Everything you need to know to apply to PA jobs

This depends on when you want to start working. I personally started casually applying 2 months prior to graduation, and continued applying until after graduation. If you want to start working as soon as possible, starting a few months before graduation is helpful. It’s a fine balance because depending on the work site, they may need someone to start earlier than you are able if you are presently still in school. If you are wanting a little break, applying closer to graduation would help facilitate that. 

Typically, loan payments kick in 6 months after graduation, so 6 months is seen as the maximum length of time to start the job. Most people start 2-4 months post-grad. There is always some amount of gap because after graduation, first you must sit for the national boards – the PANCE. After receiving those results, you must also apply for a state license in the state you will work in. Depending on the state, this step can take from weeks to months. 

Once you know where you are working, your job will need to credential you and your new medical license with all the insurance companies they utilize. They will need your state medical license and the DEA license (this one tends to process quicker). The insurance credentialing step can take up to multiple months as well, depending on your job. Therefore there are multiple steps that all take a varying length of time. Commonly, jobs can work with you if you want or need to start earlier or later within a reasonable amount of time.