Hidden Costs of PA School Interviews and Attending

Interview season adds up fast. You will need professional interview attire, a full suit for men and a business dress with a blazer, a pencil skirt with a matching blazer, or a pantsuit for women. If your interview spans two days, ask the program about attire, since the meet-and-greet day may allow business casual, but you will still need at least two nice shirts because you cannot wear the same outfit twice.

There are also grooming costs to look put together, like a haircut. Then come travel expenses: you may need to fly to a school or stay in a hotel. And do not forget missed work. If an interview falls on a workday, you lose that day's pay, so consider swapping shifts if it matters for your budget. None of these are huge on their own, but together they add up during a busy season.

Once you are in, the health requirements begin. Jamie notes that at her program, the University of Detroit Mercy, Hep B was the only vaccine she could decline, while rubella, measles, mumps, and varicella were required. Programs often require titers to prove immunity, and Jamie's titers came back negative for vaccines she had records for, so she had to redo them.

You will also typically need a physical, plus a Tdap and a TB test. If a TB skin test comes back positive, you may need a chest x-ray or a blood-based TB test instead. These are the kinds of requirements that are easy to overlook when you are budgeting, but they show up quickly between acceptance and the start of classes. Build them into your plan so they do not surprise you.

Do not buy equipment based on a blog post. Wait for your program's official requirements list, since brands and specifics vary. That said, here is what to expect. You will need a stethoscope. A Littmann Cardiology III runs about $150, more with engraving, though cheaper options exist. A diagnostic kit with an otoscope and ophthalmoscope, like the well-regarded Welch Allyn, can run roughly $300 to $1,000 depending on the handle and condition. [VERIFY] current equipment prices.

You will likely need one or two embroidered lab coats, a penlight, basic supplies like gloves and tongue depressors, and a blood pressure cuff. Some programs also require specific scrub colors or professional attire. Other possible costs include fingerprinting, drug testing, and a criminal background check, which some programs pay for and others do not. And if you move for a program, factor in furniture, a moving truck, or even pizza for the friends helping you.

Tuition is only part of the price tag, and the hidden costs of interviewing and starting PA school can add up quietly if you are not ready for them. Build these into your budget early, and always defer to your specific program's requirements list before buying gear. If you want help planning your application timeline and budget together, our coaching team is here whenever you need it.