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How to Choose Your PA Program: Part 2

There are common aspects to look at when deciding which PA program is the best for you. These include things such as meeting basic requirements (these can be checked on MyPAbox), the PANCE pass rate, location, and so forth as listed in the blog “How to choose your PA program”.

But, there are some other qualities of PA programs you can look at. So what are some unique features that differentiate PA programs? Here are 5 unique aspects some PA programs offer.

1. Offering additional classes

These can be electives or already integrated into the curriculum. Every PA program will teach you cardiology, but not every PA program will teach you medical Spanish. Sometimes there are electives that dive deeper into a certain disease (ex. Alzheimer’s, diabetes) or subject (global health, rural health, interprofessionalism).

2. SIM Lab

You’ve probably heard of cadaver lab, which includes real bodies donated to science used to study anatomy. SIM lab is separate and not a replacement for this. SIM lab is a robotic patient where you can practice clinical skills and patient interactions. Some are more intricate than others, with breath sounds and heart murmurs that can be heard.

3. International rotations

Certain programs will allow you the opportunity to do a clinical rotation abroad. This takes place during your clinical year and can still be covered by your loans. Usually, if this is offered, there are various types of rotations (ex. family medicine, women’s health) and different countries offered.

4. Tutoring services

Does the PA program have any resources available when students need it? Sometimes it is free and sometimes there is a fee for the tutor, but nice to know there would be resources available if needed.

5. Events

Social events: Does the program put on any events to facilitate community amongst students? Sometimes there are events that also involve faculty. This is good for the comradery of the program, which is an important aspect of your PA school experience!

Community events/volunteering: Sometimes there are also local clinics or community service that the PA program may be involved in. This is great for patient contact early on and service opportunities.

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