Physician assistants (PA) are licensed professionals working with physicians and doctors to diagnose, prescribe medication, and treat patients. They are in high demand in the current healthcare setting but need practical experience to excel in their careers.
The best way for PAs to get these clinical skills is through an internship program. This hands-on experience lets you learn about real-world medical scenarios and establish professional connections, among others.
But the big question is, are PA internships available? Here’s a detailed discussion to help answer this question. Read on!
Where to Find PA Internships
When looking for PA internships, there are several places you can try out depending on factors such as education and location:
Academic Institutions and PA Programs
Many academic institutions provide resources and opportunities for students to get internships. They’ve got partnerships with local hospitals and clinics, which students can explore. That said, check with your school’s health department for information about school-sponsored internship opportunities, networking events, or career fairs.
Additionally, you can check non-profit organizations that offer PA internship programs for a placement. Some even provide physician assistant internships in dynamic international clinical settings. By completing your PA internship abroad, you can get valuable clinical skills and improve your cultural competence and empathy. You’ll also work with underserved communities; this can help you understand how to offer proper care even with limited resources.
Hospitals and Healthcare Organizations
Some hospitals and healthcare facilities also offer internships or residency-style programs specifically for PAs. They often focus on post-graduate students ready to transition into full-time professional practice. With PA jobs expected to grow 31% by 2030, many hospitals are strategically developing talent pipelines. This makes internship opportunities critical for both aspiring PAs and healthcare organizations.
Hospitals can also provide shadowing and volunteer opportunities. Here, you can work as a medical scribe as you slowly familiarize yourself with the healthcare setting.
Professional Connections and Networks
Jobs and positions today are filled through professional networks, with many experts believing that at least 80% of jobs are filled through a professional network connection.
That said, reach out to former colleagues from medical school, doctors you have previously shadowed, professionals you’ve met at career events or academic mentors. By initiating conversations and expressing your interest, you create opportunities for these contacts to potentially recommend you, share insights about openings, or introduce you to relevant professionals who might assist in your job search.
Online Platforms and Job Boards
Websites such as Indeed and other career-focused platforms frequently list internship opportunities for PAs. You can get updates by subscribing to these sites and their newsletters. They can also be a good place to interact with different institutions and programs offering internships, and you can select the one that fits you the best.
A study in 2018 highlighted the significance of online job boards, ranking them as a key source for job hires, representing a fifth of hires worldwide. This presents a valuable opportunity for those who might have limited professional connections to discover internship opportunities.
Types of Internships for PAs
PAs can explore various internship opportunities that align with different stages of their educational and professional journey. They include the following:
Pre-PA Internship
This internship is designed for students aspiring to become Physician Assistants. It often involves informal experiences such as shadowing physicians or other PAs or volunteering in healthcare settings.
This type of internship is beneficial, especially when preparing for medical school applications. It provides practical insights and potential referral sources.
Gap Year Internship
As the name describes, this type of internship is for students who have taken a gap year. They can participate in hospital scribing roles, research activities in an academic or research-focused institution, and global healthcare programs working with underserved communities.
This hands-on experience will prepare you for the rigorous journey in PA school and as a healthcare professional. You’ll develop your clinical and interpersonal skills.
Post-Graduate Internship
After completing medical school, PA students can pursue an internship either as part of the curriculum or to specialize in a particular field. These programs, which are referred to as residencies or fellowships, can take place in a busy hospital setting where students are fully involved.
Students can build their skills on specializations that they’re most passionate about. These experiences also improve their employability as employers often value those who have completed additional training and hands-on experience.
Final Thoughts
Internships for PAs come in various forms and are highly beneficial for career development. Whether through pre-PA experiences, gap year programs, or postgraduate training, they offer valuable learning opportunities.
If you’re interested in pursuing pre-PA and PA internships, contact us and we can offer guidance on how to take your career to the next level.
