PA Applicant Support Program

The Pacific University School of Physician Assistant Studies is committed to assisting applicants from the Pacific Northwest (OR/WA) to prepare for a career as a Physician Assistant. As part of this process, the program offers a support program on an annual basis in mid-May, for the following individuals who live in Oregon or Washington:

  1. Applicants from minority groups and underserved communities applying in the next year
  2. Applicants interviewed but not admitted or low on the wait list and interested in reapplying
  3. Applicants not invited for interview but interested in reapplying
  4. Undergraduates from Pacific University applying to the program in the next year

Applicants eligible to participate in the support program are identified and approved by the admissions committee members, admissions staff and PA Program faculty/staff.

Invitations to participate in the program are sent in the spring of the year (March/April) for a maximum of 12 participants. RSVP’s are required by early May. The program consists of the following:

  1. Evaluation of strengths and areas for improvement (by admissions counselor and committee)
  2. Attendance at a one day seminar (offered by PA faculty and Career Services)
             - PA role (presented by PA faculty)
             - Developing the application narrative (presented by Career Services)
             - Interviewing techniques (presented by PA faculty and Career Services)
  3. Suggestions for PA shadowing experiences (by PA Faculty)
             - Limited to 1-2 days of shadowing during June and August
             - PA will not provide a letter of reference
  4. Community mentor matching (by Diversity Coordinator and PA Faculty)

SEMINARS - OBJECTIVES

PA ROLE

Through participation in this seminar the applicant will:

  1. Understand the role of the PA in the health care system
  2. Review the history and development of the PA profession
  3. Know the employment trends of practicing PA’s
  4. Identify the PA professional associations

DEVELOPING APPLICATION NARRATIVE

Through participation in this seminar the applicant will:

  1. Understand the essential elements of writing
  2. Obtain feedback regarding draft narrative
  3. Review samples of narratives

INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES

Through participation in this seminar the applicant will:

  1. Understand the essential elements of interviewing and professionalism
  2. Practice mock interviews
  3. Receive feedback on performance during mock interviews

NOTE: Participation in the support program does not guarantee admission to the program, nor will the PA faculty or staff  write letters of recommendation or reference.