I originally chose Pitt because I really liked that there was information dedicated to inclusivity and diversify through the PA Students Promoting Diversity & Inclusion (PASPDI) page. It's really important to me that a program recognizes this because it reflects how the teaching program is designed and what the school emphasizes. I also heard from current students that the faculty are supportive which was another big factor that made me want to choose Pitt! Lastly, I definitely wanted a program that had a physical cadaver lab for anatomy.
I went to Pitt for undergrad so this is a familiar and safe place for me. I enjoyed my undergraduate experience and definitely wanted to apply to Pitt for PA school as well. The cadaver lab was something I was comparing to other schools. I also want a school that's accredited but mostly I wanted a program to be accredited the entire time I'm there and one that doesn't need to be reevaluated during that time. Lastly, I looked at the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) pass and job employment rates after graduation and I was happy with Pitt’s high percentages.
-- Sarah Zhang (MS ‘23)
I chose the University of Pittsburgh PA Studies program because I was an undergraduate student in the SHRS Rehabilitation Science program. In this program, I saw just how exceptional the faculty are and I knew I wanted to continue my education with a program that had such dedicated and knowledgeable educators. All of my professors so far have helped to make the transition into PA school as smooth as possible. I was also drawn to Pitt for its focus on serving underserved communities. I loved how they have an entire student organization dedicated to diversity and inclusion. In fact, I have the privilege of serving as the President of PASPDI for the 2023 school year. With this organization, we host events centered around creating a diverse and inclusive environment for our current cohort and celebrating diversity within the PA profession and our future patients.
I’d say students looking for a PA program should choose Pitt because of the amazing resources that are offered to their students! Our faculty are truly some of the most kind and caring individuals out there. Each and every one of our professors care about our success in the program and works hard to make sure we are supported and on track to do great things. I also selfishly love the city of Pittsburgh and think it's a great place to learn medicine and to explore.
-- Zane Elgogari (MS ’24)
I chose Pitt PA Studies Program because of the wonderful connections and clinical sites at UPMC locations. I was also happy about the January start date and the 24-month program. Pittsburgh is also a wonderful city and a great city to be a student in! I like the diversity of cultures, food and activities here!
You should choose Pitt PA studies as opposed to a competitor because Pitt offers a cadaver lab, wonderful professors, Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) training, great skills training in Diagnostics and Therapeutics class and great clinical sites all around Pittsburgh.
-- Joanna George (MS ‘23)
I chose Pitt’s PA program for many reasons. When looking for a program I was interested to see who had an emphasis and commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Pitt was one of the few programs that had a PA student organization (PASPDI) committed to DEI.
Pitt also has amazing connections with UPMC and clinical sites. I knew that my medical education would be top-tier and ultimately prepare me for life as a physician assistant. I also attended many of the Pitt PA information sessions on Zoom and all of the current students at the time emphasized how well the faculty and staff support you as a student and, more importantly, as a person. Pitt also has a history of great pass rates for our board certification exam. All of these reasons are why I am happy that I chose Pitt.
If you are looking for a PA program, with Pitt, they make sure they provide you with all the resources that you need to succeed. You will have many opportunities to learn and grow as a student and leader. Not to mention, you will also be in a city and get to see patients from many different walks of life.
H2P! (Hail to Pitt!)
-- Deionte Harrilla-Gray (MS ‘23)
Costanza presenting at the PSPA Conference*
For me, choosing the University of Pittsburgh PA studies program was an easy decision. It is a 24-month program that, while rigorous, truly does help to set you up for success as a future PA. During the interview process, the faculty and students alike were so welcoming and demonstrated how great this program really is. The University of Pittsburgh's well-respected academic programs, especially in health care, in combination with its relationship with UPMC made this a very desirable program for me. Lastly, I may be biased as I grew up here, but Pittsburgh is a great city!
You should choose the Pitt PA studies program because of the academic excellence, the faculty and the opportunities. This program truly does provide all of the tools necessary to become an excellent physician assistant. In fact, every preceptor I have had during my clinical year so far has commented on how prepared Pitt's students always are which speaks volumes to our program and its academic rigor.
Program leadership is always looking for ways to improve and takes into consideration student perspectives in doing so. Our faculty are outstanding. They truly care about us as students, future providers and people in general. They are so supportive and are incredible teachers and role models for how I hope to be as a future PA.
Lastly, the relationship Pitt has with UPMC provides outstanding opportunities for clinical rotations, networking and more. I can't recommend this program enough and am so grateful to be a part of it!
-- Amanda Costanza (MS’23)
*Each year, a handful of Pitt PA students are nominated by their faculty and peers to present their scholarly posters at the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants Annual Conference. Students create these scholarly posters for their health policy course and if selected to present at the conference, they are assigned a faculty mentor to guide them through this process.
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Want to learn more about the PA Studies Program? You can reach out to an enrollment specialist at any time to talk about your pre-requisites, application and more by emailing enroll@shrs.pitt.edu today!
Pitt PA Studies also offers a separate hybrid program! Learn more here: https://www.shrs.pitt.edu/pashybrid
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Published May 17, 2023