Congrats! You got into PA school, now what?
Once you have been accepted into PA school, it's important to continue preparing in order to be successful in your studies and future career as a PA!
When preparing for your first year of PA school, consider the following Steps:
1. Connect with your incoming PA Class!
Connecting with your classmates before starting PA school can be beneficial in several ways! It can help you build your support network, formulate study groups and work together to prepare for exams, build relationships that are more supportive and collaborative for learning, network and help reduce stress.
How to connect to your future classmates:
Outreach from Canadian PA Student Associations: The PA Student Association will reach out a few months via email before PA school starts to create a Facebook Group/online chat for you to connect with some classmates. There may also be some in-person meetups prior to school starting in September which I would encourage you to attend! You may be able to find future housemates.
Connecting in the Canadian Pre-PA Facebook Group: This facebook group houses Pre-PAs, current PA students and currently practicing PAs. Typically those Pre-PAs who get accepted into PA school reach out and ask to connect within this group!
2. Start building a strong support system
A strong support system refers to the network of individuals in your life who provide you with emotional, practical, and financial support. Building a strong support system is important because it can help you navigate challenges and stress, provide you with a sense of community and belonging, and increase your overall well-being.
Having a strong support system can be especially important during demanding times, such as starting PA school, as it provides you with a source of encouragement, guidance, and practical help when you need it.
To build a strong support system, consider the following steps:
Identify your needs: Determine what type of support you need, such as emotional support, practical help, or financial assistance.
Reach out to your network: Connect with people who can provide the support you need, including friends, family, and community groups.
Be open and honest: Share your thoughts and feelings with your support system and be clear about what you need from them.
Cultivate relationships: Spend time with your support system and make an effort to build strong, meaningful connections.
Seek help when needed: Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Your support system is there to support you, and they will be happy to help in any way they can.
Who to reach out to:
Reach out to family and friends: They can provide emotional support and be a source of encouragement during your PA school journey.
Connect with other PA students: Attend pre-PA school events or join online communities to connect with other aspiring PA students and form a network of peers who can support each other.
Find a mentor: Seek out a healthcare professional who can guide you through PA school and offer advice and support.
Join student organizations: Participating in student organizations, McMaster PA Student Association (MPSA),can help you build relationships with other PA students and healthcare professionals.
You can also consider joining the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants.
Having a strong support system can provide you with a sense of security and stability, as well as the resources you need to succeed in medical school and beyond.
3. Stay physically and mentally fit
PA school is demanding, both physically and mentally. It’s best to start in the best shape possible. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep:
Exercise regularly: Regular exercise or movement can help you manage stress. Find something that appeals to you, whether that’s taking regular walks, online yoga classes.
Eat a well-balanced diet: A nutritious diet can help you stay energized and focused throughout the day.
Manage stress: Practice stress-management techniques, such as meditation or yoga, to help you cope with the demands of PA school. Also read around study techniques (e.g. Pomodoro to take breaks during study sessions).
Seek help for mental health concerns: If you have concerns about your mental health, seek help from a therapist, counselor, or qualified health care provider. Whether thats proactively (prior to school starting) or while you are in the thick of completing your first year. Universities have excellent support for students.
By taking care of your physical and mental health before PA school, you'll be better equipped to handle the demands of your education and future career.
4. Get in any vacation time, if it is feasible for you.
Taking a vacation before starting PA school can be a good idea, as it provides an opportunity to relax and recharge before the demands of PA school begin. A break can help you return to school feeling refreshed, re-energized, and better prepared to handle the challenges ahead.
Additionally, a vacation can also provide you with some valuable time to reflect on your goals and priorities and make any necessary preparations for PA school, such as organizing your finances or getting your living arrangements in order.
Ultimately, the decision to take a vacation before PA school depends on your personal circumstances and priorities. If you have the time and resources to do so, a vacation can be a beneficial way to start your PA school journey.
5. Hold off on purchasing medical textbooks and supplies.
The only thing you really need to purchase is a stethoscope. The Canadian PA school favorite is the 3M Littman classic III Stethoscope or the 3M Littman Cardiology IV Stethoscope). You can check out the 3M Littman Amazon store to see various models, colours and finishes.
The 3M Littman Classic III stethoscope is sufficient enonugh to go through PA school and didactic (this is what I personally used! and is more affordable than the Cardiology IV version).
Otherwise, you can wait until PA school starts to see if you can order through the program or university bookstore.
6. Think about how you would like to study for PA school - what tools do you need?
Whatever technology you used to study and do well in undergrad is probably sufficient for study in PA School.
You do not necessarily need an iPad to study for PA school. While some PA students find an iPad to be a useful tool for taking notes, accessing course materials, and annotating documents, it is not a requirement.
A laptop or traditional desktop computer can also be used for these purposes, and many students find that a paper notebook or highlighter is sufficient for making notes and studying.
