PA Jobs Career Mentorship & Education Newsletter, Issue I: January 2025

3 hours ago

4 min read

A PA Jobs LLC Newsletter

Authors: Jennifer Vonderau, MMS, PA-C and Shannon Crabtree, MMS, PA-C

Today's Topic: Taking the Leap into Physician Associate (PA) Education

Transitioning from a clinical position to a non-clinical position as a PA can be deeply daunting. For many of us, dreaming of our future started as a child, and it included a stethoscope and patient care. We embarked upon a decades-long educational journey to become PAs; how could we leave the field?

In good news, transitions don't have to be all or nothing. Taking a leap doesn't need to be over a chasm, with the entirety of your career as an immovable rock behind you. Moving your career into a new direction, such as education, research, or leadership, can begin with one foot in the clinic and the other in a new field.

If you're seeking to move away from the bedside, regardless of motivation, start small, but do start. Say yes to a few opportunities that put you in the room with colleagues in the role you're considering. Do some research on the knowledge and/ or education required to start in a new field. And consider talking with your coworkers or employer if they'd support a partial FTE, with some of your time dedicated to another role.

No matter what, the PA profession has diverse opportunities, and there is little risk of the PA role losing its importance. Life is long, and your work is valid. Whether it's a step or a leap, work towards the direction that calls you.

Mentorship Spotlight

Moving into Academia: My Transition into PA Education

by Jennifer Vonderau, MMS, PA-C

Moving from my inpatient role in abdominal transplant surgery to a faculty position was anything but cut-and-dry. My earliest role in education was as a preceptor, which I actually began on day one of employment at my first job as a general surgery PA (bit of a red flag we can debrief another time!). I precepted for years, and it wasn't until one student, who was affiliated with my academic institution, mentioned faculty recruitment for graders that I had any connection to a PA program.

I cold-emailed the Director of Preclinical Education, started grading standardized patient encounters, was soon offered opportunities to lecture on pertinent topics and participate in skills labs, and found myself to be the first call when there was a dire need for more faculty support. I moved into a role as 0.3 FTE faculty and 0.7 FTE inpatient provider, and that was the official start of my title as educator.

It's not always direct, it's not always position scrolling and blind application submissions, and it's not always a big jump from practice. But I moved into education nonetheless and changed the course of my career for the next several years.

Tips for Moving into PA Education

Search and consider PA programs in your area - location, affiliated institution, and number of faculty.
No PA programs close to you? Don't underestimate the power of social media! Join the PA Educators group on Facebook or connect through other platforms. Some programs are open to remote assistance!
Read through the PA program's curriculum and calendar - familiarize yourself with the program flow.
Search the program faculty page - is there anyone you know, even a distant connection?
If lacking a connection, find the program email correspondence and see if there are any directions for interested educators.
Update your CV - include any teaching you've done (experience with patient education can count!).
Email the program, include your CV, and make clear suggestions as to what you can provide - grading, skills instruction, small group facilitation, lectures (with specific content), precepting, admissions or application reviews, etc. Remember, you were trained as a generalist, and skill in seemingly small things, like SOAP note writing, oral presentations, and physical exam skills are useful contributions to any PA program!
Think outside the box! Consider reaching out to local medical schools, nurse practitioner programs, or undergraduate pre-health programs to share your skill set and experience.
Keep trying! Many PA programs are short on faculty and would benefit from your involvement!
Be open to committing part-time (or even just as needed/ PRN). Assessing the program operations, faculty dynamics and workflow, and your preferred type of teaching can help discern if PA education - or that specific PA program - is a good fit.

Roles and Resources

Interested in PA education? The Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) is a valuable resource for those looking to learn how to be an educator. They offer new faculty workshops, scholarship and research opportunities, and a chance to network with PA educators nationwide.

PAEA also hosts a job board that names all faculty positions at accredited PA programs. Take a look to consider applying! Or simply take note of who's hiring - these programs may be more interested in adjunct support without a formal job application, especially until they fill that full-time role.

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