Alyssa Moore, PA-S
Class of 2014
Hometown: Mechanicville, New York
Patient care experience: Volunteer at Canton-Potsdam Hospital in Rehab, Detox, Maternity and ER. Home Health Aide
Why Clarkson? I chose Clarkson for the PA Program because I have attended Clarkson both as an undergraduate student as well as a graduate student and have enjoyed the experience tremendously. Being a small school, Clarkson gives you a sense of community, your professors know you by name, not just by student number which is helpful when seeking assistance or guidance in any particular class. While attending Clarkson there was discussion of a PA Program starting, and I was hoping and patiently waiting for it to become a reality. When I met with the Director of the program I was very impressed with the experience of the faculty and after taking the tour, I was very impressed with the facility as well. Based on all of my previous experiences and after meeting the Director of the program, attending Clarkson University was a no-brainer for me.
Best part of PA school? While the PA program is intense, and does not afford you the luxury of much free time, the program is very challenging, very exciting and very rewarding! My favorite part so far has been going to the hospital and doing history and physicals on in-patients. As much as we practice on each other at school, it is extremely different walking into the room of someone you have never met and asking questions you may not initially feel comfortable asking. I feel this is very beneficial and will help prepare us in the best way possible for our patients we will see throughout our clinical rotations.
Advice to applicants: READ, READ, READ !!! Read as much as you can before you come into the didactic year. It is important to get your feet wet before you jump right in. PA school moves FAST, so having prior exposure will help to familiarize and benefit you in keeping up with the materials that you will be studying throughout the program. Also, make sure to spend as much time with patients as you can. For me, having to ask strangers uncomfortable questions was initially difficult, but after doing it several times, it has become much easier. Lastly, make sure to give your brain a rest every once in a while. While certainly very rewarding and well worth all your efforts, the PA school is very demanding and can sometimes be very straining both physically and mentally. Even limited time spent with family and friends can help keep you balanced and assist in maintaining your sanity throughout the process.
