PA Programs Can Learn from Veterans
The PA profession was created to utilize and expand upon the former medic and corpsmen training of veterans returning to the civilian sector, especially for those returning from the Vietnam War. The success of the profession owes much to these early pioneers.
Today’s veterans are more racially, ethnically, and gender diverse than ever before, and tomorrow’s veterans will be even more so. It is projected that in 25 years almost 40% of veterans will be people of color and almost 20% will be women.
Veterans often make excellent candidates for PA progams. Why? Read on.
At California Baptist’s PA Program, Mary Ann Stahovich, DMSc., MHP, PA-C, said that veterans are important leaders. Three out of their past four class presidents have been veterans, she explained. And, medics and corpsmen have skillsets that directly transfer to an academic PA environment.
Brandon Beattie, MMSc, PA-C, former US Army Medic, added that, besides their medical training, veterans have great time management skills, know when to lead and when to follow, understand the hierarchy of a PA program, and often serve as leaders in their cohorts.
Barriers to Vets
However today, some PA programs are unknowingly enforcing barriers that make it harder for veterans to matriculate to their programs. When there is a lack of understanding about the medic and corpsman experience in the admissions process, highly qualified veteran applicants can slip through the cracks.
Beattie said that veteran PA applicants are more likely to have a non-traditional transcripts with courses taken at different colleges or universities at different times, which is often seen as a detriment. However, when viewed through a holistic admissions lens, this demonstrates an applicant’s resiliency and dedication in completing all the necessary pre-requirements while also serving the country.
Aaron Henry, MSHS, PA-C, who served as a Navy Corpsman, mentioned another potential barrier. Service members often have commitments that make it difficult for them to meet the requirements for volunteer hours. However, through their service, they might be demonstrating the engagement with the community that achieves the same goal.
Beattie added that veterans sometimes struggle to convey their skills and experiences in their applications, as often their default is to be humble and use plain language. Coaching and mentoring veteran applicants can help them accurately communicate their expertise.
Some PA programs are making an effort to recruit more veterans into their programs by reserving interview slots for veterans, but these slots can go unfilled if veterans aren’t applying in the first place.
Veteran and first year PA student Bobbi Kennedy said that more veterans aren’t becoming PAs because they don’t know about the profession.
Malwina Huzarska, MS, MMS, PA-C, who served as a combat medic in the US Army, wants to see more outreach to current medics and corpsmen so when they leave the military, they have a plan and are prepared for the admissions process.
PAEA is committed to working with veteran PA faculty to increase the pipeline of veterans to PA students.
