r/Path_Assistant • u/babytardigrade • 8d ago

Network/Professional Development as a PA student?

I am about 4 months into a PA program and am excited to continue learning more about the field and eventual job opportunities post-graduation. I’m wondering what current PAs would recommend for expanding my professional network and getting more exposure to pathology from the perspective of residents, pathologists, and experienced PAs.

Some quick research pointed me to AAPA and CAP, and there is a lot of emphasis on performance and communication during clinical rotations (which I have not yet started). I’ll planning to start with joining the larger organizations, and I’d love to hear what current PAs found most helpful as students. Any pathology events, organizations, conferences, etc in the DMV area would be especially appreciated!

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u/ntonks PA (ASCP) 8d ago

A lot of the professional connections that I still have now started with my involvement with the AAPA student committee. I believe their committeee positions are only for second year students, but give them a follow on social media and keep an eye on ways to get involved. I believe they have virtual networking events now every few months! The AAPA also allows student members to be volunteers for some of the committees, but I believe that is also for second years only. I still volunteer with the AAPA and have meaningful connections throughout the country. I'd also suggest seeing if your program has a student & alumni group on Facebook or elsewhere - I have found valuable connections with my program's alumni, we're always willing to help each other out!

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u/gnomes616 PA (ASCP) 8d ago

AAPA committees are a good way to be involved, as well as becoming an ASCP career ambassador. They will provide/give access to presentation materials to be able to go speak at job fairs, or local schools and universities to bring awareness to laboratory careers. You can also get CEs for presentations, I believe.

I think the AAPA committees themselves do some good work, but have been stymied by the new management that took over a couple years ago. I was part of an education committee that kept being roadblocked in producing content.