Resume Tips for an Experienced PA
As an experienced physician assistant (PA), you have undoubtedly honed your skills, gained valuable expertise, and made significant contributions in your field. Now, as you embark on the next phase of your career, it's crucial to ensure that your resume or curriculum vitae (CV) effectively showcases your qualifications and experience to prospective employers.
Here we’ll explore the PA resume key elements, formatting tips, and strategies for tailoring your application materials to specific specialties. Whether you're seeking a position in primary care, surgery, emergency medicine, GIM or any other specialty, this guide will provide you with the insights and guidance you need to present yourself as a highly qualified and passionate candidate.
Note: If you are a new PA graduate, we have a guide for new PA grad resumes.
I. Purpose of the PA Resume/CV
a) A resume showcases your PA experience and expertise
As an experienced PA, your resume/CV serves as a representation of your professional background, qualifications, and accomplishments.
A PA resume/CV is a marketing tool that promotes your skills and experience to potential employers. It provides a snapshot of your education and professional background, highlighting your qualifications, experience and skills.
b) Submitting a PA Resume vs. CV:
Resume vs. CV:
PA Resume: A resume is a concise document that provides a summary of your relevant work experience, skills, and education. Resumes are typically tailored to specific job opportunities and are usually 2-3 pages in length. They focus on highlighting your most recent and significant accomplishments, qualifications, and experiences.
PA Curriculum Vitae (CV): A curriculum vitae, on the other hand, tends to be more comprehensive and detailed. A CV provides a comprehensive overview of your academic background, work experience, publications, research, teaching experience, presentations, and professional affiliations. CVs are typically longer than resumes and can span multiple pages.
When deciding whether to use a resume or CV for a PA job application, consider the expectations of the employer and the nature of the position. In general, resumes are suitable for most PA job applications, especially in clinical or healthcare settings.
Consider use of a CV if you have experience in research, presentations, submitting journal articles, have been involved in teaching opportunities and more.
II. Structure of the PA Resume
i) Header/Contact Information
Contact Information: Full name, phone number, a professional email address, physical address and LinkedIn Profile (optional)
[Your Name]
[Address, City, Province, Postal Code]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[LinkedInProfile (optional)]
ii) Professional Summary
The professional summary, also known as the career objective or personal statement, is a crucial section that appears at the beginning of your resume or CV. It serves as an introduction, highlighting your experience, expertise, and professional goals.
To create an impactful professional summary, tailor it to your desired specialty and focus on highlighting your key skills, accomplishments, and the value you can bring to a practice.
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Experienced and dedicated physician assistant with [X] years of clinical practice in [specialty]. Skilled in providing comprehensive patient care, diagnosing and treating medical conditions, and collaborating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams. Committed to delivering exceptional care and improving patient outcomes. Seeking a challenging PA position to utilize expertise and contribute to a dynamic healthcare environment.
iii) Education and Certifications
Including this information first provides confirmation to the employer that you are indeed a Physician Assistant
In this section, list your educational background, including the name of the institution, degree obtained, and graduation date. Be sure to mention any relevant coursework or honors that are particularly pertinent to the specialty you are applying for. You can also include a brief list of clinical rotations you completed in your clinical clerkship year.
Additionally, include your certifications, licenses, and credentials. These may include your PA certification (PA-C if American, CCPA is Canadian), CAPA Membership Number, and any specialty certifications you have obtained (e.g. ACLS, ATLS, PALS, POCUS fellowship, etc.).
EDUCATION
Education Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MScPA)
[University Name], [City, Province] [Graduation Year]
Clinical Rotations: [insert core, elective rotations]
Relevant Coursework: [insert]
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]
CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSURE
Canadian Certified Physician Assistant (CCPA), Physician Assistant Certification Council of Canada (PACCC), [Year], CAPA # [insert member id]
Physician Assistant-Certified (CCPA), National Certification Council of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), [Year] NCCPA ID #: [insert ID number]
ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) Certification, [Certifying Body], [Year]
iv) Work Experience
In the work experience section, you have the opportunity to showcase your professional journey as an experienced PA. Start with your most recent position and work backward in a reverse-chronological order. For each entry, provide the following details:
Job title: Clearly state your role in the practice or organization.
Practice name: Include the name of the practice, hospital, or institution where you worked.
Dates: Specify the duration of your employment, including both the start and end dates.
Responsibilities: Use concise bullet points to describe your key responsibilities and duties. Focus on the most significant aspects of your role and how they contributed to the success of the practice. Quantify your achievements whenever possible. For example, instead of saying you ‘improved patient flow’, specify that you were able to increase the number of patients seen per clinic by X amount, and reducing total clinic hours by X amount.”
