Pre-Physician Assistant Track at Hope College

Do I need to shadow or know the PA profession?

Almost all PA admissions committees want to see that a student has learned about the PA profession through first-hand experience - usually called "direct patient contact hours." All PA programs require a certain number of hours of direct patient contact but all of the PA programs vary widely on the number of hours. Some programs require >1000 hours of experience and others only require approximately 100 hours. To gain sufficient patient-care experience, students generally find it most efficient to obtain Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training and then work in a hospital or nursing home.

Where do I look to learn more about PA schools?

Specific admissions requirements for each PA program can be found on the website for that institution. Some key web links for information are the following:

• Physician Assistant Education Association -This site contains a good summary of PA programs and the application process to PA schools.
• American Academy of Physician Assistants-This site is a good source of information on the profession
• Physician Assistant Programs -This site has a list of accredited PA Programs in US with links to some of the programs.
• A paid directory of PA Programs with a summary of information about each program. (You can subscribe to the directory for $35/year or contact the health professions advisor for a login name and password.)
• Applying to PA Programs–Useful information for applicants
• Listing of CNA Training Programs by state
• Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA)
• The Grand Valley State University PA Program
• The  Central Michigan University PA Program

Where do I learn more about the PA Profession?

• Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for all types of careers.
• Explore Health Careers-a large data base of links to other resources including information on many different careers, internships, and interviews.

For academic advising or questions related to the Pre-Physician Assistant track at Hope College, please contact Professor T Prokopow.