r/PAstudent May 30 '24

More resources for soon to be new grads (crosspost)

258 Upvotes

Hello PA students! I know many of you are in graduation season now. I wanted to share a few one-pager resources to help you with this next stage:

  1. ⁠The grading rubric for job offers: For those wondering if an offer they got is any good... Compare your offer against the rubric to find out. https://imgur.com/a/qy9MjV2
  2. ⁠Key questions to ask during interviews: For those wondering what questions they should be asking to uncover red flags (and good qualities too) in the job interview. https://imgur.com/a/UJ1a0QL
  3. ⁠Checklist of things to do before graduation: Collates the things many students forget to do while they're focused on exams. https://imgur.com/a/lYbRB4J
  4. ⁠Checklist of things to do after graduation: Organizes all the licensing hoops you'll need to jump through. https://imgur.com/a/RNVo1vH
  5. ⁠New grad CV template: Use a crisp looking template with objective numbers to stand out from the crowd. https://imgur.com/a/14Zm7O8
  6. ⁠New grad cover letter template: This one will get you the job! https://imgur.com/a/kbsIwMO
  7. ⁠Onboarding checklist for your first days at work: For those whose job throws them in the deep end without a real onboarding plan... take it into your own hands and know what to ask your new coworkers. https://imgur.com/a/VYCUCEH

Back in the day, I was very stressed in my first year of practice. Helping new grads get up to speed is my job now and I love it (EM PA post-grad training program APD). I want to help you all through this transition any way that I can. I'm happy to answer any questions or share any other resources you'd like!

If there are more one-pagers you’d like to see, let me know.


r/PAstudent Feb 26 '25

Clinical Year Resources...Long Post

176 Upvotes

Congrats, you made it to the clinical year!

This is the best year of PA school and I got some tips to help you pass all of your EORs.

  • I primarily used the REDDIT STUDY GUIDES for notes of the specific EOR.
  • I used Rosh AND Rosh's boost exams for my question bank.
    • I saved UWorld for the PANCE(10/10 recommend)!
  • I used anki (Zanki, Sketchy Pharm, Tzanki Step 2, TurnED up, Residency(Tintinalli's), Pance deck review, Cumulative Rotation Objectives, Bryant Super Big Brain Deck)
    • Yes, this list is massive. No, I did not use them all at the same time.
    • I lurk on residency/doctor's reddit.
  • Youtube recommendations:
    • Laura Calkins (PA-C): HANDS DOWN, THE BEST! You will pass your OBGYN exam by just listening to her video alone. She saved me for my didactic exam and EOR. I love her!
      • All of her videos are amazing. I wish she made more!
    • Paul Bolin(MD): He is a doctor and super amazing. Whatever Laura misses, he has!
    • Nabil Ebraheim(MD): I love him for his MSK videos. He has an accent but his MSK videos are priceless
    • Estefany(PA-C): This list is not complete without her! She pretty much reads PPP to you. She is great for long commutes. Her videos are > 4hrs long.
    • Honorable mentions that I used in didactic: Cram the Pance, Ninja Nerd, Katy Conner, medicosis perfectionalis, zero to finals
  • SPOTIFY:
    • PA in a Flash: 100% recommend.
      • I say use this a week and a half before your exam. Flashcard style podcast
  • My peace of mind resources: I like these sources because there is no grade attached to it.
    • https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/pages-with-widgets/quizzes?mode=list this site has 3 questions for certain topics. I used this a lot!!!
    • I used Dwayne’s PANCE question book on amazon. This gave me a clear mind. Very good book, over 600 questions, not necessary!
    • "A Comprehensive Review for the Certification and Recertification Examinations for Physician Assistants" ... This textbook you can find the free pdf.
      • Great prep for IM/FM
  • IF YOU NEED HELP WITH IMAGING or EKGS:
  1. Psych: The most pharm and patho heavy out of all the exams. Know Lithium completely!
    1. Case Files is a really good book to go through for psych. You read a case, answer questions and get a in depth explanation about the case. I pretty much finished the book during my rotation.
  2. Internal Med: The most fair exam. Whatever was on the blueprint/study guides is on the exam.
    1. The study guide and Rosh exams will prepare you well!
  3. Pediatrics: 2-3 questions will be challenging, other than that, it is a fair exam.
  4. OBGYN: Very fair exam. Again, Laura Calkins OBGYN/WH video is a MUST.
    1. Simple nursing has a great video on fetal distress
  5. Surgery: IMO, the toughest exam. 50% GI, 35% other medicine stuff and 15% post op.
    1. The toughest part of this exam was the post op portion. The reddit study guide, rosh and even Uworld are good but not good enough. I took the 2024 version so, I dunno about the 2025 version! Good luck with that!
      1. Maybe the Paul Bolin YT videos on post-op/Pre-op would help
      2. DON'T WORRY, YOU WILL PASS...It's doable!!!
  6. E MED: Not bad at all.
  7. Family Med: Best exam out of all of them.

