One of the most frequent questions I get from students is about how to get a PA school letter of recommendation. Who do I ask, when do I ask, and how do I even bring it up without it feeling awkward?
I get it because I was there once! It can feel weird and uncomfortable asking someone to vouch for you, especially in healthcare where everyone is always busy and you don’t want to feel like a burden.
Here’s the reality though: letters of recommendation are a normal part of the process that most healthcare providers understand and are likely asked at some point if they have students. It isn’t just about asking, though! The key is asking the right people, at the right time, and in the right way.
Looking back on my own PA school application (and now being on the other side of this), there are things I did right and a few things I wish I knew earlier. So, let’s break this down so that you can land a strong PA school letter of recommendation!
Want to make sure your prepped for PA school? Try out our Pre-PA practice questions from anatomy and physiology to medical terminology, professional practice, and more!
PA School Letter of Recommendation Tips & Tricks
1. Who should you ask for a PA school letter of recommendation?
This is probably the most important part of the entire process. Before I even dive into who to ask, it’s important to understand how many letters you usually need. For PA programs, (especially if they use CASPA) require you to have three letters of recommendation. This is a pretty standard amount across the board.
Those three letters should typically come from a mix of individuals who can speak to various parts of who you are and what makes you a strong applicant clinically, academically, and professionally.
That said, PA programs may have specific requirements, so it is important to check each school’s website to see who they want letters from.
Generally speaking, you’ll want a combination of letters from the following individuals:
- PAs you had direct patient care experience with
- PAs you shadowed
- College professors (I strongly recommend a science professor if possible.)
- Clinical supervisor/someone you worked in healthcare with (physician, PA, nurse, etc.).
Having a letter from a PA can add a lot of value to your application. (I usually advise shadowing or working with a PA before applying.) If this isn’t possible, a physician or nurse practitioner that knows you well could also write you a PA school letter of recommendation.
Here’s my experience…
When I applied, I used a PA I had shadowed extensively, a college anatomy professor, and a supervising nurse I worked with at the time.
If there’s one thing I’d emphasize, it’s this: choose someone that knows you. Don’t just choose someone that has an impressive title. A strong letter comes from someone who can talk about you in detail!
For example, I asked a PA I had spent a lot of time shadowing. I didn’t just show up once or twice—I built a relationship with her over time. She saw how I interacted with patients, how I asked questions, and how serious I was about becoming a PA. Her letter was valuable because of this.
Compare this to an applicant that has a letter of recommendation from a renowned healthcare professional but doesn’t have much of a relationship with them. This letter is going to be much more generic. Admission committees can tell the difference immediately.
Pro tip: Start building relationships early!
This is something I think a lot of applicants underestimate! You can’t find a strong letter of recommendation at the last minute. These relationships need to be built over time!
When I was shadowing, I didn’t go into it thinking I needed a letter right away. I focused on learning, being present, and showing genuine interest. Over time, that relationship naturally developed, and I learned a lot from the experience.
Once I’d spent time with the PA I was shadowing, I brought it up directly. I told her that I would be applying for PA school and that I would really appreciate a letter of recommendation when the time came.
This wasn’t a huge surprise to her. She anticipated it and said she was going to ask me if I needed one if I didn’t bring it up!
If you’re going to ask someone to write you a letter of recommendation, chances are that they already know that you’re pursuing PA school and need one. So, you don’t need to feel awkward about asking if you’ve put in the time and gotten to know them.
2. When should you ask?
Timing matters more than you’d think and there are a couple of parts to this.
First, plant the seed early. If you’re working with or shadowing someone consistently, don’t wait until the very end to bring it up. You don’t need to tell them on the first day, but you can mention during your natural conversations that you’re planning to apply to PA school if this comes up.
As they get to know you, again simply remind them of your conversation about applying to PA school, that you’re looking for strong letters of recommendation, and hope that when the time comes, they’ll be willing to provide one.
Second, officially ask closer to application season. This is when you need to make the official request.
That part is key—don’t just ask and disappear. Offer to shadow/meet up with them again and discuss it more if needed. Give them any information they ask for.
3. How to ask (without making it awkward).
Many people overthink this. You don’t need a perfect script! Just be respectful, clear, and direct about what you need.
This loops us back to the importance of who you’re asking. This shouldn’t feel like it’s coming out of nowhere if you’re asking the right individual. They should be anticipating this and happy to help if you’ve built a relationship with them.
Here is a super simple approach if you’re looking for some specifics on how this conversation might go.
You could say:
“I’m applying to PA school this cycle, and I was wondering if you’d feel comfortable writing a strong letter of recommendation for me.”
I do suggest adding that word “strong.” This matters a lot. It gives them the opportunity to be honest and if they don’t feel like they can write you a great letter, it gives them the chance to tell you. Believe me, you want to know this before the letter is sent in with your application as it can hurt your chances of getting into PA school if they don’t write you a good letter.
Make it easy for them.
Remember how I said healthcare workers are always busy? Don’t forget this and make the process as simple as possible for your letter writer.
After they agree, send them your resume or CV. Give them your personal statement (even a drafted version). Send them a brief summary of your experiences and goals. Give them clear instructions regarding deadlines. Send them a kind reminder if needed.
Think of it this way: the easier the process is for them and the less they must do to write a strong letter, the better your letter will be.
Don’t wait too long!
This is a common mistake that can be avoided with simple preparation and planning.
If you wait too long, they may not remember their time with you in detail, they may get too busy, and the letter could sound rushed and generic.
The best time to ask is when your experience with them is fresh in their mind and they can easily remember specific things like how you interacted with patients, your work ethic, or your ability to learn and take criticism.
Final Thoughts
A PA school letter of recommendation isn’t just a requirement to check off. Having a strong letter can be a huge opportunity to stand out! It allows someone else to narrate your story and share their perspective.
Remember that not every yes is equal. If someone seems hesitant, take that seriously. You want people who are genuinely excited to recommend you because their letter will reflect that.
If you take anything away from all this, remember to build real relationships, be upfront about your goals, ask with intention, and give your letter writers the tools necessary to provide a strong letter of recommendation for you!
Good luck with your applications, and be sure to reach out if you have any questions!
