Getting a Letter of Recommendation from Past College Cohort?

[xbrad75]

So I am finding that my biggest issue with my application is getting reliable letters of recommendation.  So far, I have at least two individuals that I can ask to write a positive letter, but I am trying to get one physician assistant to write me a recommendation.

 

I work in a hospital as a mental health tech in the ER, and I work around PAs all the time.  My only issue is that none of the ones I work with have the ability/time to have me shadow them, and they might only know me in passing. I do not see them comfortable with writing me a letter of recommendation, nor do I feel comfortable if they said yes.

 

A friend of mine from college graduated from a PA program in 2016, and was wondering if asking her to write me a letter of recommendation would be frowned upon. I know she would be able to give me a strong, personal letter of recommendation, but I wanted to see if this is would work for me or against me. I was in the pre-PA program she was in, but I did not make it in to the didactic year. 

 

I have shadowed a PA and NP, but I do not trust the shadowed PA to write me a strong letter of recommendation. She was on her phone in between patients, and when I asked her questions she was very short and not personable. It actually made the experience a little awkward for me, because I am a social, outgoing person. My second letter would be requested from a nurse who I work alongside with, and I am confident in her letter.

 

Edit:  I am asking this question because I would like some clarification. I do not see a difference in getting a letter of recommendation from a PA you have developed a personal rapport with in the work place, compared to asking someone you have known in college. 

[DiggySRNA]

LORs from friends and relatives is a no no. They cannot attest to your professional abilities (since it could be bias).

 

Unless a LOR from a PA is explicitly stated on the program's website that it is required, seek LORs elsewhere. No need to stress. 

 

I have an upcoming interview and I have 0 LORs from a PA.

[Rhizopus]

There are two main things you need your letter writers to address.

 

1) Abiltiy to perform graduate level work.

2) Clinical aptitude.

 

So, in reality, a PA you shadowed probably wouldn't be able to say much about either of those things. A professor in a class you absolutely crushed and a clinical supervisor that you have a real relationship with would be ideal. Your nurse supervisor is a good one.

 

Do not get a letter from your friend. Now, if your friend was an outstanding PA student and they happen to drop a line to the director of the program they attended, then it's possible your application will get an extra glance from the admissions committee.

[ethaner63]

LORs from friends and relatives is a no no. They cannot attest to your professional abilities (since it could be bias).

 

Unless a LOR from a PA is explicitly stated on the program's website that it is required, seek LORs elsewhere. No need to stress. 

 

I have an upcoming interview and I have 0 LORs from a PA.

Did you only apply to schools that didn't require a letter from a PA? I am in a similar situation right now; my stats are competitive all around but I can't get more 2 shifts shadow time with any one PA (I work at a busy hospital in WA). I know I could ask one for but they probably couldn't actually attest to my ability. 

 

Hearing that worked for you is actually great! I think I can use two of my clinical supervisors and my A&P professor.

[DiggySRNA]

Nope, LOR requirements was not a criteria I looked at when applying to PA schools. 

 

Fortunately, my list just ended up not requiring a LOR from a PA.

[MT2PA]

Here's the difference:

 

The PA you know was not a PA when you met/knew them well.  You are essentially asking a friend who happens to be a PA now to check that box.  When you interacted with them regularly you were peers.  S/he was not your  mentor.  S/he was not educating you, supervising you.  S/he did not have any authority over you in a professional manner.

 

If schools wanted personal letters of reference, they would ask for them.

[AliB]

My LORs were from an MD, an NP, and a professor.  No PA knew me well enough for them to write an LOR for me.  I didn't apply to any program that required an LOR from a PA, nor did I apply to programs that required shadowing hours be specifically with a PA.  Multiple offers of acceptance received from some of the programs where I did apply.  As has been said, for your LORs, it's not the letters after their name, it's their ability to reasonably attest to your character and aptitude to become a successful PA.  

[ChrisMD]

Hello,

I'm a MD who has been involved in academic medicine for quite some time (residency faculty and academic appointments from several medical schools).  I love having students but recently one of my executive leadership staff asked to have one of their family members shadow me prior to an application to PA school.  We spent two days together and he is now asking for a letter of recommendation.  It was a good experience for both of us (at least I think he enjoyed the time we spent together).  Even though I've been involved in academic medicine for quite some time, this is my first experience with a pre-professional student.  I'm sure that PA schools realize that shadowing experiences are generally limited in scope and duration and I'm wondering of letters like this are actually helpful and if so, are they given any significant weight during the admissions process?  I'd love to see some sample letters of recommendation for students who have shadowed for limited periods of time if available.  What qualities are PA schools looking for in this type of letter?

 

Thanks for any help you might be able to provide.  I'd like to give this student an excellent letter but want it to be realistic and meaningful (not only because he's a relative of an executive in my organization but also because I believe he'd be a great provider).