Good luck everyone. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out!


r/PAstudent 58m ago

Blueprint PANCE Prep Course?

Upvotes

Hi everyone! Has anyone used the 4-day Blueprint prep course to study for the PANCE? I’m considering signing up and would love to hear about people’s experiences and if the cost was worth it. Thank you!


r/PAstudent 18h ago

Pharm charts?

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21 Upvotes

I LOVE whoever’s notes these are!
I found these on Pinterest but I would love the pdfs and all of them tbh
Anyone know where I can find them?!?


r/PAstudent 7h ago

New EOR Pediatrics

2 Upvotes

Hi, I wanted to know if anyone has taken the new EOR for peds and how they felt about it. I’m going to take mine soon and I’m nervous bc it’s a new blueprint and everything. Thanks!


r/PAstudent 8h ago

PANCE Accommodations question

1 Upvotes

I’m a PANCE retaker. Failed my first attempt. I didn’t have accommodations my first attempt. But my question is would it be considered an accommodation to have the computer lights adjusted (brightness and night shift (the light to make the screen orange))????

I remember having a raging headache half way through the exam and I felt like sitting in an office space with computer screen in front of me contributed to that.

If this does count as an accommodation would that mean I would have to take the PANCE in two separate sittings?


r/PAstudent 8h ago

PANCE results Accommodation

1 Upvotes

Hi, I just recently took the PANCE and I have accommodations and just wondering for anyone who had accommodations how long did it take for you to get your results back?


r/PAstudent 18h ago

FM EOR Retake

3 Upvotes

I failed my Family Medicine EOR, and I’m honestly feeling extremely discouraged and kind of freaking out.

Looking back, I know I didn’t start studying early enough, and my score definitely reflected that. Now I only have a week until my retake, and to make things worse, I just started a new rotation. It all feels overwhelming.

I reviewed the topic list from my score report and have been focusing on the areas I missed. I’ve also been doing Blueprint practice questions, but I’m only averaging around 60%, which has me feeling like I’m running out of hope.

I guess I’m just looking for reassurance. Has anyone else been in a similar situation and still passed their retake? If so, what did you do during that last week that made the biggest difference?


r/PAstudent 6h ago

PACKRAT score

0 Upvotes

I just took my first PACKRAT at the end of my didactic year. There's onky a tiny bit more content that we have to cover but I got a 175. I reviewed the score report and know what I should review. Is that good, bad, or average score and like how does that correlate to actual PANCE score and passing?


r/PAstudent 1d ago

How to best prepare for PA school? Looking for study habits, tips, and tricks!

12 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m currently in the process of preparing for Physician Assistant (PA) school and, honestly, I’m feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. I’ve heard plenty of stories about the "firehose" of information, and I want to hit the ground running as much as possible.

