PA School Mock Interview
Excel in your PA school interview with 21 questions covering clinical experience, patient scenarios, and professional motivation.
Question 1 of 21
What is a PA?
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Example Answer
Community Answers
Ryan Brown created and launched MockQuestions in 2008.
Physician Assistants (PA) often face a lot of confusion about their role from people outside of the medical field. This question is asked to see if you can clearly educate others about what you and if you have a firm understanding of the profession. Be sure to hit the main points but do not be afraid to spice it up with your own observations from shadowing other PAs.
Ryan Brown created and launched MockQuestions in 2008.
"Physician Assistants are advanced care providers that work as a member of a care team to diagnose illnesses, manage treatment plans, and prescribe medications. PAs do see patients independently and can practice in every state. From my experience shadowing PAs, I see PAs as a very important part of care communication and team integration. They communicate directly with the patient and other providers in a way that makes sure all the parts are working together to provide the best care for the patient."
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Anonymous Answer
A PA, or a physician assistant, is an advanced practice provider that is able to diagnose illnesses, develop and manage treatment plans, and prescribe medications. While able to practice autonomously and see patients independently, PAs practice as part of a team with a supervising physician and other providers. They are an integral player in the healthcare system and are able to help provide the best possible care to the patient, often acting as the patient's primary medical provider. In my experience working with and shadowing PAs, they are very good at communicating with patients and educating them on their conditions and medications.
Stephanie's Feedback
This response shows you knowledge of Physician Assistants and the role they play in healthcare settings. To make your response stand out, I suggest personalizing it a bit. Clearly, you are applying to PA school. What about being a PA is attractive to you? How did you land upon this passion? A few personal details will make your response more memorable and will help you to connect with your interviewer.
Anonymous Answer
PA is an advanced practice health professional who can see patients, perform a physical examination, order labs, and tests, interpret results, and prescribe medication.
Marcie's Feedback
The interviewer will be happy that you know what a PA is. Consider also mentioning that they can work in all areas of medicine, including family medicine, primary care, emergency medicine, and psychiatry. PAs also typically work on teams with surgeons, physicians, and other healthcare workers. Don't forget to end your answer by reminding the interviewer of why you want to be a PA and what qualifies you to do so. Good job!
Anonymous Answer
A PA is a licensed medical professional educated to at least a master's degree who practices medicine, often under the supervision of a physician. They are seen in every medical setting and every specialty. They can diagnose and treat illnesses, assist in surgery, and prescribe medications.
Marcie's Feedback
Excellent! The interviewer will be pleased that you can clearly define what a PA is. Round out your answer with a few more sentences that convey your passion for this role and field. Explain why you are so eager to become a PA yourself. Great job!
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