Big news for the 2026 Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) cycle: there’s another new essay prompt joining the lineup! The COVID-19 essay prompt is officially out, and a new technology in healthcare essay is taking its place.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by yet another essay to write, take a deep breath. I’ll break down exactly how to approach this prompt so you can craft a thoughtful response that showcases your readiness for modern healthcare practice.
Note: This essay topic happens to one of my favorites! I actually served as an American Academy of PAs (AAPA) House of Delegates (HOD) Student Delegate and passed policy on artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare.
Also, my partner works in the AI space so I’ve learned a ton about this subject over the last few years (a lot of it against my will). 😂 Basically, I understand both the complexity of this topic and what admissions committees are really looking for.
By the end of this article, you’ll feel confident tackling this prompt and be equipped to write a nuanced, thoughtful response that reflects your understanding of both healthcare technology and health equity. Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
The New CASPA Technology in Healthcare Essay
First, let’s look at the full essay prompt:
Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, telemedicine, and wearable health devices are changing how clinicians deliver care. How should future PAs learn to use these tools thoughtfully while maintaining strong, human-centered relationships with patients, even in settings where access to technology may be limited? (2,500 characters)
Why Did CASPA Add This Essay?
Healthcare is experiencing a technological revolution. From AI-powered diagnostic tools to remote patient monitoring, the landscape of clinical practice is fundamentally changing. PA programs need to know that incoming students can navigate this shift thoughtfully.
This essay serves multiple purposes for admissions committees. First, it helps them assess your awareness of current healthcare trends, your ability to think critically about technology’s role in patient care, and your understanding of related health equity issues. Additionally, it reveals whether you’re prepared to enter a rapidly evolving profession that requires balancing technological competence with the human touch that defines excellent patient care.
Programs aren’t looking for tech enthusiasm; they want providers who can leverage technology while keeping patients at the center of care. This essay gives you the opportunity to demonstrate that nuanced understanding.
Can I Skip the New CASPA Technology Essay?
In short: no. While the essay is labeled “optional,” that doesn’t mean you should treat it as such. Competitive applicants complete every part of the application that could strengthen their candidacy.
Choosing not to write this essay might suggest to admissions committees that you haven’t thought deeply about the topic or that you weren’t willing to invest the extra effort. Neither impression benefits your application.
Tip: I know it’s just one more thing on your plate, but try to view this as an opportunity to showcase that you’re thinking seriously about the future of healthcare and your role in it.
Understanding the Technologies Mentioned in the Prompt
Before diving into how to write this essay, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page about what these technologies actually are. If you’re already familiar with AI, telemedicine, and wearable health devices, feel free to skip ahead. However, if you want a quick refresher or aren’t entirely sure what the prompt is asking about, this section is for you.
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI refers to computer systems that can analyze data, recognize patterns, generate outputs, and make predictions or recommendations. You might encounter AI in various forms during your healthcare experiences. For example:
- AI-powered scribes that convert conversations during patient visits into medical notes
- AI systems that suggest differential diagnoses based on patient symptoms and history
- Diagnostic tools that analyze medical images (X-rays, CT scans, mammograms) to identify potential abnormalities
- Chatbots and virtual health assistants that provide preliminary symptom assessment
- Predictive analytics that assess a patient’s risk for developing certain conditions
The key thing to understand is that AI doesn’t replace clinical judgment—it’s meant to augment it. AI technology can process vast amounts of data faster than humans, but it still requires a skilled clinician to interpret results, consider context, and make final decisions.
2. Telemedicine
Telemedicine (aka telehealth) is the delivery of healthcare services remotely using technology. This became especially prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s here to stay. Common examples include:
- Video visits where patients meet with their providers via video conferencing platforms
- Remote patient monitoring where patient data (e.g. blood pressure, blood sugar levels) is transmitted to providers electronically
- Store-and-forward services where images or test results are sent to specialists for review
- E-consults where primary care providers can get specialist input without requiring an in-person referral
- Mobile health apps that allow patients to communicate with their care team asynchronously
Telemedicine expands access to care, especially for patients in rural areas, those with mobility limitations, or people who face transportation barriers. However, it also has limitations. Certain conditions require physical examination, and not all patients have reliable internet access or are comfortable using this technology.
