PA Personal Statements
Lauren Hammond is our PA application essay expert and has been helping people write their physician assistant personal statements for several years. Whether you just want some feedback on a draft, or you're staring at a blank Word doc and don't know where to begin, she is happy to help!
Contact Lauren directly at 951-395-4646 (phone or text), or send us an email.
Meet Lauren Hammond
Lauren: I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Literature and Writing, with a concentration in Writing, at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) and my Master’s Degree in English and Comparative Literature at San Diego State University (SDSU). I recently completed my PhD in English at the University of California Riverside (UCR) in September 2023. Upon graduating, I began my current position as UCR's Graduate Writing Center Specialist and Fulbright Program Advisor last summer.
I have been a writing consultant for nearly 10 years now, and I've helped people with research writing, thesis/dissertation projects, rhetorical and literary analyses, writing in the humanities, grammar/sentence mechanics, and more. My focus for VKTP centers on graduate school application materials– including personal statements, diversity statements, and research statements– as well as job market materials for academic and alt-academic positions– resumes, CVs, cover letters, etc.
During my downtime, I love hanging out with my husband, 2-year-old daughter, and our two dogs, Link and Leia! My favorite activities are going on the boat, cruising on the golf cart, and making our way through all of the local eateries. When we aren’t out and about, I typically enjoy reading and watching movies.
Working with Lauren is $225 per hour or $995 for a package purchase of 5 hours. You can reach her at 951-395-4646 (phone or text), or by sending us an email.
3 TIPS FOR COMPELLING PA PERSONAL STATEMENTS
1. Explain Your Interest in Becoming a Physician Assistant
- Share a specific experience that inspired you: Describe a meaningful interaction with a PA, a patient-care experience, or an event that made you realize this career was the right fit.
- Highlight the PA role’s appeal: Emphasize aspects of the profession that resonate with you, such as its balance of autonomy and collaboration, patient-centered care, or versatility in medical specialties.
- Connect your background to your motivation: Whether you come from a healthcare, science, or patient-care background, explain how your experiences have led you to this career choice.
Example:
"While working as a medical assistant in a busy family practice, I witnessed how the physician assistant seamlessly balanced diagnosing conditions, educating patients, and collaborating with physicians. One particular moment stood out when a PA took extra time to reassure a nervous patient about a new diabetes diagnosis, ensuring they understood their treatment plan. Observing the blend of medical expertise and compassionate care reinforced my decision to pursue this profession."
2. Highlight Relevant Experiences and Skills
- Showcase your academic preparation: Discuss coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy, or other sciences that prepared you for the rigors of PA school.
- Demonstrate patient-care experience: Share experiences as a medical assistant, EMT, scribe, nurse, or volunteer in healthcare settings, emphasizing direct patient interaction.
- Highlight key skills for a PA: Showcase your ability to work under pressure, communicate effectively, and collaborate with a healthcare team.
Example:
"As an emergency department technician, I have worked alongside PAs who provided rapid assessments and life-saving interventions. In one case, I assisted during the triage of a patient experiencing an acute asthma attack, observing how the PA quickly diagnosed and stabilized the patient. These experiences reinforced my ability to remain calm under pressure while strengthening my desire to take on greater clinical responsibilities in patient care."
3. Align Your Goals with the Program’s Strengths
- Research the program’s unique offerings: Mention aspects like simulation labs, clinical rotations, faculty expertise, or mission-driven care that align with your interests.
- Connect your career goals to the program: Explain how the program will prepare you for your desired specialty, such as primary care, emergency medicine, or surgery.
- Demonstrate long-term vision: Share how becoming a PA aligns with your commitment to providing quality healthcare, addressing healthcare disparities, or serving specific populations.
Example:
"I am particularly drawn to [Program Name] for its emphasis on hands-on clinical training and rotations in underserved communities. The program’s commitment to increasing healthcare access aligns with my goal of working in primary care to bridge gaps in preventive medicine. I look forward to gaining the knowledge and experience necessary to become a compassionate and competent PA, dedicated to improving patient outcomes."
PA PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLES
The below is an example of a compelling PA personal statement - below, we'll explain what makes it work.
The emergency department was in controlled chaos when I first saw the physician assistant (PA) in action. A middle-aged woman was wheeled in, gasping for breath, her hands clutching her chest. As an emergency department technician, I had assisted in similar cases, but this time, I observed with heightened awareness. The PA swiftly assessed her, issued orders for a nebulizer treatment, and calmly reassured both the patient and her terrified daughter. Within minutes, the woman’s breathing steadied, and the tension in the room eased. It was in that moment that I truly understood the power of a PA—not just in diagnosing and treating, but in bridging the gap between medicine and human connection.
My journey toward this profession began long before that night in the ER. I had always been drawn to healthcare, fascinated by the intricate balance of science and patient care. During my undergraduate studies in biology, I sought opportunities to work directly with patients, eventually becoming a medical assistant in a family medicine clinic. There, I assisted a PA who seamlessly balanced autonomy with collaboration, treating a diverse patient population with skill and compassion. One patient, a newly diagnosed diabetic, stood out to me. Overwhelmed with fear, he struggled to comprehend his diagnosis. The PA patiently broke down the information, addressing concerns with empathy while formulating a practical treatment plan. Watching that transformation—from confusion to understanding—solidified my decision to become a PA.
