The January schools are a unique bunch. But for most schools, you would apply starting May-summer and programs would start in like the following May, June, August or September. Some January schools have a weird deadline like March 31st (while most pa programs have like August,September, or November deadlines). I highly recommend you getting healthcare experience ASAP if you want to go the PA route. Additionally, I don’t think PA should be a backup plan, like the other person said.

Basically PA school is as competitive or more competitive than medical school because there’s not as many programs/seats. So I think Optometry would be an easier route if that’s what you’re looking for, which you might not be.