop new study techniques. Students who once relied on flashcards realize they don’t have enough time to prepare them now. Those who were fine studying a day or two before exams suddenly understand they need to begin reviewing as soon as the material is presented in order to keep up. And some weeks they have multiple exams, which (needless to say) can be really draining!

Can you work while you’re in PA school? 

Students accepted into PA programs are advised, and sometimes even required, not to work during the program. This is due to the rigorous demands and coursework, making any other commitments extremely difficult to maintain. It’s also to ensure students are prepared to prioritize the program, as it takes a lot of time and dedication to succeed.

How hard is PA school when it comes to taking time off, holidays, etc.? 

Outside of the strenuous educational component, there are many sacrifices that a PA student needs to make in order to be successful. For the entirety of the program, don’t expect to have more than a week or so off around the holidays. PA graduate programs range from 24 to 27 months long and rarely include a summer break. If you do attend a program with any extended breaks, that time will be made up in the total length of the program. 

While cumulative exams will mark the end of each semester, sometimes all you have is a week off before starting up again. It can be a whirlwind and a balancing act to keep up with all that’s required to comprehensively learn medicine in just two years.

Can you be dismissed from PA school? 

Of course, acceptance into a program doesn’t guarantee you’ll graduate. If your performance isn’t up to the school’s standards, you can be dismissed from it. 

Is clinical year of PA school difficult? 

Even once you’re through didactic year, the learning and commitment won’t stop. You have an additional clinical year when your knowledge is put to the test with hands-on patient care directed by your preceptor. 

There’s going to be a lot on your plate at this time, believe me. You’re doing full-time clinical work, preparing for end-of-rotation exams, and the PANCE at the end of the year. The good news is passing the PANCE will, in a sense, finally be the end of the road, because it’s the last step to obtaining your certification!

Is PA school hard on your social life? 

While the coursework and academic requirements are of course a challenge, for me one of the hardest parts of PA school was watching the world go by as I continued my education. 

Of course, I was so thankful to be where I was, but it was hard not to feel behind or left out. I watched my best friends go on trips together and I was stuck studying. Many of them took post-graduation trips with the money they were making at their new jobs, which I didn’t have the time or money to participate in. I had to FaceTime into all the family holiday gatherings I couldn’t make it home to, and sent gifts to weddings and other special occasions I had to miss. While the career was without a doubt worth it, it was anything but easy.

One comforting part about PA school is that it opens up opportunities for you to build friendships within your program, too! Check out this post about building friendships during PA school. 💙

So, is PA school hard? Yes—but totally worth it! 

If you ask any practicing PA to describe their experience during graduate school, I can assure you they won’t say it was easy. That said, this reality is not to deter you from pursuing this incredible career! Rather, it’s to prepare you for the challenges ahead, so you can avoid any misconception that the path to PA-C is an “easy” one. 

I’ve been practicing for four years now (wow, does time fly), and I still remember what those 24 months of education were like. I have a group of excellent friends I met along the way (trauma-bonding at its finest), who I’m so thankful for. We struggled, laughed, and cried together, and now we’re all PA-Cs in our respective specialties. 

All this is to say, as long as you’re ready to put in the effort, you’ll do well on this humbling, gratifying journey! 💙

Choosing a career in healthcare can feel a bit like a crossroads—your heart’s in it, but your brain is fried by all the options out there. If “PA vs RN” or “RN vs PA” has been showing up on your search history way too much, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the real differences between physician associate (PA) and registered nurse (RN) careers, so you can pick the path that actually fits your strengths, interests, and future dreams—not what everyone else says you “should” do.

Understanding the Roles of a PA vs RN

What Does a PA Do?

Think of a PA as a medical ninja who can diagnose, treat, and even prescribe like a doctor—but usually works alongside one. PAs are trained in a disease-centered medical model. Their main gig is solving complex medical puzzles, writing treatment plans, performing physical exams, and assisting in surgeries. You’ll find them everywhere from sports medicine clinics to ERs and surgery centers.

