Pathways to Practice Pre-Med and Pre-PA Gap-Year Program

The Pathways to Practice Program is a 10-month gap-year program for aspiring clinicians interested in gaining bedside experience before applying to medical or physician assistant (PA) school. This is an opportunity to work in a paid patient care role, while participating in activities that will help build your practical clinical skills, develop professional capabilities and provide the foundation of experience you need to apply for and achieve an advanced degree.

What Makes Our Pathways to Practice Program
a Top Choice for Aspiring Physicians
and Physician Assistants?

During your customized training, you'll experience the rewards of working with kids, and you'll benefit from vast exposure to pediatric-focused care and career pathways. Plus, you’ll gain firsthand insight into the day-to-day realities of healthcare delivery.

How Will the Children’s Pathways to Practice
Gap-Year Program Help Advance My Career?

Our 10-month Pathways to Practice Program gives you plenty of time to grow, learn and familiarize yourself with clinical care and the pediatric environment. During this program, you’ll participate in:

Clinical care: Acquire clinical experience and hone your skills at the bedside.
Lectures: Attend faculty lectures to learn from industry leaders.
Shadowing, simulation observation and volunteering: Gain unique perspective and secure the hours you need to apply to medical or PA school.
Mentor and mentee opportunities: Build your professional network, receive career guidance and collaborate with peers who share your passion for caring for others.
Study sessions: Sharpen your skills and broaden your knowledge by sharing ideas with others entering the healthcare field.

This experience will help you grow your expertise, clarify your long-term career goals and enhance your application for medical or PA school.

who-we-are-about-childrens-page-15k-slide-1

With over 1.2 million total patient visits annually and 789 beds, we are one of the largest pediatric care providers in the country.

We are the only freestanding pediatric healthcare system in Georgia.

Children's is the only facility in Georgia with a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center for kids from birth to age 21.

We are continually ranked among the nation's top pediatric hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.

We have earned The Joint Commission's (TJC's) Gold Seal of Approval by upholding national standards for healthcare quality and safety.

How Can I Apply to the Pathways to Practice Program?

Eligibility requirements

To participate in the Pathways to Practice Program, you must have received a bachelor’s degree within the last two years. You must also demonstrate an interest in and be eligible to apply to medical school or PA school within the next two years.

How to apply

The Pathways to Practice Program application is typically open from late spring through June. If you’re interested in participating, you must first apply to one of our patient care roles, such as:

Care Partner
Human Milk Technician
Medical Assistant
Rehab Aide

You may also apply to other open clinical roles to be considered for participation in the Pathways to Practice Program. Based on your resume, our recruiters will reach out with more information if you are an eligible candidate. If you choose to proceed, you will then apply to the program by completing a unique application that includes:

A one-pager that explains your interest in pursuing a career as a physician or physician assistant and highlights what you would bring to the program
Your updated resume

FAQs about the Pathways to Practice Program

Learn more

We offer one cohort per year, and the 10-month program typically starts in July.

Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as the application opens in late spring.

We typically have 25 participants in the program each year.

If you have questions about the Pathways to Practice Program, email workforceplanningteam@choa.org.

Learn more

Children’s clinician pets hospital facility dog in clinical hallway.

We’re committed to putting you first. At Children’s, you’ll find all of the resources you need and the rewards you deserve to find balance and opportunity, to stay healthy and feel supported. This includes special benefits to promote emotional wellness, such as respite rooms, support chaplains and facility dogs, as well as perks like on-site fitness centers and a free concierge service.

Take a look

What Makes Our Pathways to Practice Program
a Top Choice for Aspiring Physicians
and Physician Assistants?

How Will the Children’s Pathways to Practice
Gap-Year Program Help Advance My Career?

How Can I Apply to the Pathways to Practice Program?

Eligibility requirements

How to apply

Find Your Opportunity

FAQs about the Pathways to Practice Program

The Benefits You Deserve

Pathways toPractice Program

What Makes Our Pathways to Practice Programa Top Choice for Aspiring Physiciansand Physician Assistants?

How Will the Children’s Pathways to PracticeGap-Year Program Help Advance My Career?

How Can I Apply to the Pathways to Practice Program?

Eligibility requirements

How to apply

Find Your Opportunity

FAQs about the Pathways to Practice Program

When does the Pathways to Practice Program start?

When is the best time to apply to the Pathways to Practice Program?

How many people participate in the program each year?

Who should I contact if I have questions about the Pathways to Practice Program?

The Benefits You Deserve

Pathways to
Practice Program

What Makes Our Pathways to Practice Program
a Top Choice for Aspiring Physicians
and Physician Assistants?

How Will the Children’s Pathways to Practice
Gap-Year Program Help Advance My Career?