For those who are currently in a program or have already graduated, I’d love to get your insight on a few things:

  1. **Pre-PA Preparation:** Is there anything specific you recommend doing (or reviewing) in the months leading up to the start of the program? Should I brush up on Anatomy/Physiology, or is it better to just rest and recharge?
  2. **Academic Success:** What were your "holy grail" study habits? Did you find success with active recall, Anki, group study, or something else entirely?
  3. **Tips & Tricks:** Are there any specific resources (Pance Prep Pearls, Osmosis, etc.) that you found indispensable?
  4. **Balance:** How did you manage to maintain a decent lifestyle/mental health while keeping up with the rigorous grading standards?

I really want to set myself up for success and develop the right mindset before day one. Any advice, no matter how small, would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!


r/PAstudent 2d ago

Here to Give You Hope

67 Upvotes

My PA journey started a while back… all the way back in 2021. I was in a program and of course because it was during the pandemic, learning was completely virtual (except on lab days). I struggled tremendously in anatomy and eventually withdrew from the program due to my low average in the class. I moved back home defeated and ashamed, but ended up graduating with my masters in 2022.

PA was my dream and ultimate goal so I put the time and effort into the daunting journey that is the application process. From CASPA to interviews to finally getting that acceptance email all feel like ages ago.

I started my new program in 2023.

27 months of stress, tears, and unlimited medical info. My grandmother passed a week before finals, I had an expected surgery three months later, even failed two EORs. What can I say, life be life-ing… even in PA school. But I made it to graduation. That’s the end right?!?! Absolutely not!

I took the PANCE in July and I can be honest and say that I didn’t prepare the way that I needed. PA school had worn me out more than I had expected and I was tired of looking at books. I wanted to enjoy my last few weeks before I moved back home without the guilt of academia. I got my score report back and I didn’t pass. I was CRUSHED. Once again, embarrassed and ashamed.

Test anxiety had a grip on me so tight that I delayed scheduling my second attempt for months. I knew I had to bite the bullet and eventually retest. Second time around, I improved my score but still DID NOT pass.

I was convinced that my third testing attempt was going to be my absolute last one. I locked in for months, got a tutor, and was determined to understand things that I did not beforehand.

This time I am overjoyed to say that on my THIRD attempt, I PASSED!!! I am now a certified physician assistant.

Please let my journey be a testament to what is possible when you don’t give up on yourself. Your journey may not be as easy or speedy as others. But it’s perfect FOR YOU and everything will work out the way it is intended.


r/PAstudent 1d ago

Advice for an SN

2 Upvotes

Student Nurse here

I just got worked on my Obstetrics exam today. Passing is 76% for a test avg. overall. I got a 78.7% today. I’m super exhausted and feeling fatigued af not going to lie. Two exams ago I got a 76% , I keep feeling like I’m burning my chances at going to PA school or even NP at this point. Any advice from those who have made it through?


r/PAstudent 1d ago

PANCE SCREENFACE

3 Upvotes

Are you able to highlight and cross out answers on the pance. Are all the questions in a block available on the side or to go back do you have to individual press the questions. How is it taking it on the Pearson computers.


r/PAstudent 2d ago

OSCE diagnosis help

8 Upvotes

Hey everyone, so we have our first ever OSCE coming up soon and it’s the end of our didactic year. I have been practicing with some classmates and online resources as well but it’s not going well since we can’t seem to get the diagnosis correct or remember the orders/treatment. Does anyone have advice for this? I’ve been reviewing my own notes/charts and ones I found on Reddit and online. Also trying to memorize the rubric to make sure I get everything down but getting the diagnosis correct is not happening and it’s just scary bc the oral presentation and soap note is based of that….


r/PAstudent 3d ago

family med EOR retake

0 Upvotes

failed my EOR -for family medicine last wk and need to retake it in about a week. for reference - I did all the blueprint Qs and hippoEd Qs and reviewed the explanations for Qs I got wrong . i definitely feel like i could have done more content review or maybe reviewing things I got wrong more thoroughly on smartpance or PPP. i was just genuinely running out of time to study and im just wondering two things :
1. how similar was the retake from the original EOR ? ( my school takes all PAEA exams )

