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Types of exams to expect in PA school

Types Of Exams To Expect In PA School

As a student, you have been taking exams your whole life, and this does not stop in PA school. In fact, it is quite the opposite, and you will likely be tested more than ever before. Types of exams can definitely vary by program (see various program types on MYPABOX), but I will go over the most common types you will likely see:

Block/module exams

These are the most standard type of exam you will have in PA school, and likely similar to the types you have had in the past. They are typically multiple-choice with 4-5 answer options. They can be first-order or second-order questions (see blog titled “PA school exam-taking tips” for more info on this).

And they are usually all encompassing of the subject, class, or system you are currently on. These are your “big” exams to pass the class. Oftentimes there is one at the end of the module, or there may be a testing structure that utilizes a midterm/multiple exams within one block

Skills/Oral Presentation Exams

Skills exams involve showcasing a skill you have learned or how you communicate with a patient. Sometimes these will be done on a prosthetic patient, sometimes a classmate, and sometimes a real standardized patient. No matter who is utilized for you to perform the exam on, the concept is the same. You will show that you know how to perform a certain exam (ex. cardiovascular exam, upper extremity musculoskeletal exam) in terms of your technical skill, and also in terms of your patient interactions/flow. Usually the room will have you, a patient, and a proctor to observe.

OSCEs

OSCEs (Objective Structured Clinical Examinations) are utilized very often in PA school. OSCEs consist of multiple stations you rotate through, and have more of an emphasis on patient interaction, but skills are also utilized. Really, an OSCE station can be anything from putting EKG leads on a patient, to educating the patient about their new diagnosis, to breaking bad news to the patient. It truly can be anything, but is most commonly similar to skills exams in that these are practical exams typically with a patient and a proctor at the station.

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Group Exams

This is not quite as common, but is increasing in popularity in PA programs. My program had these, so I am very familiar with them, and I can say –I love them! Essentially a group exam is typically taken immediately after a block/module exam. You submit your individual exam, and then take the exact same exam a second time but with your testing group. This enables you to discuss each question with your group of classmates and learn about any aspects you overlooked or weren’t sure about.

Sometimes, if you score a certain high percentage on the group exam, you can get bonus points on your individual exam. But the real benefit of group exams is the additional learning experience you garner from being afforded the opportunity to learn and discuss the exam with your group afterward.

Here is another article about Tips on Taking Exams in PA School.

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