The PA Essentials: PAs of Color Essential Guide from Application to Graduation

Intro

Hi, I'm Naquisha Knights

I created this platform for people of color pursuing a career in medicine, specifically P.A. school. I learned a lot before entering P.A. school, during P.A. school, and after graduating from P.A. School in 2011.

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Intro

Welcome to

The PA Essentials

Journey to Becoming PA: Before, During, After

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Learn MoreBefore PA School

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Learn MoreDuring PA School

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Lean MoreAfter PA School

About The PA Essentials

A space for you to come for advice, resources, and an honest opinion on what it is to be a Physician Associate. The medical field is a small bubble, and being a person of color in the medical field can be challenging if you don’t know what to expect along the way.

Why The PA Essentials?

A space for you to come for advice, resources, and an honest opinion on what it is to be a Physician Associate

EDUCATION

Provide essential PA school resources.

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Helping you craft your PA story

CASPA APPLICATION

Elevate your CASPA application experience

MOCK INTERVIEW

Refine your PA interview skills with us

New Events

Student Review Testimonial Instagram Post

Hey Future PAs! When I finished my bachelor’s, I was lost about PA school. Ms. Knights wrote my recommendation, guided my essay, and prepped me for interviews. She’s been my rock, from day one. Her blog is a goldmine, mentally

_Shalifa Kitakle ,PA Student

20Years Of Experience

120SUCCESSFUL ENTRPRENEURS

90COMPANIES FOUNDED

10BOOKS, DADS & PODCASTS

Latest News

Get ready for your weekly dose of PA news! The "Latest News" section of the PA blog is tailored for pre-PA students, PA students, and graduates. We'll keep you up-to-date with all the latest blogs, while having some laughs with funny memes and heartwarming stories. Whether you're applying for a program or a seasoned PA, we've got you covered. Stay connected and informed with the most exciting happenings in the PA world.

5 Useful Steps To Asking For Letters of Recommendation For PA School

Application Process, Pre PA School

5 Useful Steps To Asking For Letters of Recommendation For PA School

By Naquisha Knights
in July 13, 2023
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The Advantage of PA Shadowing and a PA Mentor

Application Process

The Advantage of PA Shadowing and a PA Mentor

By Naquisha Knights
in July 4, 2024
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Devoted Physician Associates: Empowering Modern Healthcare

Application Process, Pre PA School

Devoted Physician Associates: Empowering Modern Healthcare

By Naquisha Knights
in January 29, 2024
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Dealing With Difficult Patients as a NEW PA

After PA School, Career

Dealing With Difficult Patients as a NEW PA

By Naquisha Knights
in September 18, 2023
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PANCE Exam: Reliable Top 10 Tips for Acing the Test

After PA School, Certification Process

PANCE Exam: Reliable Top 10 Tips for Acing the Test

By Naquisha Knights
in August 5, 2024
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2 Valuable Must-Do Steps Before Applying For PA School

Application Process, Pre PA School

2 Valuable Must-Do Steps Before Applying For PA School

By Naquisha Knights
in December 13, 2022
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PA Student Life: Exploring the Greatest Challenges

During PA School, Didactic Year

PA Student Life: Exploring the Greatest Challenges

By Naquisha Knights
in February 8, 2024
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Essential Tools for New PAs in Bone Marrow Transplant

After PA School, Career, Uncategorized

Essential Tools for New PAs in Bone Marrow Transplant

By Naquisha Knights
in August 12, 2024
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5 Simple Steps To Writing A PA School Essay

Application Process, Pre PA School

5 Simple Steps To Writing A PA School Essay

By Naquisha Knights
in December 20, 2022
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Ace Your PD Course: Physical Diagnosis Secrets and Kit

During PA School, Course/Book Tips, Didactic Year

Ace Your PD Course: Physical Diagnosis Secrets and Kit

By Naquisha Knights
in September 26, 2023
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Rejected from PA School: Embrace, Reflect, Persist!

Application Process

Rejected from PA School: Embrace, Reflect, Persist!

By Naquisha Knights
in February 13, 2024
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Secure How To Become a Physician Associate- License Requirements

After PA School, Certification Process

Secure How To Become a Physician Associate- License Requirements

By Naquisha Knights
in November 16, 2023
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Have You Heard Your Going To PA School – Congratulations!

Didactic Year, During PA School

Have You Heard Your Going To PA School – Congratulations!

By Naquisha Knights
in December 27, 2022
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10 Most Important PA School Interview Tips

Interview Prep, Pre PA School

10 Most Important PA School Interview Tips

By Naquisha Knights
in January 3, 2023
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New Grad Physician Assistant – Congratulations!

After PA School, Certification Process

New Grad Physician Assistant – Congratulations!

