If you’re planning to become a physician assistant (PA), you already know that strong academics and clinical competence are key to a successful application. But there’s one element that can make all the difference in standing out: direct patient care experience through a pre-physician assistant internship.
It only academically prepared but also comfortable in healthcare environments—working alongside doctors, nurses, and patients. The earlier you start gaining clinical exposure, the more confident and competitive you’ll be.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to find a pre-PA internship that aligns with your goals, whether locally or abroad.
> Explore Go-Elective Pre–PA and PA Internships Abroad
One of the best ways to find a reliable internship is by tapping into the resources at your university. Talk to:
Who may have connections with hospitals or clinics that accept undergraduate interns
Which often maintains a database of local internships and alumni mentors
Which can recommend programs tailored to physician assistant school requirements
These on-campus resources can also help you refine your resume and prepare for internship interviews.
Don’t overlook your own network. Reach out to your family doctor, primary care provider, or any physician assistant you’ve encountered through appointments. Ask if:
Many students find internships through informal introductions, so it’s worth starting a conversation. Even if it feels outside your comfort zone.
Your friends, classmates, family, and even student organizations can be powerful allies in your internship search. Ask:
Connecting with other pre-PA students often uncovers opportunities that aren’t advertised online.
You can also be proactive by reaching out to medical facilities in your area. Try:
When reaching out, be sure to:
Professionalism and initiative go a long way—especially in busy clinical environments.
If you're looking for immersive, hands-on experience with fewer regulatory restrictions, pre-PA internships abroad offer a compelling alternative. Inquire to programs like Go Elective’s physician assistant internships in Kenya and Tanzania place students in real hospital settings, where they:
Unlike shadowing in the U.S., these programs provide structured, supervised experiences that fulfill PA school clinical hour requirements—and offer global insight into patient care.
Many schools offer pre-PA clubs that host panels, organize shadowing events, and connect students with opportunities. Outside campus, you can also join:
These platforms are rich with advice, shared opportunities, and real-world application tips from current PAs and applicants.
Finding the right pre-PA internship may take persistence, but it’s worth the effort. Clinical experience not only prepares you for the realities of working in medicine—it also strengthens your application, clarifies your career goals, and shows PA schools that you’re serious about the profession.
Whether you pursue opportunities locally or abroad, be proactive, professional, and open to learning.
If you’re ready to take your clinical experience to the next level, explore Go Elective’s pre-PA internships abroad. Our programs in Kenya and Tanzania offer small-group mentorship, immersive hospital exposure, and the chance to make a real difference while building your future career.
Author: Go-Elective Abroad
Date Published: Jun 16, 2025
Go Elective offers immersive opportunities for medical students, pre-med undergraduates, residents, nursing practitioners, and PAs to gain guided invaluable experience in busy hospitals abroad. Discover the power of study, travel, and impact.