Career Resources
4 Ways to Maximize Your Gap Year as a Pre-PA Student
Are you considering taking a gap year before PA school? A gap year can lead to tremendous personal and professional growth and help you become a more competitive PA program applicant.
![Kris Pyles-Sweet, MS, PA-C; Travis Randolph, PA-C; Emily WhiteHorse, Ph.D., PA-C; Melissa Ricker, PA-C](https://www.aapa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/all_four_square-480x380.jpg)
Insider Tips on Popular PA Specialties
PAs know that career flexibility is a built-in benefit of the profession. But it can be overwhelming to think about transitioning specialties. Do you have enough experience? What’s the best way to get your foot in the door? Four experts share their insights.
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AOP Guide
Explore a new career direction or specialty with this collection of AAPA and partner resources, salary data, and CME on various practice areas, including Administration, Dermatology, Education, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Hospital Medicine, Internal Medicine, Orthopaedic Surgery, Telemedicine, and Urgent Care.
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Surviving and Thriving in Your Clinical Rotations
Get an overview of helpful tips and pearls of wisdom for students entering the clinical phase of their education. Learn how to study during clinicals, how to elicit and act on feedback, and ultimately maximize the clinical experience.
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Drinking From a Fire Hydrant: How to Study Effectively in PA School
By focusing on the finish line from the very start, developing strong personalized study skills, and maintaining a willingness to adapt, students will learn how to feel confident on test day through both didactic and clinical years.
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Getting Hired for Your First PA Job: Secrets From a PA Employer
Come hear tips and tricks as you prepare for the PANCE. From study hints to day-of pointers, this session is for all the test takers… the cautiously optimistic, the nervous wrecks, and all those in between.
![What I Wish I Would Have Known: Surviving the Transition from PA-S to PA-C thumbnail](https://www.aapa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/video-what-i-wish-i-would-have-known-webinar-icon-thumbnail-620x380.jpg)
What I Wish I Would Have Known: Surviving the Transition From PA-S to PA-C
In this one-hour webinar, learn what it takes to get into PA school and how to make yourself a more competitive applicant.
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Checklist: New Graduate
You’ve graduated…now, make sure you’re ready to practice with our checklist for new graduates.
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Checklist: Before You Graduate
Make sure you’ve got all the major milestones and deadlines checked off as you prepare to graduate and launch your PA career.
5 Steps to Becoming a PA
A PA is a nationally certified and state-licensed medical professional. Learn how to acquire the experience you need for PA school and how to get and maintain your certification.
![Guide icon with a computer, pen and paper](https://www.aapa.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/guide-icon-thumbnail-620x380.jpg)
Guide: Where Will You Take Your PA Career?
Here’s a list of questions you can ask yourself to help determine where your interests as a PA lie.
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Video: Clinical Rotations Dos and Don’ts
Make your first foray into clinical practice a memorable one – for all the right reasons! Watch our video, and then use our Clinical Rotations checklists and guides to avoid common pitfalls and set yourself up for success.
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Video: Which Career Path Is Right for You?
There are so many ways to be a PA…from clinical practice in dozens of specialties to non-clinical careers in research and education. Check out our video to help you explore your options and take advantage of tools to help you get there!
Tackling Clinical Rotations
Conquer clinical rotations! Learn common do’s and don’ts with our video and get even more helpful and detailed tips with our guide.
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Checklist: Starting Your New Job
Congratulations! You’ve accepted the job and negotiated a solid contract. Make sure you’re
ready to start practicing with our checklist.