New PA Grad Resume Tips
As a new PA graduate (or soon-to-be graduate), you are now ready to take the next crucial step: securing your first PA position. To stand out among other applicants, it is vital to present yourself effectively through a well-crafted resume.
Your resume serves as your professional introduction to potential employers, showcasing your education, clinical experience, and skills. It is a powerful tool that can open doors to the practice or specialty of your dreams.
Remember, your resume is more than just a list of experiences and credentials; it is an opportunity to showcase your dedication, skills, and passion for the PA profession.
I. Resume of a New PA Grad vs. Experienced PA
A resume for an experienced Physician Assistant (PA) will differ from that of a new PA graduate due to the disparity in professional experiences.
While both resumes aim to showcase the qualifications and skills of the PA, the experienced PA's resume will place more emphasis on their work history as a PA in previous position and demonstrated expertise.
The new PA Grad resume will focus on clinical experience gained during clinical rotations and relevant Pre-PA work experience. Therefore clinical experienced gained from 2nd year clinical rotations should be the LARGEST section on your resume!
Don’t just list your clinical rotations, you are going to go into great depth of what you did in each of your rotations.
II. Before you start writing your Resume
a) Understand the Purpose of your Resume
Your resume serves as a marketing tool, designed to showcase your professional profile and convince employers that you are the right fit for their organization. It should convey a clear message about your abilities, experiences, and aspirations as a new grad PA. The primary goal is to secure an interview and ultimately land a job offer.
b) Resume Background Work and Research
Before writing a resume, conducting background work and research is crucial to ensure that your resume effectively highlights your qualifications and aligns with the needs of potential employers.
Here are some key areas to focus on during your preparatory research:
Review the original PA Job Posting: Thoroughly analyze the job requirements and descriptions for the specific position or specialty you are targeting. Pay attention to the skills, qualifications, and experience sought by employers. Identify keywords and phrases that can be incorporated into your resume to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Hospital or Practice Information: Research the company or practice you are applying to. Familiarize yourself with their mission, values, culture, and areas of expertise. Understand their patient population, services offered, and any unique aspects of their practice. This information will help you tailor your resume to match their specific needs and demonstrate your alignment with their values.
Specialty Focus: If you are targeting a specific specialty, read around the specialty, common conditions, treatments, division to subspecialties, and patient flow in that type of specialty practice. Incorporate this knowledge into your resume as relevant to highlight your awareness and interest in the field.
Network with PAs in that specialty/job: If you can speak with experienced PAs in that specialty to ask questions about role, responsibilities, typical duties and benefits/challenges, that will give you valuable insights to help write your resume. If you can speak with a PA that is already working for that department, or was previously in that position, even better!
By conducting thorough background work and research, you gain a deeper understanding of the expectations and needs of potential employers. This knowledge allows you to tailor your resume to showcase your qualifications, skills, and experiences in a way that resonates with the specific job or specialty you are targeting
III. Structure & Format of a New PA Grad Resume
A well-structured and visually appealing resume not only makes a positive first impression but also helps hiring managers navigate your qualifications with ease.
i) Header/Contact Information
Begin your resume with your full name, phone number, and a professional email address. Including your LinkedIn profile can also be beneficial.
[Your Name]
[Address, City, Province, Postal Code]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[LinkedInProfile (optional)]
ii) Professional Summary
Provide a concise professional summary (also known as Objective or Personal Statement) that highlights your key qualifications and career goals.
Tailor this section to match the specific job or specialty you are applying for, focusing on your strengths and aspirations. Keep it brief, engaging, and impactful.
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Committed and enthusiastic new graduate Physician Assistant (PA) from X University, on track to become Canadian Certified Physician Assistant (CCPA) following the writing exam in November 20XX. Strong foundation in medical knowledge and clinical experience, with a particular interest in family medicine. Compassionate and patient-centred approach to healthcare, adept at building rapport and providing comprehensive care to individuals of all ages. Effective communicator and collaborator within interdisciplinary teams. Available to start working in August 20XX, eager to contribute to a dynamic family medicine practice and deliver exceptional care to diverse patient populations.
iii) Education and Certifications
List your education details, including the name of your PA program, degree obtained (e.g., Bachelor’s or Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies), and graduation date.
If you received any honors or awards, mention them here. Remember to include any relevant coursework or specialized training that aligns with the position you are seeking.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (BScPA) [University Name], [City, Province] [Graduation Date]
Relevant Coursework: [insert relevant courses]
Clinical Rotations: [optional to list them here, but you will have an entire section dedicated to your clinical rotations]
Awards and Recognition: [insert awards]
Bachelor of Science in Biology
[University Name], [City, Province] [Graduation Year]
Relevant Coursework: [insert relevant courses]
Thesis: [if applicable, insert]
Awards and Recognition: [insert awards, GPA]
For certifications, as a new PA grad you likely have not yet written the PA Entry to Practice Examination, and therefore are not yet a Canadian Ceritifed Physician Assistant (CCPA).