Typical PA responsibilities

• Taking medical histories and examining patients
• Diagnosing illnesses and injuries
• Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
• Developing treatment plans
• Prescribing medicine (yep, they can)
• Assisting in surgeries or performing minor procedures

Where do PAs work?

Basically everywhere healthcare happens! Hospitals, private practices, urgent care, outpatient clinics, and even rural health centers where they might be the “go-to” provider.

What Does an RN Do?

RNs are patient-centered pros who juggle direct care, education, and advocacy all at once. RNs focus on helping patients and their families understand health conditions, managing ongoing care, and supporting recovery in very hands-on ways.

Typical RN responsibilities

• Monitoring patients and updating medical charts
• Administering medication and treatments
• Supporting doctors during exams or surgeries
• Educating patients and families
• Advocating for patient needs and well-being

Where do RNs work?

Talk about variety! RNs can be found in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, community clinics, at-home care, and just about any facility you can think of.

Educational Pathways: PA vs RN

How to Become a PA

If you geek out on advanced science and want to level up from the start, becoming a PA is a bit of a “marathon-with-some-hurdles” situation.

• Bachelor’s degree (usually science-heavy, with prerequisites like chemistry, biology, and anatomy)
• Healthcare experience is always required. (Think EMT, medical assistant, or scribe work)
• PA program (Master’s level, 2-3 years, jam-packed with classroom, lab, and hundreds of clinical hours)
• Certification means passing the PANCE exam, then licensure in your state
• Ongoing learning is part of the deal because you’ll need to recertify every 10 years

How to Become an RN

Want more options? Nursing lets you pick your path and pace.

• Two degree pathways
  • Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): Get started in as little as 2 years.
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Takes about 4 years, opens up more advanced roles and (spoiler alert) sometimes gets you better pay.
• NCLEX-RN: You must pass this national exam to grab your state license.
• Level-up options: Want more autonomy? Go for a master’s or doctorate (MSN, DNP) and become a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, or take on leadership roles.

Scope of Practice and Autonomy RN vs PA

How Much Autonomy Do PAs Have?

• Most PAs work “with supervision,” but get a lot of freedom. They diagnose, treat, and prescribe under a supervising physician’s eye.
• Many states give PAs increasing independence, especially in underserved areas.
• Bonus points for flexibility! PAs can switch specialties (ER to dermatology to surgery) with no extra math classes.

How Much Autonomy Do RNs Have?

• RNs follow a “scope of practice,” set by state law. That means what you can (and can’t) do depends on where you live and work.
• RNs are the patient advocates, educating, monitoring, and supporting at every turn.
• Want more power? Become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), nurse practitioner (NP), nurse midwife, or clinical nurse specialist. These roles offer more autonomy and the ability to diagnose, treat, and sometimes prescribe (i.e., NP).

Career Advancement and Specialization PA vs Nurse

Who Can Specialize and Level Up?

PAs 

• Can jump between specialties without extra degrees (hello, career flexibility!)
• Can move into leadership or educator roles with experience

RNs 

• Get to specialize like crazy! Oncology, peds, ICU, ER, geriatrics, psych, surgery, school nursing…you name it.
• Add certifications for extra swag (think CCRN, CPN, CHF Nurse)
• Go grad school to become a nurse practitioner, nurse educator, nurse executive, or researcher

Salary and Job Outlook: PA vs RN

What’s the Paycheck Like?

PAs

• Median annual wage (2022): About $126,000 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• Factors that bump it up? Specialty, location, experience, and extra certifications
• Demand is sky-high, with a 31 percent job growth projected from 2020 to 2030

RNs 

• Median annual wage (2022): Around $77,600 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• Pay varies a lot based on advanced degrees, specialty, shift differentials, and geography
• Demand is also looking strong, with a projected 6 percent growth in jobs by 2031 and brand new roles emerging in telehealth, informatics, and more

Work Life Balance and Satisfaction: PA vs RN

What’s It Really Like Day-to-Day?

