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Top Qualities for Physician Assistant Applications

Physician Assistant applicant wondering what to highlight in his application

The Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) is an online platform where prospective students can apply to multiple physician assistant (PA) programs with one application. Competitive CASPA applications highlight both hard skills and soft skills learned, applied, and demonstrated in a variety of settings.  For many PA applicants, showcasing hard skills – or skills …

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Choosing a Top Physician Assistant Program

photo of applicant deciding on physician assistant program

Choosing the right physician assistant (PA) program can feel overwhelming. There are more than 300 accredited programs in the United States, each with different strengths, cultures, and expectations. According to data provided by the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), the acceptance rate in the 2024-2025 cycle was roughly 36%. With medical schools boasting a 42.9% …

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Becoming a PA at Sacred Heart: International Opportunities, Orthopedic Training, and Admissions Advice [Episode 613]

In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley sits down with Dr. Reynold Jaglal, program director of the Sacred Heart University Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program, for an in-depth look at Sacred Heart’s values-focused approach to physician assistant (PA) education. Dr. Jaglal breaks down the program’s 27-month curriculum, …

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CASPA: Everything You Need to Know About the Experiences Section

The Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) is the primary application service for graduate physician assistant (PA) programs. The CASPA application contains four primary categories: Personal Information, Academic History, Supporting Information, and Program Materials. You will need to gather, organize, and write lots of documents to complete the application, but the Experiences section (within …

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Inside the Emory PA Program: Admissions, Curriculum, and Keys to Success [Episode 603]

Show Summary In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, the Assistant Professor and Director of Admissions at the Emory University Physician Assistant Program, Allan Platt,  offers an insightful look into the Emory University’s Physician Assistant Program. He breaks down the program’s distinctive curriculum, including its unique approach to anatomy, and shares valuable advice for prospective …

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Writing Your PA School Personal Statement with Impact (includes PA personal statement example)

There are approximately 300 accredited PA (physician assistant) schools in the United States. In 2024, these schools received more than 27,000 applications. The matriculation rate for PA schools hovers near 30%, which is lower than the approximate 40% matriculation rate for medical schools.  To stand out in this crowded applicant pool, you need to ensure …

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How To Get Accepted To Duke’s Physician Assistant Program [Episode 591]

Show Summary Dr. April Stouder, Associate Program Director and Director of Admissions at the Duke Physician Assistant Program, discusses what it takes to gain a spot in the competitive program. She discusses Duke PA program’s emphasis on community service, particularly in underserved communities and healthcare roles. April highlights the value of non-clinical volunteering, especially in …

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Reapplying to PA School: Tips for a Strong Application

Reapplying to PA School: Tips on Polishing and Refining Your NEW Application

An unsuccessful application cycle can feel disappointing. However, the decision to persist, continue working toward your chosen career goal, and apply in a subsequent application cycle is nothing short of the definition of resilience!  In this blog, I’ll share some tips and suggestions for physician assistant (PA) reapplicants regarding how to update, improve, and enhance …

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Why Should I Consider Allied Health Careers?

Why should I consider allied health careers

If the road to medical school seems too long, or you have financial constraints that prevent you from applying, you might want to consider a career that offers many of the same experiences a physician has but without the extensive (and expensive) schooling. Weighing your options: Pros & cons of allied health careers While the …

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How to Get into Physician Assistant Programs [Episode 515]

Dr Valerie Wherley how to get accepted to Physician Assistant programs

[powerpress] Dr. Valerie Wherley, Accepted consultant and past Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and Career Development at William Beaumont School of Medicine, and former Director of Pre-Health Advisement and Director of the Pre-Health Postbac Certificate Program at Sacred Heart University, speaks in depth about the path to becoming a physician assistant. [Show Summary] Healthcare is …

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MD/PA/NP/DO/DDS/MPH: What Do They Require? [Episode 499]

MD/PA/NP/DO/DDS/MPH: What Do They Require? 499 Valerie Wherley Nov 22

[powerpress] Discover the differences between and how to get accepted to common healthcare admissions tracks [Show Summary] Accepted consultant Dr. Valerie Wherley has an impressive and extensive background in pre-health, having advised thousands of students to acceptance at their dream schools and programs. In this highly informative podcast interview, she distinguishes the differences between common …

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How To Get Accepted To the University of Iowa’s PA Program [Episode 462]

Anthony Brenneman Feb 2022

[powerpress] What is the U. of Iowa’s PA program all about [Show Summary] The role of Physician Assistant was introduced less than 60 years ago and the University of Iowa’s Physician Assistant Program has been at the forefront since day one. Tony Brenneman, the Program Director shares what the program offers and how applicants can …

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