laifalove Posted December 5, 2011 Share Posted December 5, 2011 I was wondering if anyone has had any luck looking through a phone book and calling PAs for shadowing opportunities and how to best go about asking for one. A friend told me about a website (PASO) that lists shadowing opportunities, but the 3 PAs in my area don't have any dates in the next few months and haven't had any in the last 6+months. I'm currently volunteering at a hospital, but most of the interactions are with RNs, rarely ever do you see a PA around. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator rev ronin Posted December 5, 2011 Administrator Share Posted December 5, 2011 Use your social network. If your social network includes zero PAs... why do you want to become one? Who inspired you to become a PA? Certainly not a "hot careers" magazine article, I expect. So.. ASK your contacts. I shadowed two PAs before admission: one my PCP knew, one my EMS medical director supervised. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laifalove Posted December 5, 2011 Author Share Posted December 5, 2011 Wow, that was a quick reply. I recently moved home from college (which was 400 miles away) and unfortunately my social network doesn't include PAs in this area. :( I've asked those I knew in my college area but nothing up here in my hometown. Thanks though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acebecker Posted December 5, 2011 Share Posted December 5, 2011 You sound defeated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annemarreb Posted December 5, 2011 Share Posted December 5, 2011 http://www.physicianassistantforum.com/2011/10/04/where-what-pa-shadowing.html check that article. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ricki117 Posted December 5, 2011 Share Posted December 5, 2011 I have shadowed in 3 different specialties, and found each one a different way: 1- I showed up at a primary care office (dressed nicely and with my resume) and asked the receptionist if they have any PAs willing to have prospective students shadow. I left my resume, and got a call back that day and set up times to shadow. 2- I have searched online for PAs in practices near me and called/e-mailed to see if I can shadow. I just told them that I am interested in the profession and would like to learn as much as possible before applying. I got through to an urgent care PA this way. I also spoke with many PAs that were not able to have me shadow but were very open to answer any of my questions about the profession and speak over the phone. Most PAs I have spoken to are eager to help prospective students! 3-I called the clinical coordinator at one of the schools I was applying to and asked said I was interesting in shadowing and asked it she had any suggestions about finding someone. She was nice enough to e-mail me a list of a few PAs that were willing to have me shadow! I also tried with another program, but no results, so its worth a shot! good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laifalove Posted December 5, 2011 Author Share Posted December 5, 2011 Wow thanks ehanson! I just emailed the state PA organization and they emailed me a list of names, too bad they're all 200+ miles away from my house, but I'll definitely try your methods. Thanks :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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