Both jobs can be demanding, but with big rewards (and some stress).

PAs: Generally work regular hours in clinics, but hospital PAs may do nights or weekends. On-call time is possible, especially in surgery and ER roles.

RNs: Shifts vary, from the classic 12-hour marathon to flexible part-time or per-diem gigs. Hospitals, home care, schools, even cruise ships (!).

Both careers are challenging but deeply meaningful. Many PAs find satisfaction in teamwork and problem-solving. Many RNs find immense joy in bonding with patients and making a visible difference.

Pro tip: Job satisfaction soars when your role matches your interests and work-life priorities. Shadow a PA, talk to RNs, and ask them what really lights them up at work.

Quick Comparison Recap: PA vs RN

So that was a LOT to cover. Maybe you scrolled down the page looking for all the answers in one place? If so, you’re in luck:

Making the Right Choice for You: RN or PA?

Your choice doesn’t have to be permanent, and it definitely shouldn’t be based on what looks fancier on a LinkedIn profile. Reflect on:

• Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment, making snap decisions? Or would you rather build long-term patient relationships?
• Are you more jazzed about science, diagnosing, and procedures (PA), or is hands-on patient care and advocacy (RN) more your style?
• Want flexibility to move between specialties? Each role offers unique flavor here.

At the end of the day, the best healthcare career isn’t the one with the “highest salary” or the trendiest title. It’s the path that clicks with your strengths, interests, and the kind of impact you want to make. PA vs RN? Both roles are absolute game-changers in the health world, and both are needed every single day.

If you’re still not sure, that’s perfectly normal. Take time to shadow, talk to professionals, and ask the tough questions. Trust yourself to choose the direction that will keep you excited to show up every day—scrubs, stethoscopes, and all.

Looking for more pre-health content? Check out these other posts on the Blueprint blog:

• What Bachelor Degree Do I Need to Become a Physician Assistant?
• QUIZ: What Type of Nurse Should I Be?
• What Are Physician Assistant Hours? A Guide for Pre-PA Students

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):

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!

As a pre-PA, you’re likely gearing up for a tough part of the process—writing your PA school supplemental essays. But don’t stress too much over it! Instead, think of it as your chance to showcase your qualifications, experiences, and passion for the PA profession. ⭐

Of course, everyone else will have a chance to do that, too. So how do you ensure that your essays stand out from the crowd? We can help. In this blog post, we’ll look at some PA school supplemental essay examples, so you can see what schools are looking for. We’ll also offer tips and insights to guide you through the writing process. 

Let’s begin! 

🩺 Want to make sure you’re prepped for PA school? Try out our Pre-PA practice questions from anatomy and physiology to medical terminology, professional practice, and more!

Examples for Your PA School Supplemental Essays

Here are some common questions applicants are asked, tips on how to get started, and good sample responses:

1. How will you engage your community as a PA to better the health and wellness of its members?

Background: 

As a PA, you’ll have the chance to not only provide care to individuals. You can also influence the health of entire communities! This question allows you to reflect on your understanding of community health and how you’ll contribute to improving the overall wellness of the populations you serve.

Brainstorming Tips:

Think about experiences where you’ve volunteered or worked in community health settings. Have you been involved in health fairs, community outreach, or education programs? 

Consider how these experiences shaped your view of healthcare and how you can continue this work after graduation. PA programs like to see commitment that’s spanned more than just the application time period. 

Sample Answer:

“Throughout my career in healthcare, I have worked closely with underserved populations, seeing how limited access to resources can impact individuals’ health. As a PA, I will actively engage with my community by developing and participating in health education programs that target common health issues, such as hypertension and diabetes. I believe that by providing preventative care and education, I can help patients take control of their health before more serious problems arise.