  1. any advice ?!!

thank you so much in advance ! im just a bit nervous because i need to pass this next one, or else i need to repeat the entire rotation


r/PAstudent 4d ago

Below Average Student Passes PANCE

37 Upvotes

Hey everyone! I took my PANCE a few weeks ago and found out that I passed on my first try! I always promised myself I’d make a post if I passed because I’ve been a long-time lurker here. I was definitely a below-average test taker in PA school, and I truly believe test anxiety played a big role in my performance. I tried so many different study methods, but my EOR scores always seemed to stay about the same.

Ironically, I was a 4.0 student throughout high school and undergrad, so struggling academically for the first time was incredibly difficult. I tied a lot of my self-worth to my grades, and not performing the way I was used to really took a toll on my confidence.

I finished didactic with a 3.1 GPA and graduated with a 3.4 GPA. Walking into the PANCE, I was extremely nervous because I knew I was considered high risk for failing based on my scores. I also felt like I got one of the harder versions of the exam with long clinical vignettes, so I walked out preparing to retake it 3 months later.

For studying, I mainly used PANCE Prep Pearls and UWorld. I finished 92% of the UWorld question bank with a 70% average.

My practice exams:
- NCCPA Practice Exam A (4 weeks before): 80% red, 20% yellow
- NCCPA Practice Exam B (4 days before): Low green

My scores:
- Didactic PACKRAT: 93 (didn’t study)
- Family Medicine EOR: 369 (first EOR and barely passed)
- Pediatrics EOR: 411
- Internal Medicine EOR: 380
- Psychiatry EOR: 398
- Emergency Medicine EOR: 392
- Surgery EOR: 400
- Women’s Health EOR: 391
- End of Curriculum Exam: 1443

PANCE: 380

I wanted to share this for anyone who feels discouraged by their scores. Don’t compare yourself to everyone else. While standardized tests were never my strength in PA school, every one of my preceptors commented on my clinical skills and told me I was going to be a great provider. Your worth is so much more than a test score.

Believe in yourself, trust the work you’ve put in, and have faith that everything will work out. If you’re putting in the effort, you absolutely have a chance. Wishing everyone studying for the PANCE the very best. You’ve got this! Please feel free to reach out with any questions!


r/PAstudent 3d ago

White Coat Dresses

17 Upvotes

Am I the only one who thinks some of these outfits look more like “going out” outfits than something you should wear for a professional event where you are about to start your career? I see tick tocks with people’s stomach showing and it looks really uncomfortable when a middle aged male faculty member has to put their white coat on them. I want my faculty to view me as a professional, not young and immature. Also it’s a bad look for the profession.


r/PAstudent 4d ago

It does in Fact, get Easier. Hang in there Future PAs you got this!

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10 Upvotes

r/PAstudent 3d ago

Can’t focus

5 Upvotes

On my last rotation and doing EOC/PANCE studying but I feel like I know nothing. I am so burnt out and tired, I can barely focus. Anyone else experience this? Any tips?


r/PAstudent 4d ago

How useful is Osmosis for EOR’s/PANCE prep?

