Are you gearing up for physician assistant (PA) school and wondering how to stand out in a competitive pool of applicants? One powerful way to set yourself apart is by accumulating relevant healthcare experience before you apply. Not only will this strengthen your application, but it will also prepare you for the challenges ahead.
Many PA programs require or highly recommend patient care experience, and gaining hands-on exposure can give you invaluable insights into the medical field. This post will help you determine the best jobs to consider before PA school, why they matter, and how to choose the right role for your goals.
Most PA programs prioritize applicants with hands-on clinical experience because it demonstrates a fundamental understanding of patient care. This experience is typically divided into two categories:
Different PA programs weigh these experiences differently. Some may set minimum requirements for patient care hours (often ranging from 500 to over 2,000 hours), while others focus on your exposure to healthcare environments more generally. Hands-on medical roles not only meet these requirements but also teach critical skills like clinical reasoning, bedside manner, and medical teamwork.
Beyond admissions, these jobs prepare you for the rigorous coursework and clinical rotations of PA school, helping you hit the ground running.
Here are some of the top jobs that offer the kind of hands-on experience PA programs value most:
What They Do
CNAs provide essential support in patient care, assisting with daily activities like bathing, feeding, and moving patients. They also take vital signs and monitor patient well-being.
Where They Work
Average Salary
$30,000–$40,000 per year (varies by location).
Why It’s Beneficial
Working as a CNA offers significant patient interaction, allowing you to build compassionate communication and learn the fundamentals of patient care—an excellent foundation for a PA career.
What They Do
EMTs provide lifesaving care in urgent settings, such as responding to accidents or medical emergencies.
Where They Work
Average Salary
$35,000–$50,000 per year.
Why It’s Beneficial
This role teaches you how to stay calm under pressure and make critical decisions quickly. You’ll gain exposure to a variety of injuries and illnesses—key skills for PA training.
What They Do
MAs support both administrative and clinical tasks. This includes scheduling appointments, taking vitals, preparing patients for exams, and assisting with minor procedures.
Where They Work
Average Salary
$35,000–$45,000 per year.
Why It’s Beneficial
MAs often work directly alongside physicians, which can provide mentorship opportunities while deepening your understanding of clinical workflows.
What They Do
Phlebotomists specialize in drawing blood for tests, transfusions, and donations. They interact with patients and ensure proper sample handling.
Where They Work
Average Salary
$30,000–$40,000 per year.
Why It’s Beneficial
This role hones attention to detail and fosters patient interaction, particularly in maintaining a calm environment during blood draws.
What They Do
Paramedics provide advanced pre-hospital care, such as administering medications, performing intubations, and using defibrillators.
Where They Work
Average Salary
$45,000–$60,000 per year.
Why It’s Beneficial
For those ready for higher responsibility, becoming a paramedic offers a challenging and rewarding experience that mirrors advanced PA care in emergencies.
What They Do
Scribes assist physicians by documenting patient encounters, managing charts, and tracking follow-up tasks.
Where They Work
Average Salary
$25,000–$38,000 per year.
Why It’s Beneficial
Scribes gain exposure to medical terminology, charting practices, and patient interaction—all of which are invaluable in PA school and clinical practice.
If you’re looking for alternative roles, consider these options for gaining healthcare experience:
Every prospective PA student’s path is unique, so choosing the right job depends on your personal circumstances and PA program requirements. Here are a few factors to consider:
Research the programs you’re targeting and determine how many patient care hours they require. If they demand a high number, roles like CNA, EMT, or phlebotomist are ideal because they offer ample opportunities to interact with patients.
Balancing work with academic coursework can be challenging, so look for jobs that offer part-time shifts or flexible hours.
Think about which roles align with your interests. Do you prefer fast-paced environments (e.g., EMT or paramedic) or stable settings (e.g., MA or scribe)?
Choose a position that develops both technical and soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and clinical knowledge.
Securing a patient care or healthcare role before applying to PA school isn’t just about meeting admission requirements—it’s about gaining valuable exposure that prepares you for a fulfilling career. Certified Nursing Assistants, EMTs, medical assistants, scribes, and similar roles can offer the hands-on experience, skills, and confidence you need to succeed.
Take the time to explore your options, consider the skills you want to build, and choose a role that aligns with your goals. Whether you’re assisting patients in an emergency or documenting healthcare notes, every experience will bring you closer to becoming the compassionate and capable PA you aspire to be.
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