My clinical experiences have reinforced essential qualities that I will bring to this profession: adaptability, strong communication skills, and the ability to thrive in high-pressure situations. As a medical assistant, I learned to anticipate patient needs, assist in procedures, and recognize signs of distress. In the ER, I developed quick decision-making abilities while assisting in trauma cases. These experiences have not only prepared me for the rigor of PA school but have also deepened my appreciation for the dynamic nature of healthcare.
What draws me most to the PA profession is its unique balance of autonomy and teamwork. I thrive in collaborative environments and value the ability to work alongside physicians while also making independent medical decisions. Additionally, the flexibility of the PA role, allowing for transitions between specialties, excites me as I look forward to lifelong learning and professional growth.
I am particularly drawn to [Program Name] for its emphasis on hands-on clinical training, commitment to underserved populations, and interdisciplinary approach to education. These values align with my goal of working in primary care, where I can serve as an advocate for patients who may not have easy access to quality healthcare. I hope to use my training to empower patients, educate families, and improve health outcomes, just as I have witnessed PAs do throughout my journey.
The night in the ER confirmed what I already knew—becoming a PA is more than a career choice; it is the path through which I can make a tangible impact. With a strong foundation in patient care, a drive to learn, and a deep respect for the field, I am eager to take the next step toward this fulfilling profession.
What we liked about this statement:
✅ Engaging Opening: The personal anecdote immediately draws the reader in and provides a vivid depiction of the PA’s role.
✅ Clear Motivation: The statement builds a logical progression from early exposure to healthcare to direct experiences with PAs.
✅ Strong Clinical Experiences: Demonstrates preparedness for PA school through hands-on patient care and skills.
✅ Connection to the PA Role: Clearly articulates why the PA profession is the right fit, highlighting teamwork, autonomy, and flexibility.
✅ Tailored to the Program: Mentions aspects of the program that align with career goals, demonstrating genuine interest.
✅ Compelling Conclusion: Ends with a reaffirmation of commitment to the profession, tying back to the initial story.
Video: 7 Ways to Write a Crappy Graduate School Personal Statement
For more personal statement tips, check out Vince's video: 7 Ways to Write a Crappy Graduate School Personal Statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
We generally recommend about 4-8 weeks - 6 weeks is a good sweet spot. It takes time to come up with ideas and get those ideas onto paper in a compelling form.
Other than Google, I really like the sample admissions essays in Graduate Admissions Essays by Donald Asher. If you're a DIY kind of person, Asher's advice for the entire graduate admissions process is very good.
Note: The above links are Amazon affiliate links and I earn a commission if you purchase things through them. However, any commission I earn comes at no additional cost to you, and you pay nothing extra. My recommendation is based on extensive experience using this book's advice with dozens of people over the years, and I recommend it because it's helpful and useful, not because of the small commission I receive if you choose to buy it.
MOST personal statements are BORING! Not because the person writing them is boring, but perhaps because:
- Their focus is too broad. They try to cover everything they've done, and nothing ends up standing out.
- They're impersonal. It's a personal statement - the reader needs to get a sense of who you are and what you're actually like - not some sanitized "professional" version of you.
- They're too safe. Ironically, a statement that takes no risks can be the riskiest thing you can do. We're not applying to a program with the intent of blending in with all the other applicants!
Granted, the above things can be overdone, or done wrong. But most statements make no impact, so it's worth thinking about how yours actually can.
Getting into a Physician Assistant (PA) program is a bit like training for a triathlon — it requires a mix of different strengths and skills, all balanced and honed to meet a rigorous set of standards. Here's how the process typically unfolds:
First off, candidates need a bachelor’s degree, often in a science-related field like biology or health science. PA programs are pretty keen on academics, especially in subjects like anatomy, physiology, and microbiology. Good grades in these areas are important because they show you've got a solid foundation in the sciences.
Next up is healthcare experience. Unlike some other medical fields, PA programs usually want candidates with hands-on patient care experience. This could be anything from working as an EMT or nurse to being a medical assistant or a health educator. The idea is to get a real-world feel for healthcare and prove you can handle the pressures and complexities of patient care.
The GRE is often a requirement for PA programs. It’s not just about acing the test; it’s about showing that you've got the analytical and verbal reasoning chops to handle the academic side of the program.
When it comes to the application itself, personal statements and recommendation letters are crucial. The personal statement is a chance to tell your story: why you want to be a PA, what you’ve learned from your healthcare experiences, and how you’ve prepared for this career. Recommendation letters should ideally come from supervisors or professors who can vouch for both your academic abilities and your aptitude in a healthcare setting.
Interviews are pretty common in the PA application process. They're an opportunity to show off your communication skills, your understanding of the PA profession, and your reasons for choosing this career path.
Extra credit goes to candidates who've done some shadowing of practicing PAs. It’s a way to demonstrate your commitment to the PA profession and to show that you know what you're getting into.
In a nutshell, getting into a PA program is about balancing solid academic credentials with meaningful healthcare experience, topped off with a personal commitment to the PA profession and the skills to thrive in a challenging medical environment.
BTW, Lauren can also help with:
- MS in Business Analytics personal statements
- MBA personal statements
- Law School personal statements
- PsyD personal statements
- Physician Assistant personal statements
- Physical Therapy personal statements
- Speech-Language Pathology personal statements
- Occupational Therapy personal statements
- Marriage and Family Therapy personal statements
- Master's degree personal statements
- Master's of Public Policy personal statements
- Medical Residency personal statements
- Nursing school personal statements
- Veterinary School personal statements
- PhD personal statements
- Post Doc personal statements
- Fellowships and Grants personal statements