LICENSURE & CERTIFICATIONS
Physician Assistant Entry to Practice Examination, PA Certification Council of Canada - Eligible: [Month, Year]
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification - [Expiration Date]
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification - [Expiration Date]
iv) Clinical Rotations
Dedicate a section to outline your clinical rotations or clerkships. Specify the specialty, healthcare facility or practice, and the duration of each rotation.
Highlight the skills, procedures, and patient populations you encountered during each clinical experience.
Be sure to include ALL clinical rotations, but make it relevant to the specialty you are applying to. However, the length of the description for each clerkship rotationwill vary. For example, if applying to an Orthopaedic Surgery PA Job posting, perhaps the description of Family Medicine clinical clerkship will be shorter, and focus on MSK presentations/procedures to highlight your Ortho exposure.
CLINICAL ROTATIONS
Family Medicine Clerkship - PA Clinical Clerk [Healthcare Facility], [City, Province] Duration: 12 weeks ([Start Date] - [End Date])
Practiced in [describe practice, multidisciplinary setting and types of providers you collaborated with, and different types of clinics]
Conducted [insert roles and responsibilities]
Managed and treated [insert conditions, information about patient population/demographic that you treated, and nature of the practice]
Performed [insert procedures, mention the level of autonomy e.g. assisted with/independently performed/observed]
[insert accomplishments and/or initiatives achieved during your time at the practice]
General Surgery Clerkship - PA Clinical Clerk [Hospital], [City, Province] Duration: 12 weeks ([Start Date] - [End Date])
Practiced in [list the specialty/subspecialty, # of surgeons you worked with, clinical settings (e.g. surgery, inpatient/ward management, on-call, ambulatory clinic, minor procedures clinic, etc.), types of providers you collaborated with (if applicable)]
Conducted [insert roles and responsibilities]
Managed and treated [insert conditions, information about patient population/demographic that you treated]
Performed [insert procedures, mention the level of autonomy e.g. assisted with/independently performed/observed]
Discuss Surgery Experience [insert surgical assist, list a few common procedures, mention patient transfers, handovers, or perioperative orders]
[insert accomplishments and/or initiatives achieved during your time at the practice (if applicable)]
-
Clinical experience should be a larger section than pre-PA experience in a new grad PA resume because it directly relates to the skills and knowledge required for the PA profession. Clinical experience provides firsthand exposure to patient care, medical procedures, and the healthcare environment, which are crucial elements of the PA role.
Here are a few reasons why clinical experience should be given more prominence:
Relevance to the PA Role: Clinical experience showcases your direct involvement in patient care, diagnostic procedures, treatment planning, and collaborative teamwork. It demonstrates your ability to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings and prepares you for the responsibilities of a practicing PA.
Practical Skills and Competencies: Clinical rotations or clerkships provide opportunities to develop essential clinical skills, such as history taking, physical examination, diagnostic reasoning, and treatment implementation. These hands-on experiences are highly valued by employers as they indicate your readiness to handle patient care responsibilities independently.
Exposure to Specialty Areas: Clinical rotations often cover various specialty areas, allowing you to gain exposure to different medical disciplines. This diverse experience demonstrates your adaptability and flexibility, making you a well-rounded candidate for positions in various specialties.
Alignment with Employer Expectations: Potential employers in the PA field typically prioritize candidates with a solid clinical foundation. By placing greater emphasis on clinical experience in your resume, you show employers that you have gained valuable practical knowledge and are prepared to contribute effectively to their practice or organization.
While pre-PA experience can still be valuable and should be included in your resume, it is often less directly related to the specific skills and responsibilities of a PA. Pre-PA experience may include healthcare-related jobs or volunteer work that offer exposure to the healthcare field but may not necessarily involve direct patient care or medical decision-making.
By dedicating a larger section to clinical experience, you emphasize your readiness to step into a PA role and your ability to provide high-quality patient care. This prioritization aligns with the expectations and preferences of potential employers.
v) Relevant Work Experience
Your pre-PA experience and relevant work history can greatly enhance your resume and demonstrate your dedication to the healthcare field.
By effectively highlighting these experiences, you can showcase your transferable skills and reinforce your suitability for the PA role.
RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE
Research Assistant, XYZ University Department of Medicine [city, province] [dates]
Conducted literature reviews, collected and analyzed data, and assisted in research project management.
