Congratulations! You’ve received that eagerly awaited invitation to interview for a physician assistant (PA) program and now you’re wondering how to prepare and not just answer their questions, but to ask great questions thoughtfully. Remember—they are interviewing you, but you’re also interviewing them, too! After all, your interview is not only about showcasing your qualifications, but also about evaluating whether the program aligns with your own goals as well. Here’s your comprehensive guide with the best questions to ask PA programs.
The Importance of Asking Good Questions During Your PA School Interview
Having good questions to ask PA programs during your interview is imperative for several reasons. Asking insightful questions can:
1. Highlight your enthusiasm.
Asking good questions indicates your interest in the program and your dedication to understanding what’s being offered. These questions give the program insight into what’s important to you.
2. Clarify processes.
Good questions will help you gain clarity on the curriculum, affiliations for clinical rotations, types of faculty support, and other critical aspects of the program.
3. Help you evaluate the program and see if it’s a good fit.
As stated, the right questions allow you to assess whether the program aligns with your mission, learning preferences, and personal values.
It’s important to reiterate, this is not just about being interviewed—it’s about you gaining perspective about the program and ensuring your best route to success.
🩺 Want to make sure you’re prepped for PA school? Try out our Pre-PA practice questions from anatomy and physiology to medical terminology, professional practice, and more!
Top 5 Questions to Ask PA Programs
Your PA interview is an opportunity to ask questions and show a genuine interest in the answers. Evaluators and interviewers want to hear questions that express your desire for a deeper understanding, and not just hear a question asked for the sake of asking it.
Generally speaking, serious questions about their curriculum, clinical rotations, volunteering and community service, mentorship and leadership, as well as their career services and alumni network are all good to ask.
Let’s look at an example of each.
1. Curriculum
A good curriculum question would be “How does the faculty coordinate the material and exam dates?”
This question demonstrates your interest in how thoughtful the program is in the learning process of their students. Do they use a module-based or an asynchronous curriculum? Are exams all taken together at the end of a module, or during the same week?
2. Clinical Rotations
As for clinical rotations, ask them, “Could you describe a typical week in the clinical rotations? How does the program ensure exposure to diverse medical specialties?”
This question shows your interest in the practical aspects of the program and how it prepares students for real-world medical scenarios.
3. Volunteering and Community Service
A good question would be “Are there opportunities for community service and volunteering while in the program?”
Some programs emphasize the importance of community involvement while in the learning environment. If this aligns with your personal values and goals, asking whether the program supports those endeavors or requires them during the didactic year is key.
4. Mentorship and Leadership
As for mentorship and leadership, ask them “How does the program foster mentorship between faculty and students and within the classroom between peers? What opportunities are there for leadership within the classroom?”
This question highlights your willingness to be an integral part of a team which is essential for thriving in a demanding educational environment. It also demonstrates the importance you place on faculty and student relationships.
Asking about leadership opportunities could set you apart during an interview, as it illustrates your drive and eagerness to get involved.
5. Career Services and Alumni Network
A good question on this would be “How does the program assist graduates in securing employment? Can you tell me about some notable accomplishments of recent alumni?”
This question demonstrates your forward-thinking approach by inquiring about post-graduation opportunities and success stories. This also shows that you intend to stay connected to the program after graduation, potentially by precepting students!
Questions to Ask PA Programs: 4 Ways to Dive in Deeper!
Asking more in-depth questions helps identify your priorities and ensure they align with the program’s offerings.
Here are some other categories of questions to consider that might be important to you:
1. Quality of Education
Ask questions to assess faculty qualifications and opportunities for hands-on clinical experience during the didactic year.
2. Supportive Environment
Evaluate the program’s approach to student support, counseling services, academic support, and peer support networks.
3. Student Society
Consider asking if the program has a student society that’s involved with community service, mission trips, or student activities.
4. Affiliations
Investigate the program’s involvement in national and statewide PA associations and advocacy for the profession.
4 Additional Tips for PA School Interviews
Preparing for your PA school interview goes beyond rehearsing questions. It’s also about presenting yourself as a confident, knowledgeable, and passionate candidate.
Here are some additional tips to help you excel:
1. Practice, practice, practice!
Rehearse common interview questions with friends, family, or mentors to refine your responses and build confidence in your delivery.
2. Stay informed.
Stay updated on current healthcare trends, challenges, and advancements particularly in the PA field. This demonstrates a proactive engagement with your future career!
3. Showcase your skills and experience.
Highlight relevant experiences, whether through clinical work, volunteer activities, or research, to illustrate your preparedness for the rigors of PA school.
4. Demonstrate professionalism.
Dress appropriately for the interview and maintain professional etiquette throughout the process, including punctuality and respectful communication.
Final Thoughts
Your PA school interview is not just a step in the admissions process, it’s the potential first encounter with your future faculty members and administration! Approach it with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a readiness to engage both as an interviewee and an evaluator.
By asking insightful questions, evaluating if the program is a good fit, and showcasing your readiness to contribute to the healthcare field, you’ll set yourself apart as a candidate who is prepared to excel in PA school and beyond. Best of luck on your interview journey—you’re going to do great!
Looking for more tips for PA school applications? We’ve got you covered! Check out these other posts on the Blueprint PA blog:
