Some of us, more experienced PAs, can forget about the anxiety that overwhelms every PA student as graduation  nears.

Two weeks ago, I was reminded of this anxiety when I had the amazing opportunity to lecture to the graduating PA class at The University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine.  My primary goal was to prepare the students for the license and certification process, and also provide them with some solid negotiation skills for their upcoming interviews. At the end of the lecture, many students came up and personally thanked me for the lecture or sent me a thank you email later in the week. They were so appreciative to have a lecture that was relevant to life skills and could complement their outstanding clinical education.

 I realized that this was the first lecture of its kind at USC’s PA program, and all  I could think about was  how many other PA students may be suffering with the same anxiety? I want to be able to provide some reassurance to other PAs who may feel lost during their transitional process.

After looking at many qualified candidates, my partner Katherine Wilkens and I decided to invite Lauren Gorence PA-C, MPAP join our team of expert consultants! Lauren is a graduate of USC PA program in 2011 and has already helped open up a  new medical office with her supervising MD, and is assisting with the development of a new IPA insurance network. She has hit the ground running with both her clinical career and her consulting work with CPAC. She is doing a fantastic job of supporting and educating the next generation of PAs as they enter into the workforce! We could not be more excited to have her join us as the CPAC Student Affairs expert!

Here are some  frequently asked questions from students and new graduates that Lauren can help with:

 ■When can I take the PANCE?

■What happens if I don’t pass the PANCE, when can I retake it?

■Can I practice without my PA-C?

■When can I start to apply for my NPI? DEA license?

■How do I write prescriptions as a PA-C?

■Do I need to take the controlled substance course?

■What are the estimated costs I should look out for when transitioning from a PA-S to PA-C?

■What are the tools I need to start my first job? (white coat, business cards)

■What are good resources/websites to know about after graduating?

■Now that I have graduated, what is the next step?

■How can I find the job I want?

■What do I need to practice as a PA-C?  (DOS agreement, Practice Protocols/Drug Formulary, copy of license, CV, etc..)

■What are the steps to get hospital privileges? 

■What do I need to start practicing as a PA?

■Is a loan-repayment program good for me?

■How do I balance or manage my student loans?

■Where can I find help to negotiate a salary/contract for me?

■Should I have a lawyer read over my contract?

■How do I apply to be a Medicare provider?

■What is CAQH?

■What do I need to do to apply for a job out of state?

That is just a sample of some of the frequently asked questions.  Lauren’s skills truly complement the CPAC team. Combine her fresh perspective with the experience of the other members of the CPAC team and, there is no question that we can’t answer!

We are here to support our fellow PAs and their future SPs!

Feel free to contact us anytime!

Kasey Drapeau D’Amato PA-C, MPAP

President/ Founder

kasey@certifiedpaconsulting.com

Lauren Gorence PA-C, MPAP

Consultant

lauren@certifiedpaconsulting.com