Career Resources

Specialty Transitions: Researching the Best Options for You

PA Career Coach Jennifer Hohman frequently works with clients who are considering changing their specialty. Find out how she helps her clients find the right specialty for them through careful self-assessment, research, and networking.

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.

PA smiling on the computer

How to Tailor Your Job Application for a Specialty Transition

Any successful career transition is rooted in self-knowledge, curiosity and a zestful movement towards what inspires you as a clinician. PAs have unique career journeys given their ability to navigate specialty transitions that can be both exciting and daunting.

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.

Thumbnail for Secrets From a PA Employer webinar

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.

Three PAs talking

Why I Changed Specialties as a PA

One of the major advantages of becoming a PA is that it is relatively easy to change from one specialty to another without the need for new certification. More than 50% of PAs will change specialties during their careers, according to AAPA’s Salary Report.

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.

Person using a MacBook Air

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.

Changing Specialties

Learn about the educational resources that are available to help you switch from one specialty to another.

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.

Cultivate Your Network: Employment References

Creating your references list is an essential part of the job search that can also help you cultivate your professional network and prepare you for inter-views.