One example of my previous involvement was organizing free health screenings at local community centers. By educating patients on proper health monitoring, we saw a significant improvement in follow-up care and health outcomes. 

In my role as a PA, I will continue to build on these efforts, collaborating with healthcare teams and local organizations to address barriers to care and ensure that our community receives holistic, patient-centered treatment.”

Why This Works:

This essay is strong because it demonstrates a clear understanding of their potential role in community health. The applicant connects their past experiences to their future goals, showing they’re committed to creating positive health changes in the community.

Tip:

Be specific! Instead of just stating you’ll provide health education, outline concrete examples of how you’ll do it. What initiatives will you create? Who will you collaborate with? 

2. How have you handled hardship in the past?

Background: 

Hardship—whether it’s relating to complex patients, managing a heavy workload, or facing personal challenges—is a common theme in healthcare. This essay provides you with an opportunity to showcase resilience and adaptability which are qualities that are essential for any PA.

Brainstorming Tips:

Think about a time when you faced a challenge, whether it was professional or personal. How did you approach the situation? What did you learn from it? The goal is to highlight your problem-solving skills, emotional intelligence, and ability to persevere.

Sample Answer:

“During my time as a medical assistant, our clinic experienced a sudden influx of patients due to a flu outbreak. As one of the few staff members trained to handle administrative tasks and assist with patient care, I found myself balancing multiple responsibilities, from processing patient histories to assisting with urgent medical assessments. It quickly became clear that the clinic was understaffed, and the pressure was mounting.

During this overwhelming period of time, I focused on staying calm and organized. I prioritized the most urgent cases, communicated effectively with the medical team, and ensured that patients felt heard and cared for, despite the time constraints. I learned that teamwork, communication, and staying focused in a high-pressure environment are essential when handling challenges. This experience strengthened my resolve to remain composed and proactive, which will be crucial as I navigate the demands of PA education and the profession.”

Why This Works:

This response highlights the applicant’s ability to handle stress and work efficiently in challenging situations. It shows resilience, teamwork, and the ability to reflect on the experience. 

Tip:

When discussing hardship, it’s important to show how you grew from the experience. Highlight not just how you overcame the challenge, but what you learned and how it will inform your future actions as a PA.

3. How will you uphold our mission as a graduate of our program?

Background:

This question asks you to reflect on how your values align with the mission of the PA program you’re applying to. Programs are looking for applicants who not only excel academically but also share their commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care, especially for underserved populations.

Brainstorming Tips:

Research the program’s mission and values thoroughly. Do they emphasize diversity, service, or community health? How does your past experience align with these values? Reflect on how your goals as a future PA will contribute to the program’s mission.

Sample Answer:

“I am drawn to your program’s emphasis on helping underserved communities and providing culturally competent care. Throughout my volunteer work at a free clinic, I witnessed how patients from marginalized communities often struggled to navigate the healthcare system. This experience instilled in me a deep commitment to advocating for patients who face healthcare disparities.

As a graduate of your program, I would uphold its values by ensuring every patient I interact with receives respectful, personalized care. I plan to continue working with underserved populations, addressing their unique needs by offering patient education, promoting preventative care, and fostering trust through effective communication. By staying committed to lifelong learning and continually refining my skills, I will provide the highest level of care, consistent with your program’s mission to deliver compassionate, inclusive healthcare to all.”

Why This Works:

The applicant demonstrates a clear understanding of the program’s values and articulates how their own experiences align with those goals. The focus on serving underserved populations and a commitment to continuous learning makes the applicant stand out.

Tip:

Be sure to connect your personal goals to the program’s mission. Don’t just say you agree with their values, but instead show how you’ll actively contribute to those values through your work as a PA.

3 General Tips for Writing Your PA Supplemental Essays

1. Be genuine.

Admissions committees want to get to know the real you! Don’t just write what you think they want to hear. 