Presented research findings at national conferences and contributed to peer-reviewed publications.
Medical Assistant, XYZ Clinic [city, province] [dates]
Assisted physicians in patient examinations, collected vital signs, updated medical records, and provided patient education.
Facilitated efficient patient flow and maintained a high level of patient satisfaction.
Volunteer, ABC Medical Center [city, province] [dates]
Supported the healthcare team in various departments, including patient transport, clerical tasks, and providing comfort measures to patients and their families.
Remember to focus on experiences that align with the job or specialty you are applying for. Tailor your descriptions to highlight the skills and accomplishments that are most relevant and valuable in that particular setting. This targeted approach enables potential employers to envision how your prior experiences can translate into success in the PA role.
vi) Professional Affiliations
If you are a member of professional organizations or have participated in relevant activities, list them here. This demonstrates your dedication to professional growth and staying up-to-date with advancements in the field.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Member, Canadian Association of Physician Assistants
Secretary, X University PA Student Association
vii) Other Optional Sections
Skills: In this section, emphasize both your technical and soft skills. Technical skills may include proficiency in electronic medical records (EMR) systems, diagnostic tools, or specialized procedures. Soft skills encompass effective communication, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and a patient-centered approach. Use bullet points to clearly present your skills and ensure they are relevant to the position you are applying for.
Awards and Recognition: This section of a resume provides an opportunity to highlight any honors, accolades, or achievements you have received throughout your academic and professional journey. Given that a resume is usually limited to 2-3 pages, we recommend making this section short. Simply list the awards (e.g. Dean’s Honours List [university name, year, GPA])
Research and Publications: Highlight any research projects you have been involved in and any publications you have authored or contributed to. We do not recommend including this unless its related to specific specialty or field you are applying to. (e.g."The Impact of Exercise on Cardiovascular Health in Elderly Population" [Journal] [Authors] [Year] Conducted a comprehensive literature review on the effects of exercise on cardiovascular health in the elderly population. Contributed to data analysis and interpretation of results. Published findings in the Journal of Geriatric Cardiology, highlighting the importance of exercise interventions in maintaining cardiovascular health in older adults.)
viii) References
Generally include these as “Available upon Request”. This way personal contact information of your references remains confidential until the employer requests contact information of the references.
REFERENCES
Available upon request
IV. Cater the Resume to the Specialty you are applying to
Customizing your resume to each specialty you are applying to is an effective way to demonstrate your specific qualifications and interest in that particular area of medicine.
Analyze the original PA job posting: Carefully read the job descriptions for the specialty positions you are interested in. Identify the key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities mentioned in the descriptions.
Tailor the Professional Summary: Customize the professional summary at the beginning of your resume to reflect your interest in the specific specialty. Highlight any relevant coursework, clinical experiences, or skills that align with the requirements of that specialty.
Highlight Specialty-Relevant Clinical Rotations: In the "Clinical Rotations" section, emphasize the clinical rotations or clerkships that are most relevant to the specialty you are applying for. Provide specific details about the procedures, patient populations, and skills you acquired during those rotations that directly relate to the specialty.
Showcase Specialty-Specific Skills: In the skills section, highlight any specialty-specific skills or proficiencies that are sought after in the particular field. For example, if applying for a surgical specialty, mention proficiency in surgical procedures or knowledge of sterile techniques.
Modify Relevant Experiences: In the "Relevant Experiences" section, tailor your descriptions to highlight experiences that directly relate to the specialty you are applying for. Focus on responsibilities, accomplishments, and patient populations encountered that align with the specialty's needs.
Include Specialty-Specific Certifications or Training: If you have obtained any certifications or completed additional training relevant to the specialty, include them in the "Certifications" section. This demonstrates your dedication to acquiring specialized knowledge and skills.
Research and Mention Specialty-Specific Achievements: If you have any research, presentations, or awards specific to the specialty, include them in the appropriate sections of your resume. This showcases your specific accomplishments and contributions in the field.
Use Specialty-Specific Keywords: Incorporate specialty-specific keywords and phrases throughout your resume to catch the attention of hiring managers and applicant tracking systems. These keywords can be found in the job descriptions or specialty-specific terminology associated with the field..
Final notes
By following the guidelines and tips provided, you now have the tools to create a compelling resume that highlights your qualifications, skills, and experiences as a new PA graduate.
Remember, a well-crafted resume is essential in showcasing your readiness to excel in the PA role and setting yourself apart from other candidates. Tailoring your resume to the specific job or specialty you are applying for is crucial, as it demonstrates your interest and alignment with the position's requirements. Good luck!
