PAthways: A Mentorship Program for Aspiring Healthcare Professionals
Are you seeking a rewarding healthcare career? Look no further!
Discover a profession that offers:
- An impressive average starting salary of over $100K in Colorado
- A remarkable employment growth projection of 28.5% between 2023 and 2033
- Consistent recognition as one of the top 5 jobs in the U.S. for seven consecutive years
- Unmatched career flexibility and a healthy work/life balance
Join a field where your skills and dedication can make a significant impact on people’s lives while enjoying a prosperous and fulfilling career.
The American Academy of Physician Associates has established a mentorship program to assist you in achieve your career goals.
Investing in Strengthening the Healthcare Workforce on Colorado’s Western Slope
Program Overview
The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) and the Physician Associate Foundation (PAF) recently launched PAthways, an initiative dedicated to strengthening the healthcare infrastructure on Colorado’s Western Slope. Supported by a generous grant from the Colorado Health Foundation, the Western Colorado PAthways program provides financial support, mentorship, and clinical shadowing opportunities for those who qualify.
AAPA represents more than 178,000 physician associates/physician assistants (PAs) nationwide who practice medicine in every specialty and setting in healthcare.
Program Details
The Western Colorado PAthways program offers a one-year mentorship opportunity designed to guide and support aspiring healthcare professionals. Each accepted mentee will be paired with a local physician associate/assistant (PA) mentor who will create and implement a personalized mentorship plan providing valuable insight and guidance.
Key mentorship topics will include:
- Application Planning and Tutorial: Navigate the application process with expert guidance.
- Undergraduate Planning: Receive advice on required coursework and effective exam preparation strategies.
- Volunteering & Patient Care/Shadowing: Explore hands-on experiences to build your application.
- Crafting Personal Statements & Resumes: Learn how to create standout personal statements and professional resumes.
- Mock Interview Practice: Prepare for admissions interviews with real-world mock interview sessions.
- Financial Aid Resources: Access helpful resources for navigating financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis.
Mentee Program Benefits
- One year of personalized mentorship from a local, experienced PA
- A stipend of up to $7,500 to help cover essential costs such as:
- Application fees
- Supplemental application fees
- Test preparation
- Interview costs
- School deposits
- Complimentary registration and covered travel expenses to attend AAPA’s National Conference – the world’s largest gathering of aspiring PAs, PA students, and practicing PAs
This comprehensive program is designed to equip you with the knowledge, resources, and support to thrive as you pursue a career in healthcare, especially if you ultimately choose to become a PA.
Eligibility Criteria
Mentee applicants must:
- Reside in, work, or attend school in one of these counties: Delta, Dolores, Eagle, Garfield, Grand, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Jackson, La Plata, Mesa, Moffat, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, Pitkin, Rio Blanco, Routt, San Juan, San Miguel, and Summit
- Be a current college student, post-graduate student, OR a working healthcare professional (e.g. EMT, MA, CNA, etc.) with a keen interest in pursuing a career as a healthcare provider dedicated to serving rural and underserved communities
- Be able to commit to 1-2 hours per month of mentorship activities for a period of 12 months
For more information about AAPA, PAF, or the physician associate profession, please check out our website at https://www.aapa.org/.
Learn More and Apply
- Complete the mentee application form
- Please send all questions or comments to [email protected]
Backed by a generous grant from the Colorado Health Foundation.