2. Talk about your experiences. 

Be sure to share your unique experiences and perspectives. Whenever possible, provide specific examples of your experiences. This not only makes your essay more engaging but also helps the committee understand how you’ve developed the skills they’re looking for. 

Remember to highlight how your past experiences will inform your work as a PA. Whether it’s patient care, teamwork, or community engagement, always tie your essay back to how these skills will help you succeed as a physician assistant. 

3. Make sure there are no mistakes!

Finally, proofread your document. It may seem obvious, but it’s easy to overlook. Make sure your essay is free of typos and grammatical errors. Ask a trusted friend, mentor, or advisor to review it for clarity and flow.

💡 Check out this other post on the blog with more in-depth tips for your PA school supplemental essays!

Final Thoughts

PA school supplemental essays are a chance to showcase who you are, what drives you, and why you’re the right fit for the PA profession. By focusing on specific, real-world examples and connecting them to the core values of the program you’re applying to, you’ll give yourself the best chance of standing out. Use these PA school supplemental essay examples and tips to create an essay that lands you an interview! 

Remember to be authentic, show growth, and always keep the PA role at the heart of your essay. Good luck, and happy writing!

Looking for more (free!) content to help you through the PA school application process? Check out these other posts on the Blueprint PA blog!

• Understanding PA School Acceptance Rates & Admissions
• CASPA Personal Statement Examples for Your PA School Application
• PA School Application Timeline: The Ultimate Guide

You’ve decided to apply to PA school—congratulations! You’re about to embark on an exciting (and busy) couple of years on your way to becoming a PA-C. As PA school application numbers have grown, administrators have started to use the Physician Assistant College Admission Test (PA-CAT) by Exam Master to help determine applicant knowledge and assist in the admissions process. So what is this exam, do you need to take it, and how can you prepare with a Qbank?

First things first: What is the PA-CAT exam?

The PA-CAT exam measures your knowledge of core subjects that are prerequisites for PA school. It’s designed to test your academic ability and determine your knowledge base to see if you’re a good fit for the program you’re applying to.

The PA-CAT exam consists of 240 multiple-choice questions that cover nine core subjects (listed below). You have 4.5 hours of total time for the test, and it’s administered electronically at testing sites.

Which subjects does the PA-CAT exam cover?

The PA-CAT exam covers knowledge, comprehension, application, and analysis in these nine subjects:

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• General Biology
• Biochemistry
• General and Organic Chemistry
• Microbiology
• Behavioral Sciences
• Genetics
• Statistics

Should I take the PA-CAT exam?

If the programs you’re applying to require it, absolutely! Otherwise, you can consider taking it as a self-assessment tool or to increase your core subject knowledge.

How can I prepare for the PA-CAT exam?

The point of the exam is not to test your memorization skills—it’s designed to show that you understand the material and can properly apply it. Some memorization will be necessary (like with anatomical terms), but your focus should be on truly knowing the material before you memorize anything.

This is where a Qbank with practice questions, which you can use to create your own PA-CAT practice test, becomes invaluable. And Blueprint PA (formerly Rosh Review) is the only Qbank with practice questions approved by Exam Master to prepare for the PA-CAT exam.

Why is using a Qbank so critical when preparing for your PA-CAT exam?

Retrieval Practice

Answering a practice question forces you to retrieve the information from your memory, which is a much more effective way to cement the knowledge in your memory than if you only read from a review book or textbook.

Spaced Repetition

Answering PA-CAT practice questions repeatedly over days to weeks creates stronger memory bonds between topics and solidifies your knowledge.

What will I find in the PA-CAT Qbank?

Hundreds of Practice Questions

All practice questions in the Rosh Review PA-CAT Qbank match the categories and learning objectives from the Exam Master blueprint for the PA-CAT.

