Why Become a Physician Assistant?
Growing up, a career in medicine always felt like a natural choice. The challenge was figuring out which path to pursue. During my freshman year of college, I tore my ACL and meniscus—a turning point that introduced me to the field of physician assistants. Throughout my surgery and recovery, I was struck by a PA’s knowledge and ability to connect with patients. As I began researching the profession, I discovered the vital role PA's play in healthcare, from prescribing medications and ordering labs to diagnosing and treating patients. Their impact and collaboration within the medical team resonated with me. Inspired, I made the decision to change my major and focus on a Pre-PA track.
A Program Offering Hands-On Skills
Mount Union’s PA program stands out for its long history of success, highlighted by its impressive national exam pass rates, which played a key role in my decision to attend. However, what truly differentiates the program is the commitment of its faculty. The professors in the program make a significant investment in the students and create impactful connections. The rigorous didactic year of the Mount Union PA Program created a strong base of knowledge to apply to my clinical rotations and in my future as a PA. The program focuses on building on core concepts which has prepared me for a career of continued learning. The program prioritizes patient interactions demonstrated by the generous volunteers we work with during our OSCEs, history-taking practice, and skills labs. This development of interpersonal skills is crucial alongside strong clinical knowledge to improve health outcomes.