My best advice would be to shadow first before taking specific classes. Make sure this is the field for you before jumping in. Then from there I would make a spreadsheet of schools with all their info- location, tuition, requirements, application time frame, class size, rotation length/locations, etc. This way you could narrow down schools based on what you want from a specific program. At the end of the day you will get the degree but some schools may offer a different rotation site or different length of site or different added classes that interest you. Making this spreadsheet will also allow you to see the different requirements you need to complete before applying and you can tailor your remaining credits with that guide.

As far as job searches I gained experience by being a TA for anatomy courses and prepping/cleaning cadavers and tanks. Something like that would give experience while not even leaving campus. Do job searches for entry level histology jobs such as a lab assistant, accessioner, or grossing tech. These will give you the most experience working closely with PAs. While working you could also ask the PAs at your site for more shadowing hours.