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Taysen
Student
Vernal, Utah
1
Question
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How to prepare for PA/NP schooling?
Outside of school and prerequisites what should I be doing?
#Spring26
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Ben Green
Strategy Manager
4
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United States
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Ben’s Answer
This is a great question, and it's something programs really care about. PA programs usually don't require a specific BA/BS degree as long as you meet the prerequisite courses. They often ask for at least 2000 hours of hands-on healthcare experience. This means working directly with patients, like as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or a medical assistant (MA). These roles are usually for people over 18 and can be in hospitals, care facilities, or medical practices.
Nurse practitioner programs are a bit different because they typically require a bachelor's degree in nursing. Some programs, like Vanderbilt's, offer accelerated paths for those interested in nursing and becoming a nurse practitioner. These programs also look for direct patient care experience.
To get started, consider community certification programs to become a CNA, MA, EMT, PCT, or phlebotomist. These entry-level roles help students gain valuable experience and exposure. Choose one that matches your interests in becoming a PA or NP. If you prefer working in a clinic, consider becoming an MA or phlebotomist, while roles like CNA, EMT, or PCT are more suited for hospital or facility settings. This will help you when you go to apply because you chose an area that will serve you long-term based on your genuine interest.
Nurse practitioner programs are a bit different because they typically require a bachelor's degree in nursing. Some programs, like Vanderbilt's, offer accelerated paths for those interested in nursing and becoming a nurse practitioner. These programs also look for direct patient care experience.
To get started, consider community certification programs to become a CNA, MA, EMT, PCT, or phlebotomist. These entry-level roles help students gain valuable experience and exposure. Choose one that matches your interests in becoming a PA or NP. If you prefer working in a clinic, consider becoming an MA or phlebotomist, while roles like CNA, EMT, or PCT are more suited for hospital or facility settings. This will help you when you go to apply because you chose an area that will serve you long-term based on your genuine interest.
sowmya narayanagari
22
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sowmya’s Answer
If you aren't an RN yet and want a quick path to advanced practice, becoming a PA might be simpler. If you prefer to develop through nursing and gain RN experience first, becoming an NP might suit you better.
Here's what to do next: Choose 10 programs you're interested in. Look at their admission requirements closely. Make a list of what you need, like hours, shadowing, recommendation letters, and deadlines. Requirements can differ a lot, so a general approach might not work well, especially for PA hours and NP specialty experience.
Here's what to do next: Choose 10 programs you're interested in. Look at their admission requirements closely. Make a list of what you need, like hours, shadowing, recommendation letters, and deadlines. Requirements can differ a lot, so a general approach might not work well, especially for PA hours and NP specialty experience.