3. Wearable Health Devices
Wearable health devices are technologies that patients wear on their bodies to track health data continuously or periodically. You’ve probably seen or used some of these yourself:
- Fitness trackers, smartwatches, and smart rings that monitor heart rate, activity levels, and sleep patterns
- Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) for diabetes management
- Wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors that can detect irregular heart rhythms
- Medical alert devices for elderly patients at risk of falls
The benefit of wearables is that they provide real-time, ongoing data rather than just snapshots from occasional office visits. This helps both patients and providers track trends, identify concerning patterns early, and make more informed decisions. However, the flood of data can also be overwhelming, and not all devices are equally accurate or clinically validated. Sometimes, there’s simply too much information (much of it not clinically actionable), which can cause unnecessary patient worry without improving care.
Why These Three Technologies?
You might wonder why CASPA chose to highlight these specific technologies in the prompt. It’s because they represent three major shifts in modern healthcare:
- AI represents the shift toward data-driven, algorithm-assisted decision-making
- Telemedicine represents the shift toward remote and virtual care delivery
- Wearables represent the shift toward continuous monitoring and patient-generated health data
Together, these technologies are fundamentally changing the patient-provider relationship, the clinical workflow, and even what it means to “see” a patient. Understanding these shifts and being able to discuss them thoughtfully is increasingly important for anyone entering healthcare.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s talk about how to approach the essay itself.
How to Write the CASPA Technology in Healthcare Essay
1. Understand what the prompt is really asking.
The new prompt has several layers that you need to address:
- Education and training: How should PAs learn to use emerging technologies?
- Ethical and practical considerations: How can PAs use these tools thoughtfully?
- Balancing tech and touch: How can PAs maintain human-centered relationships with patients?
- Equity and adaptability: What about settings with limited technology access?
Your essay needs to touch on all of these elements, not just one or two. The best responses also weave these themes together rather than addressing them as separate points.
2. Demonstrate awareness without pretending to be an expert.
You don’t need to be a technology expert to write a strong essay. Admissions committees aren’t expecting you to explain how machine learning algorithms work or to have deep technical knowledge of telehealth platforms. What they want to see is:
- Awareness of current healthcare technology trends
- Understanding of both benefits and limitations
- Thoughtful consideration of patient impact
- Recognition of equity issues related to healthcare technology
Strike a balance between showing that you’re informed and acknowledging that you’ll learn more as you continue on your PA journey. A humble, curious tone works better than trying to sound like a healthcare technology expert. 😉
3. Ground your response in real experiences.
The strongest essays connect abstract ideas to concrete experiences. Rather than writing theoretical statements about technology in healthcare, draw from your own observations and experiences. Consider the following:
- Have you encountered AI-assisted diagnostics or AI being integrated into workflow?
- Did they improve accuracy and save time or just add extra steps?
- Have you witnessed telemedicine appointments during your clinical hours?
- What were the pros and cons compared to in-person visits?
- Have you seen how wearable devices impact patient engagement?
- Did they empower patients to take charge of their health, or did they create more anxiety?
- Have you observed the digital divide in healthcare settings you’ve worked in?
- Which patients struggled with technology access, and how did that affect their care?
- Have you experienced technology enhancing or hindering patient-provider relationships?
- Did it create more time for meaningful conversation, or did it become a barrier between the patient and provider?
Even brief anecdotes make your essay more compelling and authentic. They show you’re not just regurgitating what you’ve read about healthcare technology but actually reflecting on what you’ve actually observed.
Tip: Keep in mind that you always want to write an essay that feels authentic and personal and not something that could’ve come from any applicant.
