Officially a PA-C

Hello beautiful peopleeeeee!!! Let me catch you up on life, because sis has been through it. So much has happened—moving to a new state, starting a new job, quitting that job just five weeks later, failing my board exam, and eventually passing it. Yes, I said I failed my board exam and talk about a hit to my ego. I felt disappointed in myself and carried a lot of shame around failing. In those moments, I even questioned my competency as a physician assistant. Surprising I had not shared this openly—until now. However, I had to be honest with myself and accept that I hadn’t studied as much as I should have.

Frankly, after graduating from PA school, I was exhausted and just wanted to spend time socializing with family and friends. Sis was in these STREETS! I’m talking about US and internationally lol. I underestimated the exam and failing was a wakeup call. I since have passed and am now a certified PA-C! I’ll be starting a new job next year, which I’m really excited about. I feel this position will be a better fit for my personality and provide the work-life balance I desire.

If I were to offer any advice to those on this PA journey, especially those in their clinical year preparing to graduate—it would be….

✔️Do not stress about quickly finding a job

It is not uncommon for programs to encourage students to start looking for employment a month prior to graduation. You may begin to feel pressure from family or classmates about “what’s next”. Although they mean well, it’s okay if you don’t yet know. Before you can start working as a PA-C you have to pass the PANCE, and I would encourage first focusing on this because a job will always be there.

✔️Give yourself time to decompress

Getting through PA school is a lot. What medical students learn in two years we learn in one. Thus, it is okay to take a break post-graduation. You do not have to jump straight into taking the PANCE or employment. If you need time to decompress before taking the PANCE—do so. Please do NOT let others influence your decision to when you take your exam. I knew I wasn’t prepared to take my exam the first time. I actually wanted to push it back, but I had already accepted a job offer and felt the pressure from my employer to move forward so the credentialing process could begin. I understand their stance, but I blame myself for not listening to my intuition and expressing this concern. Ironically, I rushed to take my exam for a job I ended up quitting anyway.

✔️Ensure you have some money saved

There are so many factors that go into play before you can begin practicing as a PA-C. First you have to pass the PANCE, then apply for state licensing, your DEA license, and finally employment credentialing. Some employers will cover the cost of your licenses either upfront or through reimbursement, while others may not. And beyond passing the PANCE, much of the credentialing process and timeline is completely out of your control.

That’s why I highly recommend having at least 3–5 months of living expenses saved, because unexpected delays in the process are very common. My first employer was kind in suggesting I could work as a medical scribe throughout the credentialing process. Side note, I was working as a “scribe” but most certainly was training as a new grad PA-C lol. If you don’t have the privilege of financial support from a partner, family, or transitional employment, MAKE SURE you have savings set aside to carry you through.

I can now officially say I am done with this journey of becoming a PA and sis is now a certified PA-C!! Talk about a Christmas, NYE and birthday gift to myself.

Remember, you are loved ❤️