Career Resources

PA Scope of Practice

PAs are proven and integral members of the U.S. healthcare system. But what exactly do PAs do? And who decides? The boundaries of each PA’s scope of practice are determined by these parameters: education and experience; state law; policies of employers and facilities, and the needs of the patients. 

Resume Template

This resume template was created by AAPA’s Early Career PA Commission and is intended to help guide PAs in all career stages, including PA students, through the process of creating a resume that will impress prospective employers.

CV Template

This CV template was created by AAPA’s Early Career PA Commission and is intended to help guide PAs in all career stages, including PA students, through the process of creating a CV that will impress prospective employers.

Cover Letter Template

This template was created by AAPA’s Early Career PA Commission and is intended to help guide PAs in all career stages, including PA students, through the process of creating a cover letter that will impress prospective employers.

Reference List Template

This reference list template was created by AAPA’s Early Career PA Commission and is intended to help guide PAs in all career stages, including PA students, who are asked to provide a list of references to a prospective employer.

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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.

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Video: Educating Employers About PAs

Be ready to educate your current and future employers about working with PAs using these talking points.

PAs and Team Practice

A summary of PAs in team-oriented care models.

Explaining PA Practice to Employers

Be ready to explain PA practice to potential employers and share the ways you can contribute to medical care.

PA Student to PA: Navigating the Transition

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.

A physician associate/physician assistant in surgical gear

What is a PA?

What is a PA (physician associate/physician assistant)? PAs are licensed clinicians who practice medicine in every specialty and setting.

Competencies for the Physician Associate Profession

Professional competencies for physician assistants include the effective and appropriate application of medical knowledge, interpersonal and communication skills, patient care, professionalism, practice-based learning and improvement, and systems-based practice.

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Resumes and CVs

A resume or curriculum vitae (CV) is your opportunity to impress potential employers. Here are some tips and templates for your resume or CV.

How to Mitigate Negative Job References

Even the most successful PA career hits the occasional snag that can make transitioning to a new position challenging. Aside from potential contract disputes, a frequent trouble spot is obtaining a positive reference from a former employer with whom there was a conflict. Find out how you can deal with negative job references.