Is the PANRE Review Course Worth It? My Honest Review

Preparing for the PANRE comes with its fair share of challenges—there’s a lot to review, and only so many hours in the day! One option many PAs consider is enrolling in a PANRE review course, but is it actually worth the time and investment?

We spoke with Natalie McQueen, PA-C, a recent learner from Blueprint’s PANRE Live Review Course to get the inside scoop! From interactive teaching methods to confidence-boosting strategies, here’s her honest take on what it’s really like and how it impacted her exam prep.

(And P.S…she passed!)

A Q&A with a Blueprint PANRE Live Review Course Student

What made you decide to take Blueprint’s PANRE Live Review Course?

As a busy PA, I needed a resource that would comprehensively and efficiently prepare me for the traditional PANRE. I knew Blueprint’s PANRE Live Review Course was well-recognized for its comprehensive coverage of must-know topics for the PANRE, with content tailored specifically to the exam’s format.

Additionally, I was looking for a live review format that allows real-time interaction, where I could ask questions and engage with instructors who are experts in the field. I also liked that the course included practice exams and test-taking strategies, which could help identify any areas of improvement and boost my confidence going into the exam.

What was your first impression of the PANRE review course?

My first impression was how well organized and fun everything was! It was much different than any review session I’ve ever done before—unlike standard formats that often focus heavily on rote memorization, this course emphasized a more interactive and engaging approach. The instructors were knowledgeable and approachable, creating an environment that encouraged questions and allowed discussions to flow naturally.

Additionally, incorporating real-life scenarios made the material more relatable and easier to grasp. Overall, the course felt dynamic and well-structured!

Were there any moments where you thought, “Wait…learning can actually be fun?”

Mike Sharma always had a funny anecdote or memory trick to go along with the material to make things fun. One that will always stick with me is “shoedomonas!” (Pseudomonas is a common bacteria in an injury caused by a puncture wound to your foot through a tennis shoe.)

Want a sneak peek into the mnemonics we use in Blueprint’s PANRE Live Review Course? Get the FREE download to reference throughout your exam prep!

How did the live format help you stay engaged and on track?

The live format definitely helped me stay on track better than a self-paced course. There’s simply no way I would have covered that volume of information on my own in the span of four days (and it was imperative that I did because my PANRE date was quickly approaching)!

The real-time interaction with instructors and other learners created a dynamic and stimulating environment. With set schedules and structured sessions, it was easier to maintain a consistent study routine and prevent procrastination (which can easily become a habit with self-paced learning).

Did you use any supplemental materials before, during, or after the course?

I used Blueprint’s app for the PANRE/PANRE-LA Qbank with CME alongside the PANRE review course. It was the perfect way to do some extra practice questions and review on the go and get CME at the same time!

I used the free mobile app for a couple of months leading up to the course and then I took the course immediately before taking my PANRE.

What was your favorite part of the PANRE review course?

The instructors! They were absolutely phenomenal—fun and engaging, but also incredibly knowledgeable. They were all gifted teachers who knew how to communicate medical topics in a way that was easy to understand and remember.

In addition to making complex topics much more accessible, the instructors also encouraged questions and fostered engaging discussions that brought the content to life.

Were there any concepts you finally understood because of the way the course explained them?

I’ve been a PA for 10 years and I don’t think I had ever actually fully understood the pathophysiology of Addison and Cushing disease before taking this course. The instructors are amazing at taking complicated concepts like this and making them something that is easy to grasp. Shoutout to Sara Lewis for taking what I thought was an impossible concept and making it completely understandable!

What was your biggest hurdle before taking the PANRE?

Before taking the PANRE, my biggest hurdle was managing the vast amount of material without feeling overwhelmed. Between working full time and managing family and social commitments, I felt like I just didn’t have the time to study everything I needed to for the PANRE.

My PANRE review course helped me overcome this by providing a structured, focused approach to studying. It broke down complex topics into manageable segments, highlighting key areas likely to appear on the exam. The interactive sessions and real-life scenarios provided clarity and context, which reduced the stress I initially felt and boosted my confidence.

Ultimately, my exam prep was more effective—and even enjoyable!

The course is an intense four days! What were your hacks/motivations to stay engaged?

Just to name a few: a comfy location with a view, all my favorite study snacks that I used in PA school, hydration, and getting up and physically moving around during each break.

When the live portion wraps up for the day and you’ve completed all your assigned work in the course, turn off studying completely—no more looking up one more thing or reviewing one more disease process! Go do something fun, take your mind off the content, move your body, and get a good night’s sleep.

How did you feel going into test day?

Going into test day, I felt a mix of nerves and “being ready to get it over with.” I will say that the PANRE review course significantly boosted my confidence—I felt much more prepared and focused.

The interactive elements from my course (like real-life scenarios and discussions) clarified tricky concepts and made the material more memorable, so by test day, I had a solid grasp of the content. I felt reassured knowing I had prepared adequately, which eased much of my anxiety and allowed me to approach the exam with a clearer mindset.

Was there anything about the course that surprised you?

I was truly surprised by how much fun the course was. I had memories of the course I took in preparation for the PANCE 10 years ago with a different company—long, boring days of lectures with black and white handouts. But Blueprint’s course was nothing like that!

I was also pleasantly surprised by all the little “extras” in the course, like test-taking strategies, tips on how to break down an exam question, and the Fast Pharm quick review questions.

What would you say to another PA who’s on the fence about taking the PANRE review course?

Blueprint’s PANRE Live Review Course is worth it 100x over! The structured setup can reduce stress and boost your confidence, making it such a worthwhile investment. The interactive format, along with the structured schedule, helps clarify difficult concepts and keeps you on track. It’s an effective way to enhance your confidence and readiness for the exam. And with Blueprint’s 100% pass guarantee, you really can’t go wrong.

Lastly, if you could sum up the course in three words, what would they be?

Engaging, comprehensive, and interactive! 💙

About Blueprint’s PANRE Live Review Course

Want to join in on the fun? Here’s what you’ll get when you enroll in Blueprint’s PANRE Live Review Course:

Earn 20 AAPA PRA Cat 1 CME Credit(s)™ with included AAPA Self-Assessment General PA Qbank
4 days (30 hours) of live content review
Two instructors live on camera
970 PANRE-style practice questions
- Diagnostic exam
- Daily assessments
- Full-length mock PANRE/PANRE-LA Exam with course-exclusive content
- AAPA Self Assessment CME Qbank
High-quality digital handouts
Powerful performance analytics
100% Pass Guarantee!