Mentorship Program
The National Society of Black Physician Assistants (NSBPA) Mentorship Program began in January 2021 to target two of our organization’s goals – diversification of the Physician Assistant (PA) student body and development of a national community of Black PAs. Our structure is novel, but simple, we create geographically similar “families” consisting of pre-PA students, current PA students, and practicing certified PAs of varying experience levels who can interact via Zoom, e-mail, and group texts with the goal of in-person shadowing and interactions as able. Each NSBPA Mentorship Program family consists of 2-6 pre-PA students, 1-2 PA students, and 1-2 practicing certified PAs per family. Many PA programs require shadowing hours and a letter of recommendation from a PA. Our program structure allows pre-PA students and current PA students to network and develop professional connections with practicing certified PAs to ultimately fulfill those requirements directly or by using the practicing certified PAs’ professional network.
PA-C Mentor Requirements
- NCCPA certified physician assistant
- Works at least 0.5 FTE (can be in clinical practice, research, academia, or administration)
- Commits to being a mentor for one year and completing brief surveys at the beginning, mid-point, and end of the program.
- Upholds the NSBPA mission statement
PA Student Mentor Requirements
- Currently enrolled in an ARC-PA accredited PA program
- Upholds the NSBPA mission statement
- Commits to completing brief surveys at the beginning, mid-point, and end of the program.
Pre-PA Mentee Requirements
- Pre-PA students who are planning to apply in the upcoming cycle (April 2024, April 2025, etc.)
- Agrees with the NSBPA mission statement
- Commits to completing brief surveys at the beginning, mid-point, and end of the program.
Application Timeline
Applications Open
Each year, applications for the NSBPA Mentorship Program open in October or November. To be notified as soon as applications are open, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media.
Application Window Closes
The application window for the year closes and review begins. Our goal is to add every mentee to a mentorship family if they meet the above requirements and apply within the designated timeframe. Depending on the availability of mentors and their geographic regions, a mentee may be placed in a family with mentors who are not nearby but will be in the same time zone.
Notification
Applicants will be notified in November or December whether they met the requirements and are accepted, or if they did not meet the requirements and should apply again when they do.
Launch Event
In January, an NSBPA Mentorship Program launch event will occur via Zoom. The date will be communicated as early as possible to encourage every mentorship family member to attend. During this meeting, we will introduce the NSBPA Leadership Team, discuss the Mentorship Program Handbook, provide time for everyone in attendance to complete the initial survey, and create breakout rooms for each family to allow everyone who is able to attend to meet.
Mentorship
Other Resources
The African Heritage PA Caucus
Provides group mentoring monthly for pre-PA students.
Cost: $20 for an annual membership; if you are unsure if PA is the track for you and just have general questions you can email them to attend a meeting at no cost to you.
Also active on Instagram and LinkedIn
The Physician Assistants of Color (The PAC)
Provide individual mentoring and workshops.
Cost: Varies by membership fee vs. non-member fees.
Also active on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and GroupMe.
State Organizations
Additionally, we would encourage you to look into your state PA organization to see if they offer mentorship or shadowing opportunities.
Mentorship Program Cohort 4
- Mentorship Families
- 21
- Pre-PA Mentees
- 73
- PA-C Mentors
- 22
- PA Student Mentors
- 23