4. Consider specific learning approaches.
The prompt asks “how should future PAs learn to use these tools thoughtfully.” Rather than vague statements about “staying current,” offer concrete ideas, such as:
- Exposure to these technologies throughout didactic and clinical years
- A strong foundation in traditional clinical skills with technology used as a complementary tool
- Rotations in varying settings (e.g. high-tech, low-resource)
- Ongoing education about emerging technologies
- Critical evaluation skills for assessing new healthcare technologies and their ethical implications
Showing that you’ve thought about practical implementation demonstrates maturity and tells PA programs that you’re ready to enter PA school and the profession.
5. Address the ethical and practical considerations.
Now, let’s tackle the “thoughtfully” portion. This is basically code for discussing the practical and ethical dilemmas that come with healthcare technology. Admissions committees want to see that you can think critically about both the potential benefits and pitfalls of these technologies.
Practical considerations you might discuss:
- Clinical validation: Not all health apps and devices are created equal. How do we evaluate which technologies are actually evidence-based?
- Workflow integration: How do we incorporate new technologies without adding excessive burden to already-overwhelmed healthcare teams?
- Patient engagement: How do we effectively utilize wearable devices without causing unnecessary anxiety?
- Maintaining clinical skills: If we rely too heavily on technology, do we risk losing fundamental examination and diagnostic skills?
- Technology failures: What happens when the internet goes down, the AI system malfunctions, or the wearable device stops working?
This approach shows you’re not just enthusiastic about shiny new tools but that you’re also thinking seriously about their responsible implementation.
Ethical considerations you might discuss:
- Informed consent: Do patients fully understand how their data is being used? Are they aware when AI is involved in their care?
- Patient privacy and data security: How do we protect sensitive health information when it’s transmitted digitally or stored in the cloud?
- Algorithmic bias: AI systems trained on non-diverse datasets may provide less accurate results for certain populations. How do we ensure equitable care?
- The digital divide: Is it ethical to increasingly rely on technologies that not all patients can access or afford?
- Professional boundaries: How do we maintain appropriate provider-patient relationships in virtual settings?
- Liability and accountability: When AI suggests an incorrect diagnosis, who is responsible?
Overall, strong essays acknowledge that any technology is never completely neutral—practically or ethically. Every technological advancement brings tradeoffs, and providers must be able to navigate these gray areas. You don’t need to solve all these dilemmas in your essay, but showing that you’re thinking about them is crucial.
6. Focus on the human element.
This new essay prompt highlights “maintaining strong, human-centered relationships with patients.” Accordingly, your essay should emphasize that technology is a tool to enhance care, not replace the therapeutic relationship. Consider discussing:
- The irreplaceable value of physical examination skills
- Using technology to create more time for meaningful patient conversations
- Using AI input to inform, not replace, clinical judgment
- Ensuring technology doesn’t become a barrier between you and your patients
- Ways to build trust in an increasingly digital healthcare environment
Programs want providers who see technology as a means to better care, not an end in itself.
7. Address the equity component thoughtfully.
Finally, the prompt specifically mentions “settings where access to technology may be limited.” This isn’t throwaway language. Admissions committees want to know that you’re also thinking about health equity in this conversation. Strong responses might discuss:
- Rural healthcare settings with unreliable internet access
- Patients who can’t afford smartphones or data plans
- Elderly patients who struggle with technology
- Language barriers in digital health platforms
- The need to maintain low-tech clinical skills
This is where you can demonstrate your commitment to serving all patients, not just those with the latest devices and high-speed internet.
Bonus Tips
1. Familiarize yourself with the profession’s official stance.
The American Academy of PAs (AAPA)
has several existing policies regarding these technologies. These policies were created through their House of Delegates (HOD). In the HOD, elected delegates from across the country convene annually to debate and vote on policy regarding issues affecting PA practice and patient care. Their work ultimately establishes the profession’s official stances, philosophies, and values.
Fun fact: I served as a student delegate from 2024 to 2026 and authored and passed a resolution on AI. I’m currently the Chief Delegate of the Student Delegation and also on the AAPA Student Academy Board of Directors.
While I can’t copy and paste the policies here, you can find them in the AAPA Policy Manual. Anyone with AAPA membership (pre-PA, PA student, PA, etc.) can access the AAPA Policy Manual.
