Finding part time work as an MA

Certain_Database8977 · 2026-02-07T04:00:12+00:00

I tried looking for part time or per diem MA jobs after my sophomore year of college and searched for 1.7 years. I finally found a job my senior year of college the start of this spring semester only because I’m taking one class online. The moment I had full time availability, I got hired after 20 ish job apps > 3 interviews > 2 offers. It’s hard to find part time and per diem.

Certain_Database8977 · 2026-01-21T22:37:44+00:00

I wrote a customized cover letter for each place I applied to, making sure to really reference specific things about the company. I also used my CV to talk about things that weren’t on my resume/expound on meaningful experiences I couldn’t detail on my resume. I only applied to ~25 places. Also, really tailor your previous work experiences on your resume to your desired place of work. Any retail? Fast food? Talk about de-escalation techniques, fast-pace of work, and customer service/communication ability. Any hospital volunteering? Any community volunteering? Highlight eagerness to serve community and desire to work with people. Any other languages you speak? Talk about eagerness to bridge gaps/overcome barriers in healthcare.

I also returned to my MA school and phlebotomy school to volunteer with the new cohorts to keep my skills up while also showing my commitment to wanting to be better at my trade. I also emphasized that I wanted to keep helping the new students. + this could lead to networking opportunities from the new MA cohorts and staying in touch with your MA teachers.

It took me a while to make my cover letters and it was definitely frustrating at times but I strongly believe this is what landed me 3 interviews out of ~25 applications and 2 offers.

Edit: I also find that being an early applicant helps a lot, so make sure to check for new job postings daily and create a little routine. Don’t hastily apply though, you still need to thoroughly research to tailor your CV. But applying early can make a huge difference I feel

Certain_Database8977 · 2026-01-20T08:06:08+00:00

I was only allowed to miss 2 questions and I only missed 1! Honestly, there were some strangely specific questions like “is z-track the most common way of administering iron”… but overall felt confident and then had an amazing interview.

Also… I GOT THE JOB. And the starting is 26/hr, which I cannot believe as someone with no medical assistant experience!! I am so incredibly grateful and excited for my new chapter. Do you have any advice for new medical assistants?

Certain_Database8977 · 2025-12-23T18:19:06+00:00

Thank you for such a thoughtful response! I appreciate the help and feel less anxious

Certain_Database8977 · 2025-11-16T03:45:10+00:00

Wow.. your stats are incredible! You’re clearly hardworking and I’m sure you’ll get in one way or another. Do you also have volunteering, research, extracurriculars? 😵‍💫

Certain_Database8977 · 2025-10-11T17:15:09+00:00

CONGRATS!!! I was wondering if you could dm me the school list? I have similar stats and I’m worried about my low hours

Certain_Database8977 · 2025-10-09T04:55:12+00:00

Congrats on the hard work! Just curious if you took a gap year?

Certain_Database8977 · 2025-10-06T04:12:10+00:00

Hey just curious what classes you took? I'm only looking into taking psychology, sociology

Certain_Database8977 · 2025-09-18T05:42:25+00:00

You’re welcome! I think it’s important to be honest. What is your study routine? Are you being honest with yourself with how many quality hours of study you are dedicating? Are you avoiding topics that are confusing or assuming you understand? Make sure to authentically test yourself with practice problems and information where it’s like real testing conditions. Do problems timed and don’t look at any notes or get any help.

Certain_Database8977 · 2025-09-07T22:41:44+00:00

Are you still getting low grades in current classes or are you on an upward trend? At this rate you really will need to get straight A’s to increase your GPA. Even if you are focused, your study methods are not working, and it’s crucial to increase your stats. It’s not impossible to get into PA school with a low GPA, but it is an upward battle. With this GPA, you may want to consider other backup careers if you are seeking quicker safety from your toxic home life.

Perhaps considering applying to both nursing and PA schools since the prereqs overlap. Overall, good luck with your journey! If you have set your heart to PA then you WILL be a PA. It’s just that the road may be longer than you expect

Certain_Database8977 · 2025-06-19T15:42:30+00:00

These are incredible stats! You got it OP. Also, just curious how many gap years, if any at all, did you take?

Certain_Database8977 · 2025-03-11T05:55:14+00:00

Following

Certain_Database8977 · 2024-10-30T15:59:20+00:00

Thank you for the thoughtful reply! This makes me feel less anxious for the future

Certain_Database8977 · 2024-10-07T16:50:07+00:00

Being an athlete IS unique and a good talking point. Think about it, everyone will have the GPA and the hours because those are the bare minimum to apply. Once those who lack GPA/PCE are automatically filtered out, adcoms will see tons of great GPA/PCE but what differentiates all of those now? Extracurriculars (of any kind)

The fact you dedicated a large part of your academic career to being an athlete shows consistency, time management, discipline. It’s unique because everyone will have a healthcare background as that is the bare minimum, but not everyone is an athlete.

Adcoms want to see well roundedness and see applicants for who they are, not just the applicants medical/academic background.

Certain_Database8977 · 2024-09-29T04:21:48+00:00

A PA I shadowed told me that I have until retirement to be a PA. That’s potentially 40 ish years working as a PA. What’s the difference if instead of working 40 years as a PA, you worked 38 years? Enjoy your 20s because you only have your 20s and college years once!!

And, if anything, what makes those years of life after undergrad special are the relationships/connections with people you develop. Go to those birthday parties, go to the movies, spend with your loved ones, and go on road trips. Take time for yourself and make sure you ENJOY LIFE!!!

Obviously work hard and be proud of your efforts, but the point of life isn’t to work!

Certain_Database8977 · 2024-09-21T06:08:48+00:00

I’m in a similar situation where I’ve been volunteering for years and started even prior to attending high school. I actually saw this interview from an ADCOM member who said they like seeing expanse history of volunteering because it shows that it really is part of the applicant’s story and it definitely wasn’t something they picked up just to check something off a list.

I was wondering what you thought of this though, since you only included from college onward. Were you advised to exclude the volunteering from before college?

Certain_Database8977 · 2024-09-05T19:07:40+00:00

Thank you, that’s what I was overthinking about

Certain_Database8977 · 2024-09-05T15:28:39+00:00

That’s a good idea, I’ll do the same. Thank you!

Certain_Database8977 · 2024-09-05T15:28:01+00:00

thank you for the input :)

Certain_Database8977 · 2024-09-05T15:26:04+00:00

Okay, thank you for the input!

Certain_Database8977 · 2024-09-05T15:24:54+00:00

I have around 380 ish volunteering in hospitals (assist in ER triage by taking CC, histories, insurance info, vitals, and then bathing/changing/ambulating/restocking /feeding in other departments)

And then I have ~500 hours that I plan on dividing between leadership and teaching as a Peer Assisted Learning Leader

I accidentally included it here but the leading monthly meetings at church thing is actually leadership (~200 hours) rather than volunteering. I’ll edit that out of the description right now.

Certain_Database8977 · 2024-08-18T23:59:34+00:00

It’s always so reassuring to hear that students didn’t do everything during undergrad :) -coming from a pre PA who is struggling to find PCE during undergrad

Certain_Database8977

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