How To Get Into PA School
If you’re considering becoming a Physician Assistant (PA), you’re entering the field at a time when PAs are increasingly in demand.
Career opportunities for Physician Assistants are growing, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 28% job growth rate from 2023 to 2033, resulting in about 12,900 new openings annually through 2033 (source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Physician Assistants, accessed March 01, 2025). But first, students will need to focus on getting into PA school and take advantage of this burgeoning medical career.
The Growing Demand for Physician Assistants
The U.S. BLS prediction of growth in PA employment is driven by an aging population, physician shortages, and rising healthcare needs. This translates to a robust job market where PAs are essential in delivering care across specialties and underserved regions. International Medical Aid (IMA) positions aspiring PAs to capitalize on this demand through its comprehensive programs, offering a unique blend of clinical exposure, global perspective, and application support.
IMA’s Pre-Physician Assistant Internships are designed to give you a competitive edge. Whether you’re just starting your journey or refining your application, IMA provides opportunities that align with the skills and experiences PA schools value most—hands-on patient interaction, cultural competency, and a commitment to service.
There is no magic formula that will land you a spot in the school of your choice. However, these eight tips on how to get into PA school can help you achieve your career goals and prepare you for an impactful future:
#1 – Research PA Schools and Their Requirements
Not all PA schools have the same admission requirements. If you’re planning on attending a PA school, you’ll want to look at your chosen school’s requirements prior to your senior year to ensure you will meet the minimum expectations in terms of GPA, standardized test scores, and clinical hours. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself not being competitive and wasting both time and money on an unsuccessful application cycle.
#2 – Go Above and Beyond Minimum Requirements
Though you will need to meet all minimum requirements, you don’t have to stop short of the minimum. As you explore the various requirements for PA school, find opportunities to go above and beyond to make your application stand out.
For example, if you’re expected to have a minimum GPA, study hard so you can exceed that standard.
Doing more than what’s expected will always play in your favor. It proves you have a strong work ethic and desire to succeed as a PA, which can help tilt the scales in your direction.
#3 – Grades Aren’t Everything, But They’re Something
While grades are never a substitute for experience and knowledge, they also shouldn’t be overlooked.
Getting good grades is more than just numbers on a report card. They’re living proof that you knew the material being taught in class and put forth the effort to excel, and care about the job you’re doing in class.
Though grades alone aren’t enough to land you a spot in PA school, they can contribute to your chances of getting into the school of your choice.
#4 – Take Advantage of Physician Assistant Internships
IMA internships are available for aspiring PAs that can help you get an up-close look at the field. These opportunities can also improve your application to PA school.
International Medical Aid provides programs for pre-physician assistant students that let you study abroad and gain exposure to a variety of medical disciplines. These internships provide assistance where medical help is most needed, including in East Africa.
International Medical Aid’s Pre-PA Internships offer you an opportunity to gain clinical shadowing and volunteer hours, learn more about healthcare delivery abroad, and increase your cultural competency. All of these efforts will help you to boost your chances of getting into PA school, as well as help you build a professional network and gain deeper insight into the field.
#5 – Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree
Though some PA schools only require an Associate’s degree, a Bachelor’s degree can increase your chances of a successful PA school application. This is another way to go beyond the minimum expectations and prove your work ethic and determination.
Generally, you can major in anything you like, as long as you also meet basic prerequisites like biology, chemistry, and sociology.
#6 – Get Real Medical Experience
Many PA programs require a certain number of hours performing patient care. You can get real medical experience to satisfy this requirement by becoming an EMT, nursing aide, CNA, or medical assistant. Each of these can serve as valuable stepping stones in your career path and don’t take long to achieve the basic requirements.
Volunteer experience can also count toward this requirement, but having additional paid experience may give you an advantage over other applicants.
#7 – Build Your Professional Network
Who you know can be just as beneficial as what you know. It’s important to build a network of doctors, professors, and PAs that can either write you a letter of recommendation or hire you once you graduate!
Even if it means volunteering at a hospital or working for low wages for a while, it’s worth it to make important connections and gain valuable experience that will help you achieve your career goals.