Accomplishments: Highlight any notable accomplishments or contributions during your tenure. This could include implementing new protocols, leading quality improvement initiatives, or receiving recognition for exceptional patient care.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Physician Assistant, [Practice/Hospital], [City, Province] [Dates]
Practiced in [describe practice, multidisciplinary setting and types of providers you collaborated with, setting e.g. inpatient/outpatient and specialty/subspecialty]
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 any surgery experience e.g. surgical first assist]
[insert accomplishments and/or initiatives achieved during your time at the practice]
v) Research Experience (Optional, for a PA CV)
Detail any research experience you have, including projects, studies, or publications. Include the title, research institution, dates, and a brief description of your role and contributions.
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Research Assistant, [Research Institution], [City, State] [Dates]
Contributed to [research project title], conducting literature reviews, collecting and analyzing data, and assisting in manuscript preparation.
Collaborated with the research team to develop research protocols and ensure adherence to ethical guidelines.
Presented research findings at [conference name] and authored/co-authored [number] publications in [journal name].
vi) Publications/Presentations (Optional, for a PA CV)
List any articles, research papers, book chapters, or abstracts you have authored or co-authored. Include the title, publication or conference name, dates, and your role in the publication or presentation.
PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
[Author Names]. [Title of Publication]. [Journal Name]. [Year].
[Author Names]. [Title of Presentation]. [Conference Name]. [Year].
vii) Professional Affiliations (Optional, for a PA CV)
Mention any professional organizations, associations, or societies you are a member of. Include the name of the organization, your membership status, and any leadership roles held.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Member, [Professional Organization Name]
Vice President, [Specialty-specific Organization Name]
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
III. Tailor your Resume/CV for the Specific Specialties You are Applying To
As an experienced physician assistant (PA), you understand the importance of tailoring your resume or curriculum vitae (CV) to the specific specialty or practice you are applying to. By customizing your application materials, you can effectively demonstrate your relevant skills, experience, and passion for the desired position.
Here's how you can tailor your resume/CV for specific specialties:
Research the Specialty: Before you begin customizing your resume or CV, take the time to thoroughly research the specialty you are interested in. Familiarize yourself with the key responsibilities, challenges, and required qualifications specific to that field. This knowledge will guide you in aligning your experience and skills with the expectations of potential employers.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Identify and emphasize the experiences from your professional background that are most relevant to the desired specialty. Focus on specific patient populations, medical conditions, or procedures that are commonly encountered in that specialty. Tailor your bullet points under each work experience entry to highlight your expertise in these areas.
For example, if you are applying for a dermatology PA position and have previous experience as a family medicine PA, emphasize your experience in diagnosing and treating various dermatological conditions, performing skin examinations, and assisting with dermatological procedures. Mention any exposure you have had to specific treatments, such as laser therapy or cosmetic procedures, if relevant.
Showcase Transferable Skills: While highlighting specialty-specific experience is crucial, don't overlook the importance of transferable skills. Many skills acquired as a PA can be applied across various specialties. These skills may include excellent communication, patient education, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. By showcasing these transferable skills, you demonstrate your versatility and adaptability to different practice settings.
Personalize Your Professional Summary: Tailor your professional summary to highlight your interest in and qualifications for the desired specialty. Use this section to showcase your passion for the field and your commitment to providing quality care to patients in that particular area of practice. By personalizing your professional summary, you immediately capture the attention of potential employers and convey your enthusiasm for the specialty.
IV. Presentation and Proofreading
Once you have tailored the content of your PA resume or curriculum vitae (CV) to reflect your experience and qualifications for the desired specialty, it's essential to focus on the presentation and ensure that your application documents are polished and error-free.
Here are some tips for presenting and proofreading your resume/CV effectively:
Choose a Professional Format: Opt for a clean and professional format that is easy to read and navigate. Use clear headings, consistent font styles, and appropriate spacing to enhance the overall visual appeal of your document. Avoid using fancy fonts or excessive formatting that may distract from the content.
Organize Information Effectively: Arrange the sections of your resume or CV in a logical and chronological order. Start with your contact information, followed by a professional summary, education, work experience, certifications, skills, and any additional relevant sections. This organization allows employers to quickly find the information they need and showcases your professional progression.
Proofread for Accuracy: Thoroughly proofread your resume/CV to eliminate any grammatical or spelling errors. Mistakes can create a negative impression and undermine your credibility. Carefully review each section, paying attention to details such as dates, job titles, and contact information. Consider using proofreading tools or asking a trusted colleague or mentor to review your application as well.
Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, quantify your achievements and results to provide tangible evidence of your impact. For example, instead of stating that you assisted in patient care, mention the number of patients you treated on a daily basis or highlight any improvements in patient outcomes that you contributed to. Quantifiable achievements help employers understand the scope and effectiveness of your work.
Seek Feedback: Consider seeking feedback from colleagues, mentors, or professionals in the industry. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement. Another perspective can help identify areas where you can enhance the clarity, organization, or overall effectiveness of your resume/CV.
Final notes
Crafting a compelling resume or curriculum vitae (CV) as an experienced physician assistant is essential in securing your desired position. By tailoring your application materials to specific specialties, presenting them professionally, and utilizing online platforms effectively, you can increase your chances of standing out among other applicants.