By Naquisha Knights
in January 3, 2023
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Mastering the CASPA Application: 5 Key Strategies for Success

Application Process

Mastering the CASPA Application: 5 Key Strategies for Success

By Naquisha Knights
in February 21, 2024
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Selecting a P.A. School

Application Process, Pre PA School

Selecting a P.A. School

By Naquisha Knights
in January 12, 2023
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HOW TO PREPARE FINANCIALLY 🤑 FOR PA SCHOOL

Financial Prep, Pre PA School

HOW TO PREPARE FINANCIALLY 🤑 FOR PA SCHOOL

By Naquisha Knights
in January 19, 2023
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Time Management Is Critical

Didactic Year, During PA School

Time Management Is Critical

By Naquisha Knights
in January 26, 2023
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Discover How To Negotiate Your Salary As A New PA Grad

After PA School, Career

Discover How To Negotiate Your Salary As A New PA Grad

By Naquisha Knights
in January 5, 2024
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DIDACTIC YEAR…HERE WE GO!!!

Didactic Year, During PA School

DIDACTIC YEAR…HERE WE GO!!!

By Naquisha Knights
in February 2, 2023
Comments Off on DIDACTIC YEAR…HERE WE GO!!!

The Best Advice for the PANCE Exam – What you need to Know

After PA School, Certification Process

The Best Advice for the PANCE Exam – What you need to Know

By Naquisha Knights
in February 9, 2023
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1st Semester of PA School

Didactic Year, During PA School

1st Semester of PA School

By Naquisha Knights
in February 23, 2023
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1st Job As a Physician Associate

After PA School, Career

1st Job As a Physician Associate

By Naquisha Knights
in March 2, 2023
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KICKSTART YOUR PA JOURNEY WITH CONFIDENCE

thepaessentials

When CASPA applications got you like 😱😤🤯🤬. Check out our latest post on the CASPA application. Click the link in the bio 👆🏾.
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#CASPAstress #PAproblems #ApplicationAnxiety #PhysicianAssistant #StressfulTimes #MemeMonday #LaughAwayTheStress #PAStudents #PrePAJourney #MedicalMemes #FunnyButTrue #JustPAthings #MedLife #FuturePAs #HealthcareHumor #KeepCalmAndCASPAOn #MemeMagic #Hilarious #MedSchoolMemes #LifeOfAStudent

When the exam is too hard you gotta see you're sti

When the exam is too hard you gotta see you're still alive.

Maintain a positive mindset and believe in your abilities. Visualize success and focus on your strengths rather than dwelling on fears or uncertainties.😊🌟

Remember, preparation is key to success! Trust in your hard work and dedication, and approach the exam with confidence. You've got this! 🌟

Contact us today! Link in the bio. 🔗
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#PASchoolHumor #PhysicianAssistantLaughs
#MedSchoolMemes #PAStudentLife
#HumorousHealthcare #MedicineMemes
#PAProgramLaughs #MedicalSchoolJokes
#PAStudentHumor #HealthcareHumor #PhysicianAssociates
#PAs #PAProfession #PhysicianAssociateCommunity
#HealthcareProviders #MedicalTeam
#PAStudents #PAEducation #PatientCare#PAJobs

What is Bell's Palsy? ☑️ Bell's palsy affects

What is Bell's Palsy?

☑️ Bell's palsy affects Cranial Nerve 7, causing paralysis or weakness of the muscles on one side of the face.
☑️ The cause is unknown, although infection or autoimmune responses are suspected.
☑️ The majority of people with Bell's palsy, around 90 percent, will recover completely with time.

Treatment with Valtrex, Prednisone, and Rehabilitation therapies, such as facial exercises and massage, can also aid in recovery and restore facial muscle strength. A comprehensive approach involving medical management, supportive care, and rehabilitation strategies is essential for effectively managing Bell's palsy and promoting optimal recovery for affected individuals.😕👄

Follow for more: thepaessentials.com
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#BellsPalsyAwareness #FacialParalysis #NeurologicalCondition #BellPalsySupport #FacialNerveDisorder #HealthAwareness #FacialWeakness #MedicalCondition #BellPalsyRecovery #NeurologyCommunity #physicianassistants #physicianassociate #emt #biologygraduate #mastersdegree #prepaschool #thepac #nbspa #blackproviders #peopleofcolorinmedicine #blackmeninmedicine #blackwomeninmedicine #futurephysicianassistant #loveofmedicine #medicine #healthcaredisparities

🌟 Exploring a PA Career? 👩🏾‍⚕️👨🏾‍⚕️ If you're a person of color wondering if PA school is your path, here are 4 ways to decide:

1️⃣ Representation Matters: Seek diverse faculty and student bodies for a supportive environment.

