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.

Clair Kuriakose, MBA, PA-C, is a high achiever. She sets goals for herself, achieves them, and then strategically lays out her next steps. She finished PA school, got her MBA and Lean Six Sigma certification, and now leads advanced practice providers at Stanford Health Care.

Nicole S. Cournoyer, PA-C, faculty member at Thomas Jefferson University, started her career in a community-based oncology office. Teaching patients and family members about disease processes, medications and interventions led to lecturing then teaching full-time at her alma mater.

PAs who serve as medical and clinical science liaisons play a unique role in pharmaceutical and other medical organizations. They use their clinical skills to interpret clinical trials, medications’ chemical composition, safety matters, and help to educate clinicians.

Andrea Lowe, MHA, PA-C, has a lot of ideas about raising PA public awareness and increasing career opportunities for PAs. Lowe practiced as a PA in emergency medicine and then transitioned to increasingly visible leadership roles.

Kasey Drapeau D’Amato, a PA in dermatology, used her clinical skills to build a skincare business. Read how D’Amato became an entrepreneur and started Airelle Skincare. She also shares her skincare secrets and advice for PAs who want to start a business.

With over 200 accredited PA programs throughout the country, how do you decide which one is right for you? Here, five important factors to consider.

While it’s no secret that getting through PA school is one of the most difficult tasks you’ll ever accomplish, there are a few things you can do to ensure that you pass with flying colors.

Accruing Healthcare Experience (HCE) and Patient Care Experience (PCE) hours is one of the most time-intensive aspects of applying to PA school. Here are recommendations to obtain these patient-related work hours.

The PA profession offers unique latitude and flexible employment opportunities across the medical spectrum. For those PAs interested in non-clinical career options, Jennifer Hohman, founder of PA Career Coach, offers tips and ideas for your next steps.

While the transition from program to practice may seem overwhelming and nerve-wracking, PA students can set themselves up for a successful career start with these tips.

Physicians have traditionally filled the roles of medical directors. However, with the right background and determination, many PAs have shown they, too, have what it takes to be successful in those positions. One prime example is PA Javier Esquivel-Acosta, who for several years served as associate medical director at the Foothill Community Health Center (FCHC) in San Jose, Calif. The center oversees a number of local health clinics throughout the area.

For Sheri A. Shebairo, MBA, PA-C, getting to the bottom of an issue has been a driving force throughout her professional life. Her first career was as a television news reporter in New York, but she always knew she wanted to have a more personal impact on the lives of others.

Do you ever wonder about the options for nonclinical employment open to you as a PA? There are many available.