A New Grad's Guide to Entering Professional Practice

A New Grad’s Guide to Entering Professional Practice 

By Julia Burkhardt MS PA-C 

The current job market can make it a trying time to be entering professional practice as a new graduate of a Physician Assistant (PA) program. This article is meant to provide some clarity about the steps that it is imperative for you as a new grad to take while trying to gain your first position as a certified PA. Additionally, it will provide you with some hints to help get your resume past the initial step of being reviewed by the Human Resources professional at your desired employer and into the hands of those who actually make the hiring decision. 

You graduated, now what? 

Hopefully, you already have your mind set on your first “big kid” job. During your clinical rotations is a great time to make networking connections with other professionals that will help you find your place in the medical community. If you have been lucky enough to make some of those connections, you should send a cover letter along with an updated resume to these connections in order to show your interest in a position. They might introduce you to colleagues even if they are not in a position to hire . This step could get you significantly farther than surfing through listings on job sites like MAPA, Indeed or other job search engines. 

When should you get your license?

All positions will require you to have an active State of Michigan PA license to practice. One of the questions I most frequently get from students who are on the cusp of graduation is “Should I get a temporary license?” My answer depends on what your plans are after graduation. Do you plan to take a few months off to relax and recuperate after the rigorous deed that is PA school? If so, a temporary license might not be necessary. However, if your circumstances do not allow for some rest and relaxation and you are looking to jump right into the job market, it is highly recommended that you get a temporary license through the State of Michigan. There are a couple reasons why: 

1. If you plan to apply to jobs at larger health systems, many of those systems require you to have a license number before you can even successfully apply. 

2. It will speed up the credentialing process once you have proof that you have crushed the PANCE. 

How many different licenses and certifications do I have to apply for and what order should I apply for them? 

While the list of needs will vary from person to person and by what type of position you accept, here are the main necessities for most PAs: 

• Apply for a Temporary Michigan license (if applicable). 

• Apply for a National Provider Identifier (NPI number) through Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This can be done online.

• Apply to take your PANCE through NCCPA. 

• Apply for a PA license through the State of Michigan after you pass your PANCE.

I would add the next steps once you have received your state license if your employer requires you to have your DEA number. It might be possible to have your employer cover most, if not all, of the expenses associated with your DEA number so make sure to check with them prior to paying for it out of pocket. 

• Apply for a State of Michigan Controlled Substance License (CSL).

• Apply for your DEA License through the US Department of Justice. 

Other items that you might want to ensure are active and valid would include your BLS certification along with ACLS or other certifications that are job specific. 

There are so many qualified PAs applying for these positions. How do I stand out from the crowd? 

First and foremost, be your authentic self to let your passion for medicine and the specific position shine through. This will put you far ahead of many candidates. Second, make sure to use any personal connection to that health system or employer. This can really make or break your application process. It can be the difference between getting an interview and getting sorted into the large pile of rejected resumes. 

Another tip that I have received from resume writers and headhunters is to make sure to include some of the key terms or words that are present in the recruitment ad. For instance, if it says they are looking for someone who can “complete evaluations and document in electronic medical record” in your cover letter make sure to talk about how as a PA student you have worked on a number of electronic medical records. By including many key terms like this it will enable the automated search program to select your resume as being compatible with the qualifications in the job listing. 

I got an interview, now what?

You have prepared for this moment for the last few years. Every tough day on your clinical rotations and each brutal OSCE or Clin Med exam has made you into the durable and employable person you are today. Do not underestimate what you bring to the table. Are you the most experienced person applying for the position? Most likely not. But you have passion and drive, and let's face it, everyone has to start somewhere. 

During your interview make sure that you talk about how as a new graduate you are still malleable and in the “learning” mode which enables you to pick up material quickly and makes you eager to gain the skills required to be successful in the position. Furthermore, make sure that they realize what outside talents or experiences you bring to the table that make you a well rounded candidate and individual. 

To follow up or not to follow up, that is the question? 

After an interview it may seem like forever before you hear anything. This is in part due to the fact that most large hospital systems are required to interview all qualified candidates prior to moving onto the next step. Immediately following your interview it is nice to send a brief “Thank You” note stressing what you were impressed by in the interview and why you think you would be a good fit for the position. This can be electronic or be sent via snail mail, whichever you feel more comfortable with. 

After that, sit tight and wait for at least a few weeks before reaching out about the progress of the hiring process. The exception to this rule is if you are presented with another offer but desire the position that is still in process more. At that point, it would be ok to send another email to touch base and let them know you are on deadline due to the other position. 

This is by no means a perfect guide to the job market which is very competitive for PAs in Michigan. I hope that it gives you a jumping off point that allows you to prepare yourself for your first position. Good luck, and remember, being a member of MAPA is a great addition to your resume.