Each question is written by experienced clinicians and educators who distill exactly what you need to know about anatomy, physiology, general biology, biochemistry, general and organic chemistry, microbiology, behavioral sciences, genetics, and statistics, so you won’t be spending valuable time on unrelated subjects.

Comprehensive Explanations

Each question in the Qbank includes detailed explanations of the correct and incorrect answers—because understanding why an answer is incorrect is just as important as knowing why one is correct. Explanations also include custom teaching images that simplify difficult concepts and help you visualize them.

Here are some examples of images you’ll see in the PA-CAT Qbank:

Anatomy

Physiology

General Biology

Biochemistry

General and Organic Chemistry

Microbiology

Behavioral Sciences

Genetics

Statistics

Personal Analytics

The PA-CAT Qbank includes an analytics section that shows your progress as you answer questions and tracks how well you’re doing in each category. This allows you to spend your time wisely by focusing on weak topics.

For example, if your analytics show that you have a good foundation of anatomy but your statistics could use some work, you know to repeatedly target statistics questions until you’ve grasped the concepts.

Practice Exams

With the PA-CAT Qbank Bundle, you’ll also have access to the Mock PA-CAT, a practice test that mimics the actual exam. Taking the Mock PA-CAT will give you an even better idea of the areas you still need to focus on before exam day.

When you take the mock exam with the same time constraints and settings as the actual test (sitting in one place without music, your phone, or frequent snack breaks), it will prepare you for what to expect on exam day. This practice run will also help you get a boost of confidence, knowing you aren’t walking into an unknown.

Mobile App

You can access your Qbank from an free, easy-to-use app on your mobile device, allowing you to get in bursts of studying on the go. Waiting for an appointment or commuting on the subway? No problem—you haven’t lost valuable study time! And when you get home, easily switch over to your computer or tablet—your progress is saved across all devices.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for PA school is step 1 on your journey toward becoming a PA-C. If the PA-CAT exam is in your future, you’ve got this! Remember that building this foundation of knowledge early on will better serve you through school and your career—and more importantly, it will help you provide more well-rounded care for your future patients.

As a takeaway, here are four key points to achieve a high score on your PA-CAT exam:

• Study with the only PA-CAT practice questions approved by Exam Master for the PA-CAT
• Learn exactly which subjects are covered on the PA-CAT to avoid wasting valuable time on areas that won’t appear on your exam
• Use practice questions and a combination of learning techniques such as retrieval practice and spaced repetition
• Pay attention to Blueprint PA’s custom teaching images—they’re ideal for visual learners who better understand topics by seeing them drawn out

Looking for even more pre-PA tips? Check out these other posts on the blog!

• PA-CAT vs GRE: What You Need to Know for PA School
• Understanding PA School Acceptance Rates & Admissions
• The Do’s and Don’ts of Writing an Impactful PA School Personal Statement

Originally published October 2021 / Updated February 2025

Standardized tests have always been a part of the application process for becoming a PA, and the GRE was the only test around when I was going through applications. While the MCAT is sometimes accepted, it often isn’t a preferred requirement by programs, but the PA-CAT is a similar knowledge-based test focusing on the main prerequisite subjects required for PA school. Here are some similarities and differences between the PA-CAT vs GRE and how to prepare.

PA-CAT vs GRE: PA School Requirements

As a pre-PA coach, I’ve been getting more and more questions about the PA-CAT since it launched, with the main one being, “What is it?” With the ever-changing application process for PA school, it’s important to stay up to date on changes to requirements with each of the programs you plan to apply to, and know the differences between the PA-CAT vs GRE.

I applied to PA school 10 years ago, and if you asked me to predict how the process would change, my guess would be more standardization between prerequisites, testing, and deadlines. That hasn’t been the case, as programs have even more variety in requirements now.

With schools receiving thousands of applications, they use various standards when going through the applicant pool, and programs determine their particular requirements based on what they think will result in the most successful students. These prerequisite requirements can change even between cycles as schools try to fine-tune the process. 