2 Upvotes

I’m getting ready to start clinicals and everyone is saying to get Blueprint or Uworld. I already have access to Hippo through my AAPA membership and I have PPP V5 and I’ve been using osmosis throughout didactic. I also was planning on resubscribing to UpToDate mainly for helping me come up with an assessment/plan while I’m clocked in on rotations. Throughout didactic I used Osmosis primarily for the videos, but sometimes for their practice questions (though rarely), or their new AI feature because it can answer my questions directly and link sources. I was planning to resubscribe to Osmosis and use that, PPP, and Hippo as my primary modes of studying. I’ve never struggled in didactic with exam stamina or clinical application of the knowledge I have, only thing would just be a lack in my depth of knowledge if I didn’t study enough. (I’ve only ever remediated once because I forgot the exam was coming up.) With that being said, I never really used practice questions during didactic as I didn’t feel that I needed them, and relied largely on Quizlet for memorization. Has anyone used Osmosis as their primary driver (specifically their Q bank) and would u say the questions were helpful in preparing you for your EOR’s/EOC/PANCE? I really don’t want to get a bunch more subscriptions so if the general consensus is that it truly is inadequate I’ll probably switch to either Uworld or Blueprint but I just wanted some insight before making these expensive decisions


r/PAstudent 4d ago

Week before Peds EOR Plans

0 Upvotes

Since in didactic year and haven’t taken an EOR anymore. Is it possible to go to concert the week before ( a half a day commitment)? I’m not sure what the studying schedules look like, but just thinking ahead because I know a lot of people on this thread have experience! Thank you!


r/PAstudent 4d ago

Drug Dosing

8 Upvotes

I'm midway through clinical year and don't really have drug dosing down at all. Thankfully I don't get pimped on it much on rotations so far, but I am growing concerned that I will graduate in December without a real clue of med dosing. What has your experience been like on rotations with this? Do you feel like you can dose meds pretty well at this point?


r/PAstudent 5d ago

Average student PASSED PANCE

17 Upvotes

Hey everyone just took my pance on 07/10 and got graded 07/16.
I took 3 weeks of dedicated pance studying and got to a point where I just wanted to take it so I loved it up to the 10th (originally going to take on 16)
Just passed PANCE with 428
As you can see I’m a pretty average (even below average) student and I was able to pass the pance. When I took it, ngl I was blessed with my version of it and felt ok taking it. I knew I passed it.

Uworld average 60% with 100% completion
(I took notes on qs and reviewed heavily)
Katy Connor Half Pance version B (the harder one) projected at 450
Nccpa practice test A mostly yellow tiny bit of green
Used deficits on both of those and watch cram the pance and looked into specific things not everything in the system

Grades;
Packrat 1: 127
EMED: 414
Women’s Health: 395
Surgery: 405
IMED: 415
Psych: 435
Peds: 439
Packrat 2: 140
GERI: 89%
EOC: 1487
Family Medicine: 412
Ortho: 89%

I post this to say.. you can do this. You’ve gotten this far and you need to trust yourself and trust your training. Breath in and out and take the bull by the horns and take that exam with confidence

SELLING UWOLRD 100 dollars. One reset left. Expires 08/03


r/PAstudent 4d ago

Need to vent for a minute

3 Upvotes

Hello friends!

I hope everyone is doing well. I just wanted to vent about failing my first exam of the summer quarter. This was a Pharm exam. For the past 2 quarters, I do fairly okay with Pharm. However, for this quarter‘s pharm, the criteria changed from memorization to application. For this exam, I did not know what happened. I had a headache , I was tired ( even though I had 8 hours of sleep), and I did not change my study methods what so ever (my study methods have helped me to make it this far in didactic year). Then: I got the dreaded email of remediation. I was very upset. I only have 2 more exams to make up for this class. And I don’t want to fail. Has anyone bounced back from this?


r/PAstudent 5d ago

Took PANCE- scared

5 Upvotes

Has anyone here missed some “easy” straight forward questions on the PANCE? Must’ve been test fatigue/nerves because I suddenly remembered the answer as soon as I walked out that door lol.

I didn’t sleep the night before because of nerves and horrible sleep schedule. Changed a ton of my questions from correct to incorrect. Second guessed myself a lot and missed multiple easy giveaway questions. Now I feel like my performance was not reflective of me and I’m really scared of my score, questioning if I even passed- which is what scares me the most.

How do I stop obsessing so much? I’m terrified and don’t want to fail because of my silly mistakes. Has anyone else been here/can relate?