Before investing in any technology, consider what works best for you and your learning style and make a decision that aligns with your budget and academic goals.
7. Research financial aid options
Research financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, and loans, to help pay for tuition and other expenses.
plenty of time to find and apply for opportunities.
Research government programs: Start by researching government-funded financial aid programs, such as the Canada Student Loans Program or the Canada Student Grants Program.
Check with the university: Check with the university you will be attending to learn about any financial aid opportunities that may be available, such as bursaries, scholarships, or work-study programs.
Look into private scholarships: Look into private scholarships offered by corporations, foundations, or other organizations. These scholarships may have specific eligibility criteria, such as academic performance, leadership qualities, or financial need.
Consider student loans: Consider student loans offered by the government (e.g. OSAP if you’re in Ontario, or MSA if you’re in Manitoba) or private lenders. Make sure to research the terms and conditions of each loan option before making a decision.
Network with professionals: Network with current PAs or PA students learn about potential financial aid opportunities that may not be widely advertised.
By taking these steps, you can find financial aid options that will help you pay for your university education and reduce the burden of debt..
Optional steps to prepare for PA school
Keep in mind that you do not need formal “preparation” before starting PA school, although there are some incoming PA students who may want to brush up on a few things before starting.
1. Get a head start with summer reading
Familiarize yourself with the curriculum: Review the syllabus and course descriptions to understand what you'll be learning and the expectations for your performance.
Familiarize yourself with medical terminology: This will help you understand medical texts, lectures and discussions. University of Toronto’s PA program offers an online module to its incoming students on medical terminology.
Read up on current events in healthcare: Keep yourself informed on the latest developments in healthcare and the PA profession.
Brush up on the science: Refresh your knowledge in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology, as these subjects form the foundation of PA education.
2. Get Organized: Study and practice time management
PA school requires you to balance a heavy course load with clinical rotations, exams, and other responsibilities.
If you’re still in the throws of completing undergraduate study prior to PA school starting, you can start to implement and try out some study habits that will be well established before PA school begins.
Here are a few tips on how to practice time management before PA school begins:
Create a schedule: Make a schedule that includes time for studying, exercise, self-care, and relaxation. Be realistic about how much time you need for each activity and try to stick to your schedule as much as possible.
Prioritize your tasks: Identify what is most important to you and prioritize your time and energy accordingly. Focus on completing high-priority tasks first and set aside time for less important activities later.
Use a timer: Set a timer for each task you need to complete and focus on that task until the timer goes off. This can help you stay on track and avoid distractions.
Avoid multitasking: Research has shown that multitasking can reduce productivity and increase stress. Try to focus on one task at a time and avoid switching between tasks.
Manage distractions: Identify the things that distract you and try to limit or eliminate them. This might mean turning off your phone, closing your email, or working in a quiet environment.
Learn to say "no": Don't be afraid to turn down invitations or commitments that conflict with your schedule or priorities. Focus on what is most important to you and prioritize your time accordingly.
3. Seek out resources
Seeking out resources is an important aspect of preparing for PA school and achieving success throughout your education and career as a PA.
Apart from recommended textbooks from the PA programs, try speaking with current PA students to learn more about the resources available to you, such as the library, tutoring services, and student organizations.
3. Get clinical exposure
Clinical exposure refers to hands-on experience in a clinical setting, typically in a healthcare facility. Having clinical exposure before starting PA school can be helpful in several ways:
Evolve your understanding of the PA role: Shadow a PA or work in a healthcare setting to gain hands-on experience and understand the day-to-day responsibilities of a PA.
Gain insight into the field: Clinical exposure allows you to gain insight into the day-to-day operations of a healthcare facility and the role of different healthcare professionals in patient care. Even if you don’t shadow a PA, its important to learn about the different members of the health care team.
Enhance your understanding of medical terminology and procedures: Clinical exposure can help you become familiar with medical terminology and procedures, which will be useful when you start PA school.
Increase confidence and self-awareness: Clinical exposure can help increase your confidence and self-awareness, as you learn about your strengths and weaknesses and what it takes to succeed in a clinical setting.
Where to find shadowing experiences:
For virtual shadowing resources: Join PAs for Research Scholarship and Education in Canada (PARSEC) to gain access to Virtual PA Shadowing replay videos. Your concept of what a PA does will evolve throughout PA school and well into your practice as a PA.
Volunteer at a local hospital or doctor’s office: I did this the summer before PA school started! I got exposure to the Emergency Department, Neurosurgery Floor, and got to interact with ward clerks and nurses as well as patients.
Join a hospital shadowing program: Contact the program coordinator or department head at the hospital to learn about the application process, requirements, and eligibility criteria for the shadowing program. You do not need to be a PA student to participate in these programs.
Final notes
All set for PA school? What would you add to this list? Feel free to share in the comments below!