What is the GRE?

Traditionally, the GRE has been used as an application factor for PA programs. Since PA school is a master’s level program, it’s common for a standardized test to be a requirement.

The GRE is a strategy-based test focused on basic math in the quantitative section and vocabulary skills in the verbal section. A writing section is also included but not typically important for PA programs. There are also specific subject GRE tests, but for the purposes of applying to PA school, only the general test is required.  

While the GRE has been a common requirement for many years, there is still a lack of significant data to show a direct correlation between GRE scores and success in PA school or passing the PANCE (the standardized test required at the end of PA school).

What is the PA-CAT?

More recently, the PA-CAT was developed specifically based on the typical prerequisite requirements of most PA schools. The topics covered include anatomy, physiology, general biology, general and organic chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, behavioral sciences, genetics, and statistics.

While that may seem more intimidating than a strategy test, there are some benefits as well. The PA-CAT can help identify areas you may struggle with before starting PA school. It’s also scored in the same way as the PANCE, so PA schools are using this exam to see if there is a correlation in performance on the PA-CAT and more success in PA schools. 

While PA schools want you to do well in their programs and graduate, the average attrition rate is 6.63% in 2023 according to the ARC-PA 2023 report. A knowledge-based test like the PA-CAT may be a way for programs to distinguish which students will complete PA school since the rigor of undergraduate courses can vary.

Another benefit to the exam is an opportunity to show another strength on your application if you have a below-average GPA or a rough semester freshman year. The PA-CAT could prove to be a strong marker that schools look at when holistically assessing applicants. 

Prepping for PA school? Try Blueprint’s Pre-PA Qbanks designed to get you up to speed before day 1!

🩺 Pre-PA Preparation Qbank: Get a leg up for your PA program with questions on anatomy, physiology, and more!

😺 PA-CAT Qbank: The only PA-CAT prep endorsed by the exam creators!

🎒 PA-CAT Qbank Bundle: PA-CAT Qbank + mock exam

Side-by-Side Comparison: PA-CAT vs GRE

How do the PA-CAT vs GRE compare in terms of subject, length, cost, scoring, and other categories? Let’s compare!

So where do you go from here?

Check program websites before signing up for any exams. Once you identify the testing requirements that need to be fulfilled, make a study plan using trusted resources. Find an accountability partner and try to spread your test prep out to keep the knowledge fresh until test day. Good luck!

As you’re applying to PA school and filling out the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA), you may wonder about the “Experiences” section and how much detail to include. At its core, the CASPA experiences section is meant to help you stand out among other applicants for PA school and showcase your individuality in a sea of good grades and mandatory prerequisites. 

Sometimes, the CASPA experiences section can even be your ace in the hole as it can increase the competitiveness of your application if any part of it (such as your grades) is found lacking. Given the importance of this section, you’ll want to spend time reviewing your experiences to see which are best to include!

When filling out this portion of the application, you’ll be able to add each experience you think increases your chances of landing an interview. Keep in mind, though, the CASPA experiences section is organized by categories, so you’ll have to select which category of experience you’re inputting and then provide further information about it. 

So, what should you include in the CASPA experiences section? Let’s have a look at each category, and talk about what’ll make you stand out as a candidate. 

🩺 Want to make sure you’re prepped for PA school? Try out these Pre-PA practice questions from anatomy and physiology to medical terminology, professional practice, and more!

Extracurricular Activities

I love the extracurricular activities portion of the CASPA experiences section. What you decide to include here can really help define you as a candidate and tell the admissions committee something about your interests. You can include organizations you were involved in or even sports you played in this category.

Non-Healthcare Employment

While you may not think your previous job as a waitress or receptionist is pertinent, it shows off your work ethic. It may also be impressive for the admissions committee to see you were working hard in many ways. Balancing work and school can be quite the challenge, and it deserves to be appreciated. Therefore, include any non-healthcare positions in this CASPA experiences category.

