Dear PA School: A Letter For PA Students

Dear PA School: A Letter for PA Students

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

PA school is one of the hardest things many students ever do, but it teaches lessons that last a lifetime. In this letter, new graduate Tiffany Andrade reflects on three of them: you know more than you think you do, there are no stupid questions, and success is a journey rather than a destination. It is a reminder that the struggle is part of the growth.

Last Updated: June 12, 2026

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Why is PA school so hard, and is it worth it?

Almost every PA student will tell you the time in school is some of the hardest of their lives. It constantly tests your endurance, patience, and stamina, and there are moments that feel insurmountable. Even alongside the anxiety and low points, many graduates still look back on it as one of the best challenges they ever faced.

In just two years, Tiffany learned over 300 diagnoses, passed over 60 exams, treated over 1,000 patients, met over 30 clinicians, assisted in over 20 surgeries, and learned over 15 procedures. And she did not do it alone. She did it alongside 38 classmates who were equally scared and equally motivated to climb the same mountain. That shared experience is part of what makes the journey bearable, and ultimately worth it. PA school teaches lessons that no other life event can, which is exactly why this letter is written to it with gratitude.

In this post:

What are the biggest lessons PA school teaches?

Lesson one: you know more than you think you do, so trust yourself. There were countless moments where Tiffany was asked a question and the correct answer simply appeared within seconds, often the very first thought in her head. Those moments impressed her preceptors and, more importantly, reminded her that a strong curriculum and dedicated mentors had truly prepared her. If you struggle with confidence as a future clinician, know that the knowledge is in there.

Lesson two: know your limits and always ask, because there are no stupid questions. A fear of looking foolish keeps a lot of students quiet, but if you do not ask, you do not learn, and you risk a mistake that could compromise patient safety. A surgeon made this clear to Tiffany, and she is grateful to this day. Humility is what makes great clinicians. Identifying your limits is far more insightful than charging into a situation afraid to ask for help. Medicine is a team sport.

Lesson three: success is a journey, not a destination. It is easy to fixate on the finish line of becoming a PA-C and to want to rush past the hard parts. But there is real value in the fear, disappointment, and even anger along the way. Once you see those experiences as part of the journey, every rotation adds a new tool to your toolbox and every encounter adds a new friendship and a deeper sense of why this career is worth it.

In Our Experience

Tiffany Andrade, a new graduate of Northeastern University's PA program, wrote this letter, and it captures something we see all the time in the students we coach. The ones who thrive are the ones who let themselves ask questions, trust the preparation they have built, and stop treating every hard day as a sign they do not belong. PA school is supposed to stretch you, and that stretching is where the growth happens.

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Every Pre-PA Should Know...

In two years of PA school, Tiffany learned over 300 diagnoses, passed over 60 exams, and treated over 1,000 patients, all alongside 38 classmates who kept her going.

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Need to Know:

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Humility and knowing your limits are signs of a strong clinician.
Success is a journey, and the hard moments are part of the growth.

FAQ

Is PA school really that hard?

Yes, most students describe it as one of the most demanding periods of their lives. The pace, volume of material, and exams are intense, but the challenge is also part of what makes graduating so meaningful.

How many patients do PA students see during school?

It varies by program, but it adds up quickly during clinical rotations. The author of this letter treated over 1,000 patients across her two years of PA school.

How do I build confidence as a PA student?

Trust the preparation your program gives you and notice the moments when you do know the answer. Asking questions and learning from preceptors also builds confidence over time.

Is it okay to ask a lot of questions in PA school?

Absolutely. Asking questions is how you learn and how you keep patients safe. Experienced clinicians respect students who recognize their limits and seek guidance.

How do I cope with feeling overwhelmed in PA school?

Reframe the difficulty as part of the journey rather than a sign you do not belong, and lean on your classmates and mentors. Many students find the shared struggle with their cohort makes the hardest stretches manageable.

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CLOSING

PA school will challenge you in ways few things ever will, but it leaves you with lessons and relationships you carry for the rest of your career. If you are in the thick of it right now, hang in there and lean on the people around you. And if you are still working toward acceptance, know that the resources here are built to help you get there.

Dear PA School: A Letter For PA Students