Future PAs Start Here!
Thinking about what to do next after finishing undergrad? Or are you interested in PA programs in California? Check out these resources created by GAPPA below! Our team has worked hard to make and find helpful pages and create informative guides for pre-PAs. We hope you find them useful!
THE POSTBACC GUIDE
We are excited to share a curated resource from GAPPA just for our members. If you're considering a postbaccalaureate program, our team has put together a comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know from prerequisites, course selection (community college vs. university extension), to patient care hours, shadowing, and volunteering! Get a head start by taking a look!
New PA Video - 2025
This is a video by Dr. Richardson, who provides an overview of the Physician Associate (PA) profession, including its history, PA program requirements, the general application process, and key terms to understand when exploring PA education. It also covers recent updates in the profession and highlights the differences between PAs, Nurse Practitioners (NPs), and Medical Doctors (MDs).
CALIFORNIA PA PROGRAMS LIST
Introducing GAPPA’s Comprehensive California PA Program List!
Our resource team has compiled everything you need to know when applying to PA schools in California—all in one easy-to-navigate Google Doc. You'll find program locations, first-time PANCE pass rates, program lengths, and more.
Explore the list and enjoy learning more about your future options!
PA SCHOOL TRACKER
The PA School Tracker template is designed to help GAPPA members stay organized and on top of their applications. It allows members to track important details such as application deadlines, program requirements, interview dates, and status updates for each PA school they’re applying to, ensuring no important steps are missed throughout the process.
CASPA EXPERIENCES TRACKER
The CASPA Experiences Tracker template helps GAPPA members efficiently log and organize their clinical and non-clinical experiences for the CASPA (Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants) application. This tool allows users to track hours, descriptions, roles, and key skills gained from each experience, ensuring all information is ready and accurately presented when completing the CASPA application.
PA RESUME TEMPLATE
The PA Resume Template offers structured formats tailored for pre-PA students, highlighting key experiences like clinical hours, certifications, and leadership. GAPPA members should use it as a guide to present their experiences clearly and align with what PA programs expect.
Get a head start and fill out your resume as you gain experience in the different categories!
BRAG SHEET TEMPLATE
The Brag Sheet Template helps you organize your achievements, experiences, and strengths in one place for applications or recommendation letters. GAPPA members should use it to clearly showcase their impact, making it easier for evaluators or mentors to highlight their strengths.
PA PROGRAM
INTERVIEW FORMAT
The PA Program Interview Formats provides an overview of common interview styles, including traditional interviews, multiple mini interviews (MMIs), group activities, and writing assessments. GAPPA members should use it to understand what to expect and prepare confidently for different interview settings.