2️⃣ Cultural Competency: Ensure the curriculum addresses healthcare disparities and cultural sensitivity.

3️⃣ Community Support: Look for programs fostering inclusivity and mentorship for success.

4️⃣ Real Talk: Connect with current students or alumni to hear their experiences.

Embrace your journey with confidence!

Follow for more tips. Visit our website. thepaessentials.com
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#PACourses #PhysicianAssociateEducation #PAPrograms #PAStudies #PAProspects #FuturePAs #MedEd #Medicine #Health #PhysicianAssistant #PAsofColor #paschool #representationmatters #diversitymatters #aapa #physicianassistants #physicianassociate #emt #biologygraduate #mastersdegree #prepaschool #thepac #nbspa #blackproviders #peopleofcolorinmedicine #blackmeninmedicine #blackwomeninmedicine

Did you know that one square inch of skin consists

Did you know that one square inch of skin consists of 1300 nerve cells?

One square inch of skin contains 65 hairs, 100 sebaceous glands, 650 sweat glands, 78 heat sensors, 13 cold sensors, 1,300 nerve endings capable of recording pain, 9,500 cells, 19 yards of nerves, 19,500 sensory cells, and 165 pressure apparatuses for stimuli (touch).

Contact us today for more interesting facts! Link in the bio.
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#SkinFacts #DermatologyDiscoveries #EpidermisInsights #DidYouKnowSkin #SkinScience #HealthySkinFacts #SkinTrivia #BeautyBeyondSurface #SkinCareAwareness #EpiFacts HumanBody #Medicine #Health #PhysicalExam #PhysicianAssistant #PAsofColor

🔍 Ever wondered how the intricate network of ne

🔍 Ever wondered how the intricate network of nerves in your neck and lower back aligns with the sensation in your hands and feet? 🤔 We've got you covered!

FYI - If a patient complains of tingling in the hands or feet in a particular digit or digits. CHECK for NECK and BACK pain.

🙌 Follow us for regular updates, engaging content, and a touch of creativity in your daily dose of enlightenment! 🌟📚
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#Neurology #Neuro #neurosurgeon #orthopedists #spine #spinalcord #NeurologyPA #Ortho #OrthoPA #Surgery #Dermatomes#HumanBody #Medicine #Health #PhysicalExam #PhysicianAssistant #PAsofColor #paschool #panceexam #aapa #urgentcare #urgentcarepa #emg #neuroexam #handsandfeet #physicaldiagnosis #DermatoConnect #NeuralWonders #DermatomeDiscovery

"Love is not just a feeling, it is an action that

"Love is not just a feeling, it is an action that we must choose to do every day."- quote by @jayshetty

💕Love is such a powerful emotion that can bring immense joy and positivity to our lives. It's not just a feeling that comes and goes; it's an action we must do every day. When we choose to love, we inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of love and kindness in the world. Whether it's our family, friends, or significant other, love is what makes life worth living. So let's cherish and nurture the love in our lives and spread it wherever we go! 🥰
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#MedStudentLove #PAStudentLove #HealingHands #MedicineAndDedication #PAProfessionals #CareWithCompassion #HealthcareHarmony #ClinicalExperts #PAExcellence #MedicalCollaborators #WellnessAdvocates #PAJourney #pink #love #valentinesday #happygalentines #happyvalentinesday2024 #jayshetty #lovequote #inspirationalquote #showlove #blacklove #family #bestfriends #palove #blackproviders #futurepa #physicianassistant

Q: What is the tiniest muscle? A: The tiniest musc

Q: What is the tiniest muscle?
A: The tiniest muscle is the STAPEDIUS of the middle ear. It's just one-fifth of an inch long.

The stapedius muscle is a small muscle found in the middle ear. It aids in the stabilization of the stapes bone, as well as sound regulation and the protection of your inner ear from damage caused by loud sounds.

Visit our website: https://www.thepaessentials.com/
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#QnAInsights #AskAndAnswer #CuriousMinds #QuerySession #InquisitiveMinds #KnowledgeExchange #QuestionTime #AnswerHub #AskTheExperts #QACommunity #PAProfessionals #CareWithCompassion #HealthcareHarmony #ClinicalExperts #PAExcellence #MedicalCollaborators #WellnessAdvocates #PAJourney

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A space for you to come for advice, resources, and an honest opinion on what it is to be a Physician Associate.

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Kickstart your PA journey with confidence

A space for you to come for advice, resources, and an honest opinion on what it is to be a Physician Associate

KICKSTART YOUR PA JOURNEY WITH CONFIDENCE

A space for you to come for advice, resources, and an honest opinion on what it is to be a Physician Associate