Healthcare Experience

Healthcare experience is paid or unpaid experience in the healthcare field. This CASPA experiences category is different from patient care experience, as there doesn’t need to be hands-on patient care. There are no required hours for health care experience, but this experience helps showcase your knowledge of the medical field in general. 

Good examples of this would be medical scribes, medical receptionists, or unit clerking among others. Even if they aren’t hands-on, you should definitely include any relevant experiences here.

Patient Care Experience

While this is still experience in the healthcare field, it’s specific to hands-on patient care experience. This involves actively working with patients by taking vitals, performing procedures, or administering medications. Examples under this CASPA experiences category include working as a nursing assistant, phlebotomist, paramedic, or nurse, among other things. This experience is usually paid, therefore shadowing or volunteering don’t fit this description.

A lot of schools have requirements for mandatory patient care experience, so ensure you’re logging these correctly and leaving no hours out. Many schools require a minimum of 500 hours, but make sure you look further into the requirements for each individual program you apply for because this can vary with some schools requiring over 2,000 hours. Your patient care experience will also be helpful to pull from when answering questions if you’re invited for an interview.

Leadership Experience

Leadership experience often goes hand in hand with extracurricular activities, but this CASPA experiences category is specific for roles where you held a position. 

My leadership experiences included co-president of the biology club, social coordinator of my sorority, and secretary in the college honors society. Some schools may be more interested in your leadership roles than others, but if you’re applying to PA school, I recommend trying to get involved in different leadership positions. This helps to showcase your responsibility and commitment.

Research

This CASPA experiences category is for any research project you participated in outside of regular classroom work. Whether you spent the summer as a research assistant, assisted with your professors’ research outside of class hours, or spent time after college working in a research position, all of these are things you’d include in this section of the application.

Not all applicants will have this, but it is great to include if you do!

Shadowing

Another area that’s required by programs is job shadowing. Specifically, this should be shadowing a physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or doctor, otherwise it won’t count towards program requirements. 

Shadowing is extremely important, as it ensures that you’ve taken the time to immerse yourself in this career and ensure it’s for you. As you know, PA school is hard work and success requires a passion for the career path. The number of shadowing hours required also varies per school, so make sure you look into what your desired programs ask for.

Teaching Experience

These would include any experiences that involved you instructing others. My personal teaching experience came from tutoring during college and acting as a teaching assistant. 

Other examples would include instructing certification courses such as BLS. This shows a high level of understanding that may impress the admissions committee by showcasing your knowledge.

Volunteering

Volunteer experience can help shape you as a well-rounded candidate. If you can, I highly encourage you to do some. Not only does it enhance your application, but–more importantly–it’s truly fulfilling work. Colleges often do a really great job at providing volunteer opportunities for students.

My personal volunteer experience came from working at the Boys & Girls club at the local elementary school. Any volunteer work is great to include in this CASPA experiences category, even if it doesn’t relate to healthcare!

Bottom line: use your CASPA experiences section strategically!

Not all areas of the CASPA experiences section need to be highlighted on your application. For example, if you have no research experience, that’s fine! The only areas that are required by most programs include shadowing and patient care experience. Anything else you add is a bonus, and I encourage you to try and include everything you can. Make sure you describe any roles you’ve held in detail and say how you were involved in each experience, especially those you feel the admissions committee may be interested in.

…and start compiling them early!

Depending on your involvement, this can definitely be time-consuming, so make sure you start early to ensure you don’t have to rush through this. In anticipation of the application process, I would start organizing your experiences into categories so you ensure nothing is forgotten.

Best of luck with the CASPA experiences section! If you’d like more help preparing the rest of your PA school application, check out these other posts on the blog:

• CASPA Personal Statement Examples for Your PA School Application
• PA School Application Timeline: The Ultimate Guide
• How to Write Standout PA School Supplemental Essays