As an aspiring PA, one of the most valuable experiences you can have is shadowing a practicing PA. This hands-on opportunity not only offers a glimpse into the daily life of a healthcare provider, but also provides invaluable insights into the field you’re preparing to enter. Here’s why shadowing a PA is so crucial and how you can get started.

What Does It Mean to “Shadow” a PA?

Shadowing involves observing a PA during their workday, typically in a clinical and/or hospital setting. It’s a chance to see firsthand how they interact with patients, collaborate with other healthcare professionals, and apply their medical knowledge in real-time. This experience gives you a tangible sense of the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards that come with the profession.

Why Shadowing a PA Is Important:

1. Insight into the Profession: Shadowing allows you to see a “real world” example of what it means to be a PA. You’ll witness how theoretical knowledge translates into practical patient care.
2. Clarifying Career Goals: It helps you confirm if becoming a PA aligns with your career aspirations and personal interests.
3. Networking Opportunities: The “PA world” is small. Building relationships with PAs can provide mentorship, advice, and potential letters of recommendation for future educational and career pursuits.
4. Enhanced Applications: Many PA programs highly recommend or require shadowing hours as part of their admission criteria (every school is different). It demonstrates your commitment to the profession and provides talking points for your application essays and interviews.

The number of shadowing hours needed for PA school can vary depending on the specific program, but most admission committees like to see at least 40+ hours of shadowing experience with a PA.

Here’s a breakdown of what you might encounter:

• Minimum Requirements: Many PA programs recommend shadowing, even if it’s not a formal requirement. That said, it’s important not to treat this as an optional task. Schools want to see that you’ve made an extra effort to gain these valuable hours and have gone above and beyond in your preparation.
• Competitive Applicants: Most competitive applicants typically have closer to 100+ hours of shadowing experience. This helps demonstrate a strong commitment to the profession.
• Varied Settings: It’s beneficial to have shadowing experience in multiple healthcare settings, such as primary care, surgery, or specialty clinics, to show a well-rounded understanding of the PA role.

Keep in mind that some programs may not specify an exact number of shadowing hours but instead, emphasize the quality of the experience and the diversity of settings where you gain exposure to the PA role. It’s always a good idea to check the specific requirements of the schools you’re interested in to ensure you meet their expectations, especially since some schools require shadowing experience and others don’t.

How to Find PAs to Shadow:

Getting started may seem daunting, but there are several effective ways to connect with PAs willing to host pre-PA students:

• Professional Online Resources: Websites like AAPA have resources or directories where you can find PAs willing to take on pre-PA students (there is a small fee associated with AAPA, but it’s minimal for pre-PA applicants). LinkedIn can also be useful for connecting with healthcare professionals.
• Reach Out to Local Hospitals and Clinics: Contact the HR department or the PA directly at hospitals and clinics in your area via email or cold-calling. Explain your interest in shadowing and inquire about their shadowing policies. Keep in mind- teaching hospitals are far more likely to accept pre-PA students.
• Utilize Professional Networks: Join state or college-specific PA student organizations or attend local medical networking events. These platforms can help you meet PAs who may be open to hosting shadows.
• Free online service: www.PAshadowonline.com offers a free service aimed at connecting prospective students with practicing PAs who are open to hosting shadowing experiences.
• Personal Connections: Don’t hesitate to ask friends, fellow pre-PA applicants on social media, family members, acquaintances, or even your own PCP if they know any PAs who might be willing and open to letting you shadow.
• Social Media Platforms: Pre-PA Facebook/IG groups allow you to informally network and ask PAs if they would be willing to let you shadow.
• Facebook groups:
  • PA Advice
  • PA Schoollife
• IG groups: Search for pre-PA groups in your area or part of your school

Start reaching out now! Finding a PA to shadow can be a frustrating and challenging process, and it’s completely understandable to feel discouraged at times. With busy schedules, tight patient loads, and limited availability, many PAs may not have the capacity to take on shadowing opportunities. It’s easy to feel like you’re hitting roadblocks, especially when you’re eager to learn and gain experience. But remember, this is a common part of the journey, and we’ve all been there. It takes persistence and patience, and sometimes even reaching out to multiple PAs or networking in different ways can lead to that breakthrough moment. Don’t be discouraged—your effort and determination will eventually pay off, and you’ll find the right opportunity to learn and grow.

Shadowing Etiquette:

If and when you shadow a PA, it’s essential to conduct yourself with professionalism. As much as the experience is about learning, it’s also about building relationships and leaving a lasting impression. Here are some key tips on shadowing etiquette:

1. Show Up On Time (and Early If Possible!): Being punctual is crucial in any professional setting. Arriving a few minutes early shows that you’re responsible and respectful of the PA’s time. Healthcare professionals work on tight schedules, so showing up late can disrupt their day and affect the overall workflow. Being early gives you a few moments to prepare and get settled in before things begin.
2. Dress Professionally and Appropriately: Even though shadowing might not require a full uniform, it’s important to dress neatly and professionally. A clean, comfortable outfit that allows you to move easily is ideal. Many people in healthcare wear scrubs, but if you’re unsure of the dress code, it’s a good idea to ask the PA ahead of time. Remember, your appearance speaks volumes about your professionalism.
3. Be Observant, Not Overbearing: While it’s tempting to ask questions or engage in conversation during a shadowing experience, always be mindful of the pace and environment. Let the PA take the lead and focus on the patient care at hand. When the moment is right, ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest and respect for the PA’s time. If they’re busy or don’t have time for a question, understand that and try again at a more appropriate time.
4. Be Helpful, but Don’t Overstep: If you notice opportunities to be helpful—such as organizing materials, cleaning up the space, or assisting with non-medical tasks—don’t hesitate to offer your help. However, always be mindful of your role as an observer, not a participant. Be clear about the tasks you are allowed to do and avoid taking on responsibilities that could interfere with patient care or disrupt the workflow.
5. Respect Patient Privacy: One of the most critical aspects of shadowing is respecting patient confidentiality and privacy. Always adhere to HIPAA guidelines and refrain from discussing anything you observe with others outside the clinical setting. Also, remember to NEVER take photos of patients or share sensitive information.
6. Clean Up After Yourself: Show that you care about the space and the people you’re working with by maintaining a clean and organized environment. Small acts of kindness, like wiping down a counter or showing a patient to the restroom, go a long way in demonstrating your work ethic and attention to detail.
7. Follow Up with a Thank You: After the shadowing experience, always send a thank-you note or email to the PA. Express your gratitude for the opportunity, the time they spent with you, and the lessons you learned. Not only is this a courteous gesture, but it also helps solidify your relationship with the PA and keeps you on their radar for future opportunities.

Shadowing a PA is not just a box to check on your journey to becoming a PA; it’s an immersive learning experience that can shape your career path and personal growth. Embrace this opportunity to learn, ask questions, and gain insights that will enrich your understanding of healthcare practice. Remember, each shadowing experience is unique, so approach it with curiosity and professionalism. By actively seeking out these opportunities, you’re taking proactive steps towards your future as a compassionate and skilled healthcare provider.

And as always, if you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out to us at This Way to PA! Your journey to becoming a PA begins with these small steps of exploration and discovery.