Finding a job after failing PANCE

I am a reasonably new grad (May 2009) who failed the PANCE, but I passed in March 2010 and I am now on the job market. I have had several interviews, but things go south when I tell my prospective employer that I have failed. I understand the concern behind this, but I would appreciate any suggestions on how to move forward and convince future employers I am a safe bet. I've thought about trying to set up a rotation with a local MD to gain a bit more experience and develop a personal relationship. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!

indigopa in Winterville, Georgia said: I am a reasonably new grad (May 2009) who failed the PANCE, but I passed in March 2010 and I am now on the job market. I have had several interviews, but things go south when I tell my prospective employer that I have failed. I understand the concern behind this, but I would appreciate any suggestions on how to move forward and convince future employers I am a safe bet. I've thought about trying to set up a rotation with a local MD to gain a bit more experience and develop a personal relationship. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!

Don't tell them you failed. Just say that you look time off. Less is more. Just because you failed a test doesn't indicate anything. The bottom line is that you have passed the PANCE, you are a PA-C and that you are licensed to work.

The employers that don't want you....is their LOSS. Don't put such little value on yourself. Crap happens and you passed and are ready to work. Good luck!

Hi, I am also a new grad and had failed my PANCE. But I am unable to take it until January 2011. Are there any suggestions/tips you can give to help me study? I am also contemplating about whether or not I should go on job interviews now since I really need the money. But I figured nobody would hire me if I tell them I failed the PANCE and won't be able to take it until 3 months later. Should I just wait or give it a shot? My confidence has shot down 10x since I failed and not sure what to do. Please help!!!

Anonymous in Langhorne, Pennsylvania said: Hi, I am also a new grad and had failed my PANCE. But I am unable to take it until January 2011. Are there any suggestions/tips you can give to help me study? I am also contemplating about whether or not I should go on job interviews now since I really need the money. But I figured nobody would hire me if I tell them I failed the PANCE and won't be able to take it until 3 months later. Should I just wait or give it a shot? My confidence has shot down 10x since I failed and not sure what to do. Please help!!!

If you have to work, take an easy job so that you will have the brain power to study your tail off during your "free" time. Consider saving money and taking a PANCE prep class like CME Resources' classes; intense, in depth, and they will give you a really good estimate of what you'll score on the actual exam.

Stephanie PA-C in Newport News, Virginia said: If you have to work, take an easy job so that you will have the brain power to study your tail off during your "free" time. Consider saving money and taking a PANCE prep class like CME Resources' classes; intense, in depth, and they will give you a really good estimate of what you'll score on the actual exam.

Hi, I am also a new grad and I just found out today that I failed my PANCE. But I am unable to take it until January 2011 as well. I also don't know what I am to do next. Are there any suggestions/tips you can give to help me study? I to was thinking of applying to jobs because I need the money but you can't work as a licensed PA bc the state won't give you a temporary license if you fail. My confidence is shot as well since I failed and not sure what to do. Please help!!!

Life after Pance fail?

I took my PANCE yesterday and failed it. Now I feel like a complete failure, like I'm not worth anything. I feel like I have let down my family, I'm wondering if I should even pursue it again. I worked really hard to get this far and I know I will be a good PA i just have problems taking tests. If anyone has some words of wisdom and advise for me I would really appreciate it, as right now I feel like giving up on my dream.

anonymous in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania said: I took my PANCE yesterday and failed it. Now I feel like a complete failure, like I'm not worth anything. I feel like I have let down my family, I'm wondering if I should even pursue it again. I worked really hard to get this far and I know I will be a good PA i just have problems taking tests. If anyone has some words of wisdom and advise for me I would really appreciate it, as right now I feel like giving up on my dream.

First of all, never give up if it's really something you dream of doing. Plus at this point, if your Direct Loans bill looks anything like mine, youve invested $80-100,000 already. What's another $500 to retake the test and try again? Yes take the test again. There is a course given CME Resources that helps with studying for the PANCE. It a week long conference where you review every area of medicine you can think of. They also offer practice tests that cover everything so that you may see what areas you need to study most. That way you dont make the common mistake (that we are all guilty of) of wasting too much time studying what you already know. However this course is about $800 for the course. They include the food during the day, but you havve to pay for your own room which can be $60-100/night. If you cant afford it or have kids, then buy this book and study it from cover to cover; and take the practice test...."A Comprehensive Review for the Certificattion and Recertification Examinations for Physician Assistants" by O'Connel and Zarbock. It's like $50-60 and it's an AMAZING resource. Good luck you'll do fine.

I failed my PANCE in Sept. I took the retest on Tuesday and today I checked the nccpa website to see if I was certified since the pass/fail notice typically posts every Thursday. The site still says I'm not certified but I never received an email stating that I failed and in the "my exam" portion of the website, it says the results will be released in about 2 weeks. How long will it actually take to find out if I passed or failed this time around? Thank you.