Walking Through PA School: A Day in My Life at Tufts

January 6, 2025

Join Emily Hammond, PA26, as she shares a glimpse into her busy day as a first-year Tufts PA student!

Hi there! I’m Emily, a first-year student in the Tufts PA program. I know that applying to PA school can feel like a big process, and figuring out the best fit for you is so important. You might be wondering what a typical day as a PA student is like. Well, I’m excited to take you through my day and show you what life as a first-year PA student at Tufts is all about. Don’t forget to check out my Instagram reel for a quick peek into my daily routine!

Morning Routine: Starting the Day Right

On a typical day, I wake up around 6:30-6:45am. While I’m not much of a breakfast person, I make sure to pack my meals for the day—including a snack and lunch—along with plenty of water. I live in South Boston, so I walk about 20 minutes to campus with my roommates, Kara and Emma, who are also first-year PA students. It’s a great way to get moving in the morning!

Classroom Chronicles: A Busy Day Ahead

Our schedule varies each week, but today, I started class at 8am with an orthopedic exam, followed by a lecture on Obstructive Shock in Critical Care Medicine at 10am. We get a one-hour lunch break from 12-1pm, which is a perfect time to recharge. Some days I pack my lunch, and other days I head over to the Tufts library café to grab something quick.

After lunch, I spent some time reviewing our last neuroscience lecture since we have an upcoming exam. I try to be strategic with the little pockets of time we have throughout the day to stay ahead on my studying.

Afternoon Focus: Wrapping Up the Day

The afternoon wrapped up with our last OB/GYN lecture of the semester. By this point, my brain is definitely buzzing with new information, but I like to take a quick break afterward to reset.

Evening Escape: Staying Energized

After classes, I head to a hot yoga class to unwind and get some exercise in between studying. I’ve found that balancing school with activities I enjoy—like yoga—helps me stay motivated and energized.

In the evening, I usually catch up with my family and friends while relaxing with my roommates. Last night, we even watched the World Series together! It’s great to take some time to unwind after a busy day.

Finding Balance: Staying on Track

While PA school requires a lot of dedication, I’ve learned that finding small moments of balance is key. Between studying, classes, and activities, it’s important to take care of myself and keep in touch with friends and family. Every day is a learning experience, and I’m excited for what’s ahead!

Thanks for following along on my day in the life as a Tufts PA student!

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