#8 – Submit Your Application Early
Applying to PA school isn’t a quick and easy process. Along with a traditional application form, you’ll also need to collect transcripts and letters of recommendation, write a personal essay, and complete other requirements. In addition, every application may go through a review process before going to the school to which you’re applying. The entire application process can take weeks or longer!
Don’t put off your application until the last minute. Check your chosen schools’ deadline, then submit your application as early as possible, at least one month prior.
Building a Strong PA School Application
Clinical Experience That Stands Out
PA schools prioritize applicants with substantial patient care experience, often requiring 1,000–2,000 hours. IMA’s internships in regions like East Africa and South America offer direct exposure to healthcare delivery, allowing you to log valuable clinical hours. You’ll shadow physicians, assist with procedures, and engage with patients, all while gaining insights into global health disparities. This experience meets PA school requirements and sets you apart by showcasing your adaptability and dedication.
Cultural Competency and Global Perspective
In today’s diverse healthcare environment, cultural competency is a must. IMA’s programs immerse you in international settings, where you’ll navigate language barriers, local customs, and unique medical challenges. This builds a skill set that PA schools—and future employers—highly value. Our Global Health Initiatives highlight how such experiences enhance your ability to connect with patients from all backgrounds, a key trait for any PA.
Personalized Admissions Support
Applying to PA school can feel overwhelming, from crafting a compelling personal statement to securing strong letters of recommendation. IMA’s Admissions Consulting for Medical Professionals offers tailored guidance to streamline this process. Our experts help you highlight your IMA internship experiences, align your application with specific program requirements, and prepare for interviews. This support ensures your application reflects your full potential, increasing your chances of acceptance.
Preparing for a Career as a PA
Hands-On Learning in Real-World Settings
IMA’s internships go beyond shadowing—they’re immersive. You’ll work alongside healthcare professionals in under-resourced areas, gaining practical skills like taking patient histories using the OLDCHARTS mnemonic (as outlined earlier) or assisting in triage. These experiences mirror the responsibilities you’ll face as a PA, from primary care to emergency settings.
Networking with Medical Professionals
Building a professional network is critical, and IMA connects you with physicians, PAs, and peers who can mentor you and provide references. During your internship, you’ll collaborate with experts who understand the PA path, offering insights and potentially writing recommendation letters. This network extends globally, giving you contacts that can support your career long after PA school.
Exploring Specialties and Career Paths
PAs enjoy flexibility in choosing specialties, and IMA exposes you to family medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and more. This early exposure helps you identify your interests, whether rural healthcare or urban emergency medicine.
The IMA Advantage
Combining Service with Skill-Building
IMA’s mission isn’t just about boosting your resume—it’s about making a difference. By participating in our PA Internship Programs, you’ll contribute to communities in need while honing skills that PA schools seek, like teamwork and empathy. This dual focus on service and professional growth reflects the ethos of the PA profession, where patient care and compassion go hand in hand.
Flexible Options for Busy Students
We get it—balancing school, work, and applications is tough. IMA offers flexible internship durations and virtual Global Health Shadowing options, letting you gain experience without derailing your schedule. Whether it’s a two-week stint abroad or online shadowing from home, we tailor opportunities to fit your life.
Long-Term Career Benefits
The skills and experiences from IMA don’t just get you into PA school—they prepare you for success beyond it. The BLS notes PAs earn a median salary of $130,020 (2023 data), with growth opportunities in specialties and leadership roles. IMA alumni often cite their internship as a foundation for excelling in PA school and securing competitive positions. Read more about career outcomes in our alumni testimonials.
Take the Next Step with IMA
Ready to turn your PA dreams into reality? International Medical Aid is your partner every step of the way. From gaining clinical hours to crafting a standout application, our programs and services—like Pre-Physician Assistant Internships and Admissions Consulting—equip you for success. Contact us today to explore how we can help you join the ranks of PAs meeting the healthcare demands of 2025 and beyond.
Getting into the Right PA School
Remember, not all PA schools are created equal. While you want to choose a school that you can feasibly get into, you also want to attend a school that will help you succeed in your career. Don’t be afraid to “shop around” and compare various programs and requirements. If you’re not sure where to start, contact us today for admissions consulting so you can find the best path to PA school and start your dream career.