Is your teenager interested in healthcare but unsure about committing to medical school? A physical assistant (PA) career might be the perfect fit. This dynamic role combines meaningful patient care with work-life balance, making it an increasingly popular choice in healthcare.
PAs work alongside doctors to diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and provide direct patient care—all while typically maintaining more flexible schedules than physicians. The profession is also experiencing rapid growth, with strong job prospects for years to come.
As a parent, you’re probably wondering how to help them prepare for this rewarding yet challenging path. But here’s the good news—your teen can start laying the groundwork for this career during high school.
In this article, we’ll explore practical steps to help them get started on this promising path. Read on!
Understand the Physician Assistant Career Path
One of the first steps in preparing your teen for a career in PA is helping them understand what it involves. PAs are highly trained healthcare professionals who perform a wide range of medical tasks under the supervision of a doctor.
They conduct exams, make diagnoses, prescribe medications, and even assist in surgeries. Although PAs work closely with physicians, they also enjoy considerable independence, which makes the role challenging and rewarding.
Encourage your teen to explore what PAs do daily to give them a realistic sense of their responsibilities. Online research can be a great starting point, providing an overview of the PA profession. Informational interviews with practicing PAs or shadowing opportunities in clinical settings can also offer valuable insights and a real feel for the job.
This understanding is helpful when it comes to choosing the best PA program. It allows your teen to select a path that aligns with their interests and career goals. They can also set realistic objectives for gaining relevant clinical experience, whether through volunteering, internships, or entry-level roles in healthcare.
Explore PA Education Programs for High School Students
Many high schools, colleges, and healthcare organizations offer summer programs and camps focused on careers in healthcare. These programs can introduce young aspirants to various medical fields, including the role of a PA.
Participating in these programs can give your teen helpful insight into the healthcare environment. It can also help them decide if this career path aligns with their interests.
Some universities also offer dual-enrollment programs, which allow high school students to take college classes in healthcare or science. These can help prepare them for the demands of college-level work. They could also earn credits that count toward their future physician assistant studies. This exposure to higher-level coursework can build confidence and a solid academic foundation.
Through summer programs and dual-enrollment opportunities, your teen can get a head start in their education and gain practical knowledge about the healthcare field. These experiences can be beneficial as they consider a career as a PA, setting them up with both academic and real-world preparation.
Encourage Strong Academic Performance in Science and Math
Becoming a licensed PA requires a solid academic foundation, particularly in science and math. PA programs often demand extensive coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology. High grades in these areas can help your teen gain admission to competitive programs, so building a solid base early is essential.
If your teen is still in high school, encourage them to take advanced placement (AP) or science honor classes if available. Strong math skills are just as crucial, so make sure they focus on subjects like statistics. These advanced classes can give them a head start on college-level work.
Good grades also matter when applying to PA programs since spots are limited. So, if your teen struggles with any subjects, consider enrolling them in a private tutoring program or finding extra help through their school. Remember, the study habits they develop can help them throughout college and their future PA career.
Promote Involvement in Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities are more than just resume builders—they’re opportunities for your teen to cultivate critical skills, such as communication, teamwork, and leadership, all essential for a successful PA career.
Encourage them to participate in clubs, sports, or volunteer groups that interest them. Joining science-focused or healthcare-related clubs, such as a science or a health careers club, can also be beneficial. These groups provide knowledge and offer opportunities to connect with others who share similar goals.
Hands-on healthcare experience is also invaluable for aspiring PAs. So, encourage your teenager to seek volunteer opportunities in medical settings like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or community health centers. These experiences do more than just pad a college application—they provide a critical window into the realities of healthcare. They can also help them develop empathy and interpersonal skills, which can strengthen their PA school application.
Support Their Journey and Keep a Positive Mindset
Preparing for a PA career can be challenging, but your support can make a big difference. Encourage your teen to stay focused and remind them that each step they take—whether excelling in a science class or volunteering at a local clinic—moves them closer to their goal.
To help them stay motivated, guide them to see this path as a marathon rather than a sprint. Setting realistic goals and celebrating every milestone, no matter how small, can also reinforce their progress and make the journey more rewarding.
With your support, they’ll feel prepared to tackle challenges, stay on track toward a fulfilling PA career, and build a foundation for long-term success in healthcare.
Final Thoughts
Helping your teen prepare for a career as a physician assistant involves academic focus, hands-on experiences, and personal growth. As they work towards this goal, they’ll build valuable skills that can support their journey.
More importantly, with your guidance and encouragement, your teen can approach each step with confidence, ready to make a difference in healthcare as a future PA. They’ll be a step closer to achieving their dream!