Pro tip: One of my most underrated tips for PA school applications is to get AAPA pre-PA membership if you can afford it. Pre-PA membership costs $50. Many PA programs will also require PA student membership once you matriculate.
By no means does getting an AAPA pre-PA membership guarantee that you’ll get into PA school. However, it signals to admissions committees that you’re very dedicated and committed to this profession. Plus, you’ll gain access to valuable resources like these access to these policies, resources and opportunities for pre-PAs, and access to a national community of students and professionals.
Simply put, referencing your awareness of AAPA’s positions can demonstrate that you’ve done your homework and understand how the profession is collectively thinking about these issues.
2. Avoid common pitfalls.
Don’t write a generic essay about how “technology is good, but we need the human touch.” That’s the surface-level take that every applicant can produce. Be specific, use unique examples, and explain why you’re taking the stance that you are.
Other mistakes to avoid include:
- Focusing only on one technology (e.g. AI only) and ignoring others mentioned
- Being either overly pessimistic or naively optimistic about technology
- Ignoring the equity and access considerations
- Forgetting to discuss actual learning approaches
- Making your essay purely theoretical without personal connection
Sample Essay Approach
With a 2,500-character limit, you need to be strategic. Here’s a framework that works well:
- Introduction (300-400 characters): Brief hook that establishes your perspective and engagement with the topic.
- Body Section 1 (700-900 characters): Talk about how PAs should learn to use emerging technologies, possibly drawing on a specific example or observation. Discuss pros and cons.
- Body Section 2 (700-900 characters): Address maintaining human-centered relationships and the equity considerations, potentially with another concrete example.
- Conclusion (300-400 characters): Synthesize your main points and connect them to your vision for your future practice as a PA.
While you don’t need to hit exactly 2,500 characters, aim to use most of the space available. A significantly shorter essay might suggest insufficient thought or effort.
Some starting points:
- “During my medical scribe position, I watched a PA use AI to generate differential diagnoses as a starting point when they were faced with a puzzling case. This taught me that…”
- Discuss past exposure to or experience with said technology, learning approach, and the importance of critical evaluation skills.
- “While shadowing in a family medicine practice, I observed how telemedicine visits allowed the provider to see homebound patients who otherwise couldn’t access care. However, I also noticed how much harder it was to pick up on nonverbal cues and build the same rapport virtually. This experience showed me that…”
- Talk about the benefits and limitations of remote care, the importance of strong communication skills, and knowing when in-person visits are necessary.
- “I’ve worked in a community health clinic where many patients lacked smartphones or reliable internet access, making patient portals, continuous glucose monitors, and remote data uploads essentially inaccessible. This highlighted the fact that…”
- Address equity issues, the importance of maintaining low-tech skills, and being able to adapt to specific patient needs and available resources.
Final Thoughts
As annoying as it might be to have to write yet another new essay, this essay prompt reflects the reality of modern healthcare: technology is rapidly changing clinical practice, and programs need providers who can navigate that change appropriately.
Be honest about your current level of knowledge, authentic about your experiences, and thoughtful about the challenges ahead. Admissions committees will appreciate your intellectual humility and critical thinking far more than an essay that pretends you have all the answers. The best essays show genuine reflection rather than simply telling admissions committees what you think they want to hear.
Above all, remember that PA programs are training future providers who will care for real patients. Your essay should convey that regardless of how sophisticated healthcare technology becomes, you’ll never lose sight of the human being in front of you.
Conclusion
Congratulations on making it through this guide! For more essay help, check out my “CASPA PA School Applications: How to Answer the New Life Experiences Essay” article. There, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of how to approach that essay prompt, which originally came out during the 2025 CASPA cycle.
Finally, I wanted to mention that having an extra pair of eyes on your essays can be extremely helpful. If you’re interested in more personalized PA school application guidance from someone who has successfully navigated the process, feel free to explore my pre-PA advising services here: Expert Pre-PA Advising from the National PA Student of the Year.
That’s it for now! See you in my next article—stay healthy and keep learning. 😀