How to Get a Physician Assistant Internship in 2025 (And Why Going Abroad Sets You Apart)

Physician assistants (PAs) are playing an increasingly vital role in the modern healthcare system—especially in addressing provider shortages in underserved communities. With a projected job growth of 28% from 2023 to 2033 and a median salary of over $130,000, the PA profession is one of the most rewarding and in-demand medical careers today.

If you're planning to become a PA, securing the right internship is a crucial step. Clinical exposure isn’t just a formality—it’s a chance to gain hands-on experience, build confidence, and make your application stand out. And if you’re truly looking to differentiate yourself, a physician assistant internship abroad may be your best next move.

What Is a Physician Assistant Internship?

A physician assistant internship is a supervised clinical placement that allows aspiring or current PA students to gain real-world experience in patient care. Interns may assist in conducting physical exams, documenting patient histories, performing diagnostic procedures, and supporting physicians in high-pressure clinical environments.

These internships help students:

• Apply classroom knowledge in real medical settings
• Explore different medical specialties
• Prepare for certification exams like the PANCE
• Build a strong resume for PA school or future employment

At Go Elective, we offer international PA internships in East Africa, designed specifically for pre-PA and PA students seeking clinical experience, mentorship, and cultural immersion.

Who Qualifies for a PA Internship?

Eligibility can vary depending on whether the internship is academic, voluntary, or part of a structured program. In general, you may qualify if you are:

• A pre-PA student or recent graduate pursuing PA school
• Currently enrolled in or accepted to an accredited PA program
• Demonstrating strong academic performance in sciences
• Interested in clinical experience and cross-cultural healthcare
• Able to meet local licensure or regulatory requirements if applicable

Some internships—especially those offered abroad—are designed to accommodate pre-health students at all stages, including undergraduates.

Why PA Internships Are Critical for Your Career

Whether you plan to practice in a bustling urban hospital or a rural outreach clinic, your ability to work with real patients will define your success. Here’s why internships matter:

1. Gain Direct Clinical Exposure

Internships let you observe and assist in real medical procedures under the supervision of licensed professionals. You’ll practice history-taking, physical exams, documentation, and patient interaction—skills essential for PA certification and day-to-day practice.

2. Explore Specialties Before You Commit

Unsure whether you want to go into surgery, emergency medicine, pediatrics, or dermatology? Internships allow you to sample various departments and build insight into your future specialization.

3. Strengthen Your PA School Application

Clinical experience is a must-have for competitive PA programs. Interning—especially internationally—shows dedication, initiative, and cultural competence.

4. Fulfill Clinical Hour Requirements

Many programs require a specific number of patient contact hours before or during training. Internships contribute to fulfilling those quotas, especially when well-structured and supervised.

5. Build a Network in the Medical Field

Mentorship from experienced professionals can open doors long after your internship ends. Many PA interns gain strong references, job leads, and even interview tips from their preceptors.

Why Consider a PA Internship Abroad?

Physician assistant internships abroad offer unique challenges and unmatched rewards. At Go Elective, our programs in East Africa place students in high-volume teaching hospitals, rural clinics, and community health projects—exposing you to a healthcare reality far beyond what you’d encounter at home.

During an international PA internship, you might:

• Assist in crowded emergency departments with limited resources
• Work with children suffering from malnutrition or infectious diseases
• Shadow OB/GYN, internal medicine, or surgical teams
• Participate in public health outreach and mobile clinics
• Help educate patients on hygiene, nutrition, and preventive care

This kind of experience not only sharpens your clinical skills but also develops adaptability, empathy, and problem-solving in resource-constrained environments.

Learn more about our Pre-Physician Assistant Internships and how they can accelerate your path to PA school.

Where to Find Physician Assistant Internships

If you're ready to pursue a PA internship, here are some of the best ways to start your search:

1. Talk to Your School’s Career Services

Your academic advisors or pre-health department can connect you with affiliated hospitals and internship opportunities that match your academic requirements.

2. Ask Your Professors or Clinical Mentors

Physicians and healthcare faculty often know of open internships or can write strong letters of recommendation to help you apply.

3. Reach Out to Your Personal Network

Ask family, friends, or classmates if they know someone in healthcare. Many internship opportunities are secured through referrals.

4. Use Trusted Online Platforms

Search on medical internship directories or directly explore websites of hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and global health programs.

5. Apply for an International Program with Go Elective

We offer customized placements in Kenya and Tanzania with housing, transport, mentorship, and pre-departure guidance included. Our internships are open to pre-PA students at various stages and are ideal for gaining healthcare experience in global settings.

Contact our team to learn how you can apply.

Final Thoughts: Invest in Your Future With the Right Internship

Becoming a physician assistant is a deeply rewarding career, but the path demands preparation and experience. Whether you're just starting your pre-PA journey or looking to deepen your clinical exposure, a physician assistant internship is a vital milestone.

And if you're looking to truly stand out, Go Elective’s international internships offer far more than observation. They give you a platform to grow—professionally, culturally, and personally—in settings where your presence truly matters.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Jun 15, 2025