Tips for Incoming 1st year Canadian PA Students
PA school a challenging and rewarding journey, but it can also be overwhelming. If you are in your first year, or are considering PA school, here are some important things to keep in mind.
1. Prioritize self-care.
You will be presented with a lot of information and expected to complete many tasks, but it's essential that you take care of yourself too. Exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and eat well.
Identify what self-care means to you: Different activities and practices can be considered as self-care for different people. Figure out what works for you to relax and recharge.
Set aside time for self-care: Schedule regular time in your day or week for self-care activities, and treat it as a non-negotiable commitment.
Make self-care a habit: Incorporate self-care into your daily routine, so it becomes a habit and something you do automatically.
Get enough sleep: Ensure that you are getting enough sleep to feel rested and refreshed.
Exercise regularly: Physical activity is an important aspect of self-care and can improve your mental and physical health.
Connect with others: Spend time with friends and family, and engage in social activities that you enjoy.
Avoid burnout: Don't overdo it with work, PA school, or other activities. Take breaks when you need to and avoid overexerting yourself.
Seek support: Don't be afraid to reach out for help or support when you need it.
Practice mindfulness: Try to live in the moment and focus on the present, rather than worrying about the past or future.
Remember, self-care is not selfish, it is necessary for maintaining physical and emotional well-being. By taking care of yourself, you can be better equipped to handle the demands of PA school.
2. Develop good study habits.
Developing good study habits requires discipline and consistency. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Set a schedule: Plan out your study time and stick to it. This will help you avoid procrastination and ensure that you have enough time to cover all your material.
Create a study environment: Find a quiet and comfortable place to study where you can minimize distractions. Turn off your phone and other electronics.
Take breaks: Study in short, focused periods, and take breaks in between to recharge your brain and avoid burnout.
Stay organized: Keep track of your notes, textbooks, and other study materials in an organized fashion.
Use active learning strategies: Engage with the material by taking notes, summarizing information, and explaining concepts to others. This will help you better retain the information.
Stay motivated: Reward yourself for reaching your study goals and find ways to stay motivated, such as studying with friends or setting achievable milestones.
Get enough sleep: Ensure that you're getting adequate rest each night, as sleep is essential for optimal mental and physical health.
3. Ask for help
Don't be afraid to reach out to classmates, professors, or your advisors for help. Everyone struggles at some point, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Utilize available resources: Most PA schools have resources available for students, such as academic advisors, tutors, or counseling services. Take advantage of these resources if you need help with coursework or if you are struggling with stress and burnout.
Connect with your PA classmates: Your classmates can be great sources of support and motivation. Consider forming study groups or meeting regularly to discuss challenging topics.
Seek support from family and friends: Don't hesitate to reach out to your family and friends for support during PA school. They can provide you with a listening ear and a much-needed distraction from the demands of school.
Ask for accommodations: If you have a learning difference or a medical condition, speak to your school's disability services office about getting accommodations that can help you succeed.
Talk to a mental health professional: If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or stress, seeking support from a mental health professional can be extremely helpful. Your school may offer counseling services, or you can look for a therapist in your community.
4. Manage your time wisely.
PA school is demanding and you will have to balance many responsibilities, so it's crucial to make the most of your time. Make a schedule and stick to it.
Create a schedule: Plan your day and week in advance, and stick to a schedule. This can help you balance your time between studying, clinical work, and self-care.
Prioritize: Determine what tasks are most important and prioritize them. Tackle the most important tasks first thing in the morning, when you have the most energy.
Use a to-do list: Write down your daily and weekly tasks and check them off as you complete them. This can help you stay organized and motivated.
Minimize distractions: Turn off notifications on your phone and computer, and eliminate other distractions in your study environment.
Take breaks: Regular breaks can help you stay focused and prevent burnout. Take a walk, meditate, or do something else that helps you recharge.
Seek help when needed: Don't hesitate to ask for help from classmates, professors, or a mental health professional if you're feeling overwhelmed.
Stay flexible: Life is unpredictable, so be prepared to adjust your schedule as needed. Remember to take care of yourself and make time for self-care activities.
5. Get involved in extracurricular activities.
PA school is more than just studying, it's also about building relationships and creating opportunities for personal growth.
Clinical rotations and volunteer work: This can help you gain more hands-on experience and develop your clinical skills.
Student organizations: Joining a student organization related to the PA profession can help you network with your peers, gain leadership experience, and stay informed about industry developments.
Conferences and workshops: Attending conferences and workshops can provide you with opportunities to learn from experts in the field and stay up-to-date on the latest advances in PA education.
Research and academic projects: Participating in research projects or academic projects can help you build your resume and enhance your knowledge in a specific area of interest.
Community service: Volunteering in your community can help you develop a sense of purpose and give back to others, while also building your skills and network.
Remember that it's important to prioritize your academic responsibilities and self-care, and not overcommit yourself. But participating in extracurricular activities can enhance your PA school experience and support your personal and professional growth.
5. Remember why you wanted to be a PA
It's easy to get caught up in the stress and challenges of PA school, but it's important to remind yourself why you started this journey. Keep your end goal in mind and take time to reflect on what you hope to achieve.
Here are some tips to help you remember and reflect on those reasons:
Write it down: Write down the reasons why you chose to become a PA, what drives you and what you hope to achieve in your career.
Visualize: Close your eyes and imagine yourself as a PA, helping patients, making a positive impact on their lives, and achieving your career goals.
Talk to someone: Reach out to a mentor, friend, or family member and share your thoughts and feelings with them. They may offer a fresh perspective and support.
Focus on the positive: Keep a positive outlook and focus on the reasons why you chose this path, rather than ruminating on the challenges. Focus on the bigger picture - remind yourself of the end goal. Practice gratitude - take time to reflect on what you are thankful for and focus on the good in your life.
Take breaks: Make time for self-care and engage in activities that bring you joy, help you relax, and recharge, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies.
Remember, stress is a normal part of the journey, but it’s important to take care of yourself and keep perspective on why you wanted to become a PA in the first place.
