Qualities Of A PA School You May Overlook
Cadaver lab
You are likely aware that some PA programs utilize cadaver labs for anatomy courses. But let’s go over why this is useful. For one, cadaver lab enables you to learn anatomy in a better way, where you are able to visually see and handle the anatomy from a real body.
This is particularly useful for your later surgery rotations, typically always required by PA programs during your clinical year. You could be asked questions about structures, so having previously seen real human anatomy, you will be at least somewhat more familiar than had you been taught simply with images.
Resources offered
Does the program provide resources such as tutoring services, question banks (such as Rosh Review or Smarty Pance), or Packrat board practice exams? Some programs do, but not all. You can always pursue these resources yourself while in school, but this is something you can consider looking into.
PANCE pass rate, AND attrition rate
Most are aware to look at the PANCE pass rate of the program (you can find this stat on myPAbox). This is important because it is the main indicator of if the program prepared their student body enough to successfully pass the boards and become a certified PA (kind of the point of PA school). However, in addition to this, pay attention to the attrition rate (meaning, what % of the students that started the program, finished the program). Sometimes life events happen, and students are forced to discontinue the program. But there are programs that also do not allow students to continue the program if they seem unlikely to pass the boards.
However, in addition to this, pay attention to the attrition rate (meaning, what % of the students that started the program, finished the program). Sometimes life events happen, and students are forced to discontinue the program. But there are programs that also do not allow students to continue the program if they seem unlikely to pass the boards.
I.e., they could have a PANCE pass rate of 100% and an attrition rate of 80%, meaning 20% of the class did not take the PANCE. So that PANCE pass rate is…skewed. You ideally want both of these numbers to be high in percentage. 90s and above is a good aim, with the higher the better.
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Responsiveness during the application year/interview
We all know those programs that seem to NEVER get back to you, emails and calls left unanswered. It’s frustrating as you are trying to traverse the confusing application process to not have easy access to program information. On the flip side, some programs always get back to applicants, and make this a priority. Sometimes this can correlate with their responsiveness and level of care once you are an admitted student, so something to keep an eye out for.
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