Resources
Welcome to the Resources page of the Pre-Physician Assistant Club at UCLA! This page is your go-to hub for valuable tools and information to support your journey toward becoming a Physician Assistant (PA). Whether you’re just starting to explore the PA profession or actively preparing for applications, we’ve curated a comprehensive collection of resources to guide you every step of the way.
Physician’s Assistant vs. Healthcare Management: Which Career Path is Right for You?
"PAs have the unique opportunity to specialize in any kind of medicine they wish! However, you would likely need to complete a fellowship or additional training. Health management careers don’t have the same kind of specialization that PAs do, it’s more about where you get a job and the duties that come with it."​
Learn about PAs in healthcare management with Madeleine Laviolette's infographic
Bridging the Gap: Explaining the PA Role to Spanish-Speaking Mexican Parents
"As a first-generation Mexican college student, I have often struggled to explain the PA profession to my immigrant family. Not only is there no direct translation for "Physician Assistant," but the profession itself doesn't exist in Mexico or many other non-English speaking countries"
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Learn about Fernanda Aguilar's personal and informative journey below
Pre-PA as a Transfer & English Major
I know being pre-pa is stressful... and being an English major pre-pa is stressful... AND being a transfer AND and English major AND pre-pa is stressful... So hopefully this guide can offer a bit of relief and help;​
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Learn how to navigate the Pre-PA path as a humanities major and transfer student with Claire Finch's presentation.
Physician Assistants: Shaping Healthcare Through Time
"How did the PA profession become established? How has the profession changed since then? These are all questions I've wondered as a pre-PA student!"​
​​​Learn about the history and role of the PA profession with Lydia Zhou's infographic.
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Cultural Competence in Healthcare: A Focus on Asian American Populations
"There are many unique cultural factors impacting medical care and health outcomes in Asian American communities, such as cultural beliefs, traditional practices, and communication barriers. Understanding how to cater to your patient population is crucial as a future healthcare provider."
Learn about the importance of cultural awareness in providing effective and equitable care through Grace Ou's presentation!
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Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in PA Interviews: Responding with Integrity and Insight
"As an aspiring PA student, I’m always thinking about the steps needed to get there. One important hurdle is the PA school interview, where ethical dilemmas can be tricky to navigate. Exploring how to approach these questions will help you build confidence, think critically, and respond with clarity under pressure."
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Learn how to tackle ethical dilemmas in PA interviews with Saba Honarvar’s presentation!
PCE vs HCE
When applying to Physician Assistant (PA) programs, it's important to understand the difference between Patient Care Experience (PCE) and Healthcare Experience (HCE), as many programs distinguish between the two and may have specific requirements for each.
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Healthcare Experience (HCE)
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Definition: HCE includes working in a healthcare-related setting but without directly participating in patient care.
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Examples:
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Scheduling patient appointments
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Managing medical records
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Working as a front desk staff in a clinic
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Performing non-clinical roles in hospitals or healthcare organization
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Roles That Count: Medical receptionist, healthcare administrator, or billing specialist.
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Importance: PCE is highly valued by PA schools because it demonstrates your ability to work closely with patients, understand their needs, and perform clinical tasks.
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Hours Requirement: While HCE demonstrates familiarity with the healthcare system, it is generally considered less critical than PCE for PA applications.
Patient Care Experience (PCE)
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Definition: PCE involves direct, hands-on interaction with patients where you are actively involved in their care.
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Examples:
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Taking vitals
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Administering medication or treatments
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Drawing blood
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Performing diagnostic tests
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Assisting with medical procedures
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Roles That Count: Medical assistant, EMT/paramedic, CNA (certified nursing assistant), phlebotomist, physical therapy aide, or scribe (in some cases).
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Importance: PCE is highly valued by PA schools because it demonstrates your ability to work closely with patients, understand their needs, and perform clinical tasks.
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Hours Requirement: Many PA programs require or recommend a minimum number of PCE hours, often ranging from 500 to 2,000
Whether you need help planning your academic path, gaining clinical experience, or staying up-to-date with the PA field, we’re here to support your success—explore our resources and take the next step toward your future as a PA!