Cumberlands PA program hosts mock interview day

University of the Cumberlands’ (UC) Physician Assistant (PA) Program recently hosted its annual “mock interview day,” during which local healthcare providers conducted unofficial job interviews for PA students in the program’s Cohort II, helping the students practice skills for future interviews in the medical field.

“We are grateful that the community leaders take part in helping to both prepare our student professionally as well as provide potential employment opportunities,” said Dana Campbell, director of UC’s Physician Assistant Program. “An interview can be the make-or-break moment for a qualified candidate to get selected out of the many who apply.  This campus event gives our students real-life experience, allowing them to be prepared for that moment.”

Representatives from KentuckyOne Health, Appalachian Regional Healthcare, and Jellico Community Hospital visited Cumberlands’ campus to assist with the event. Representatives hosted unofficial interviews with PA students, during which they assessed the students’ résumés, appearance and poise, skill presentation, delivery and language.

“Our students are fortunate to have Kentucky and Tennessee medical leaders give their time and experience, helping them be well prepared for their entry into the work force,” said Campbell.

Workforce skills like interviewing are crucial for anyone, but especially for PA students, since the job demand for physician assistants is projected to grow 37 percent between now and 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s much faster than the national average. As demand for healthcare services grows, more and more physician assistants will be needed to provide care to patients.

University of the Cumberlands’ mock interview day is a portion of the Physician Assistant Program’s Professional Development course, a class which addresses the technical skills of PA practice. The course offers training sessions and workshops focused on credentialing, licensure, employment strategies and contract negotiation, professional curriculum vitae building, and malpractice issues.

The University of the Cumberlands Physician Assistant Program is ARC-PA accredited and is accepting applications beginning April 26. For more information, visit ucumberlands.edu/health-science.

Located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, University of the Cumberlands is an institution of regional distinction offering quality undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and online degree programs. Learn more at ucumberlands.edu.