The first week of PA school will arguably be the most exciting, chaotic and fun week of the next 29 months. Here’s what to expect as you begin the first days of your new career:

• ORIENTATION DAY: Don’t be late! You will be presented with lots of new and useful information that you will need to keep and file away. You will get your financial aid, Internet access from the library and parking passes taken care of during this first day on campus. No need to dress up; it is a laid-back day.
• The White Coat Ceremony (FRIDAY): This is an event that you want your loved ones to witness!! It is your initiation ceremony, with speakers welcoming you to the PA profession. During the ceremony, your student mentor will help present you with your white coat, EVMS logo, and PA Program name tag. You will then recite the Physician Assistant Oath with the faculty and community PAs.
• Mentors: Every new incoming PA student is assigned an upper-class mentor to help them settle into life here at EVMS. He or she will contact you before school begins to answer any questions you may have and help ease your transition into our community. Your mentor will be an invaluable source of notes, books and certainly plenty of advice for you as you embark on your journey through school. The PA class of 2013 may also set-up few social events the weekend before classes start.
• Fear & Anxiety: Most students feel some degree of anxiety and apprehension the first week of school. Don’t worry! Everybody is as nervous as you are. Rest assured, you were hand-picked from a significant pool of applicants and you will be just fine. Relax...be flexible...and pay attention. You will be supported and encouraged by the faculty, staff and other students.