One of the unexpected joys of working in PA education is how much I’ve learned about a profession I don’t personally practice. I’m not a clinician, but I get a front-row seat to what it takes to educate one—and I get to play a meaningful part in making it happen. Read more about a typical day for our PA program's administrative manager.
Receiving an invitation to interview for a Physician Assistant program is an exciting milestone. After months of completing prerequisite courses, gaining patient care experience, preparing your application, and waiting patiently, you've reached an important step in the admissions process. Learn more about how to put your best foot forward in PA school interviews.
People often ask me why I chose to become a Physician Assistant instead of pursuing another career in medicine. Looking back, the answer seems simple, it was the perfect combination of everything I loved. Read more about why Kathleen Terry became a Physician Assistant.
A federal court granted preliminary relief in a legal challenge brought by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) and the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), temporarily blocking a Department of Education rule that would have limited federal graduate loan access for PA students. While the legal process continues, this decision preserves access to higher federal loan limits for students entering PA programs this fall and represents an important step toward ensuring equitable access to PA education. Learn more about why advocacy matters.
One of the aspects of the Physician Assistant profession that first attracted me to the field was the opportunity to practice in virtually any area of medicine. PA education is intentionally broad, providing a strong foundation across all body systems and patient populations. Read more about Assistant Director, Leanne Hedges, journey to internal medicine.
The journey to becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) is long and demanding. By the time you’ve nearly completed your program, you’re likely already thinking ahead to your first role as a practicing PA. Learn more about navigating the PA job market after graduation.
Working in healthcare and being part of a care team isn’t a job, it’s a calling. From the time I was very little, I was always interested in different medical maladies and what could be done to fix them. Read more about why Sarah Webster became a PA.
Applying to PA school through CASPA is an exciting process—but it can also be overwhelming. Each year, many qualified applicants unintentionally weaken their applications by making avoidable mistakes. Here are five of the most common pitfalls—and how you can avoid them. Learn more about the most common CASPA mistakes.
Every year, the opening of CASPA marks the beginning of an exciting and competitive journey for future physician assistant students. While it may feel like the starting line, the most successful applicants know that preparation begins well before hitting “submit.” Read more about how to strengthen your PA school application.
Choosing a PA program is one of the most important decisions you will make on your path to becoming a physician assistant, and it can feel overwhelming at first. With many programs to choose from, how do you know which one is the right fit for you? Learn more about choosing the right PA program for you.
When people imagine what happens inside a hospital or clinic, they often picture a single provider delivering care. However, modern healthcare is powered by high-functioning teams, and Physician Assistants (PAs) are essential partners in that collaborative model. Read more about how PAs collaborate and work with interdisciplinary teams.
In a single shift, I might see patients with cardiovascular issues, gastrointestinal problems, infections, traumatic wounds, or even obstetric and gynecologic concerns. Every day is different, and that keeps the work engaging and mentally stimulating. Read more about what it’s like to work in Emergency Medicine.
At Mount St. Mary’s University’s Physician Assistant Program, hands-on learning starts on day one. Ultrasound is embedded into the curriculum from the first semester, giving students weekly access to Butterfly handheld ultrasound devices during the didactic year. Learn more and watch our video on point-of-care ultrasound in PA education.
Think of CASPA (Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants) as the “Common App” of PA school. Instead of juggling 10 different applications, a dozen sets of transcripts, and a ton of recommendation letter requests—CASPA lets you do it all in one place and then send it out to the PA programs you choose. Learn more about CASPA.
My path to becoming a physician assistant started in high school. I was an emergency medical technician and developed a passion for medicine and helping others heal. Read more about why Zachary Hare, DMSc, PA-C became a Physician Assistant
When people think about healthcare shortages, they often imagine faraway places. Yet here in northern Frederick County, where the Mount is located, many of our neighbors face real challenges accessing basic medical care. Learn more about how PAs can help address medical needs in rural areas.
As you transition from the didactic phase of Physician Assistant (PA) education into clinical rotations you will be immersed and transformed into the PA you will become. Clinical rotations are where theory meets practice. Learn more about clinical rotations.
PA school is no joke. Between lectures, exams, clinical rotations, and trying to keep up with life outside of school, it can feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day. It’s exciting, but it’s also stressful. And if you don’t take care of yourself, burnout can creep in before you even realize it. Learn more about building resilience to help during PA school and beyond.
At Mount St. Mary’s University’s Physician Assistant Program, we’re proud to offer students hands-on experience with the Anatomage Table 11 Convertible, an advanced, interactive 3D anatomy platform that brings human anatomy to life. Learn more about our new Anatomage Table.
Programs receive hundreds (sometimes thousands) of applications, and if you’ve been invited to interview, it means you’ve already stood out on paper. The interview is your chance to bring that application to life. Learn more about the PA program interview process.
Growing up, I was always drawn to science. There was something deeply satisfying about asking questions, investigating problems, and discovering solutions. Medicine, with its blend of human connection and intellectual challenge, was always fascinating. But for me, the real draw toward a career in healthcare was personal. Read more to learn about Mary Jackson, Program Director, and her journey to becoming a PA.
When I reflect on my journey to becoming a physician assistant, I’m reminded not only of the personal passion that led me here, but also of the incredible breadth and flexibility the profession offers. Becoming a PA allowed me to pursue a meaningful career in medicine without the years of training required for physicians—while still enjoying a high level of responsibility, autonomy, and direct patient impact. Read more about Lauren Eisenbein-Thome, Director of Didactic Education journey to becoming a PA.
If you're considering a career as a physician assistant (PA), you're likely drawn to the opportunity to care for patients and make a tangible difference in people’s lives. But what you may not realize is that being a PA isn’t limited to clinical work. PAs are uniquely positioned to become powerful leaders, advocates, educators, and changemakers at the local, state, and national levels. Read more about getting involved as a PA
PAs play a critical role in today’s healthcare system—providing high-quality care across a variety of settings. If you’re ready to take the first step, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from prerequisites and patient care hours to certification and licensure.
If you're passionate about medicine and want to make a difference in patients' lives, becoming a physician assistant (PA) is an excellent potential career path. PAs are vital, in-demand members of the healthcare team, licensed to diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, assist in surgery, and prescribe medications. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the path toward becoming a certified and accredited PA. Read more about becoming a PA.
How to Crush Your CASPA Application: A PA Professor’s Guide to Standing Out
As a PA professor, I’ve reviewed hundreds of applications and personal statements—and I can tell you this: the strongest candidates aren’t necessarily those with the most perfect GPAs or the flashiest titles. They’re the ones who tell a compelling story, show genuine self-awareness, and demonstrate a clear understanding of what it means to be a physician assistant.
If you're preparing to submit your CASPA (Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants) application, here’s a breakdown of the timeline, plus my top tips for making your CV and personal statement stand out in a sea of applicants. Learn more about the CASPA application.