About Me

I’m Jake Duran, MHS, PA-C, EMT-P, a board-certified Physician Assistant currently practicing in cardiology and urgent care, with over 15 years of experience as a firefighter paramedic, dedicated to mentoring ambitious students pursuing the physician assistant path.

My career in emergency medicine and frontline patient care has given me firsthand insight into what it truly means to perform under pressure, think critically, and lead in high-stakes clinical environments. After more than a decade serving as a firefighter paramedic, I successfully advanced through the rigorous journey to become a Physician Assistant and now continue to practice in fast-paced clinical specialties that demand precision, resilience, and sound medical judgment.

That experience allows me to guide future PA students with a unique combination of real-world clinical wisdom, proven admissions strategy, and the mindset required to excel in medicine.

I built this coaching and tutoring service for serious pre-PA students who want an elite edge in the application process. From CASPA optimization and personal statement development to interview preparation, school selection strategy, and academic tutoring, my mentorship is intentionally designed to help you stand out in one of the most competitive healthcare professions.

What makes my coaching truly different is the fusion of frontline medical leadership, current specialty practice in cardiology and urgent care, advanced PA training, and individualized high-performance mentorship. I help students not only build exceptional applications, but also develop the confidence, discipline, and clinical maturity needed to thrive in PA school and beyond.

For future PAs committed to excellence, this is where preparation turns into acceptance.

A man in a graduation cap and gown, wearing a gold sash with 'UC DAVIS' written on it, a blue necklace, and a medallion, posed for a graduation portrait.
Three firefighters standing in front of a red Alameda County Fire truck, smiling, wearing black uniforms and helmets. Scene includes equipment on the grass and a yellow caution tape, with trees and a vineyard in the background.
A doctor sitting at a wooden desk in an office, reading a book. The desk has a computer, phone, and medical tools including an otoscope and a reflex hammer. There is a heart model displayed on a stand on the desk.
Two men in white medical coats standing inside the hospital near the entrance. One is holding a drink, and both are smiling at the camera.

Elite Credentials & Professional Distinctions

  • California-licensed Physician Assistant with active DEA licensure and NPI registration

  • Graduate of the University of California, Davis Physician Assistant Program, earning a 3.93 GPA

  • Bachelor’s degree in Management from American Public University System, graduating with a 3.94 GPA

  • Associate of Science degree in Fire Science

  • First-time PA school applicant with successful acceptance, bringing firsthand insight into the strategies that produce results

  • 50,000+ direct patient care hours, offering unmatched perspective on how to position healthcare experience for admissions success

  • Active California State Paramedic License

  • Advanced certifications in ACLS, PALS, and BLS

  • Former ACLS Instructor, with deep expertise in teaching clinical reasoning and high-stakes decision-making

  • Holder of 50+ advanced certifications in firefighting, rescue operations, emergency leadership, and incident management

Advanced Clinical & Leadership Experience

  • 15+ years of elite frontline medical and emergency response leadership

  • Served as EMT, Paramedic, Firefighter, Fire Apparatus Engineer, and Company Officer / Acting Fire Captain

  • Delivered care and operational leadership across 9+ California counties

  • Directed and managed an entire 3-engine fire station, overseeing personnel, logistics, emergency readiness, and operational excellence

  • Former EMS Program Coordinator (ALS/BLS), leading education, protocol execution, and quality standards from 2014–2019

  • Served as ALS/BLS Skills Proctor, evaluating high-level procedural competency and field readiness

  • CAL FIRE Ocean Rescue Boat Operator

  • CAL FIRE Forcible Entry Training Cadre Member

  • Selected contributor to State of California Firefighter II-Paramedic Exam Development & Pilot Testing in Sacramento

Education, Teaching & Mentorship Authority

  • Highly rated Wyzant Tutor for EMT and Paramedic students

  • 200+ hours of formal tutoring experience

  • Consistent 5-star student ratings

  • Extensive track record mentoring high-achieving healthcare students and emergency medicine professionals

  • Expertise in translating complex experience into clear, competitive, admissions-ready narratives

Leadership, Service & Community Impact

  • Graduate of CAL FIRE Firefighter Academy – 2012

  • Graduate of CAL FIRE Company Officer Academy – 2010

  • CAL-JAC Journeyman Fire Apparatus Engineer

  • Former CAL FIRE Local 2881 Chapter Director, 2014 - 2018

  • Founder and organizer of the No One Left Behind 5K Firefighter Cancer Fundraiser in Morgan Hill

    • Raised $20,000 annually

  • Organized Whole Foods 5% Community Fundraiser Day benefiting the CDF Firefighters Benevolent Foundation

    • Raised $24,913 in a single campaign

Begin Your Transformation

Inquire to explore private mentorship designed for future PAs committed to competing at the highest level.