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Physician Assistant Studies

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Health Care Experience (HCE) Requirements


The Center for Physician Assistant Studies

Goals:

  • To ensure that the applicant has an understanding of, and commitment to working with the ill and injured.
  • To provide for an evaluation (by recommendation) of the applicant's maturity, compassion, and professionalism.
  • To provide the applicant with the opportunity to observe and learn about the various roles of the health care team.
  • To provide the candidate with in-depth knowledge of the profession and the ability to make an informed career decision to enter the PA training.

Acceptable Types of HCE*
The following table presents most of the common types of experience that have been found to be acceptable to meet minimum program requirements.  However, it is not exhaustive and candidates are advised to contact the Center if they have questions about their individual situations.

Corpsman

Respiratory Therapist

Patient care associate

Paramedic

Radiation technologist

OR technician

EMT

Medical technologist

Pharmacy technician

RN

Medical technician

ED volunteer

LPN

Athletic trainer

Orderly

Nurse's Aid

Phlebotomist

Ophthalmologic technician

Physician

Physical therapist

Dietician

Veterinarian

Occupational therapist

Home health aide

Psychologist

Researcher/technician

Medical office assistant

Mental health aide

Veterinary technician

EKG/Monitor technician

*It should be noted that each individual's job description (not merely title) is reviewed and evaluated based upon training requirements, direct contact with patients, and level of responsibility.  Shadowing and activities as a student do not qualify.

Obtaining Entry-level Health Care Experience
Obtaining entry-level health care experience is commonly a problem for students and those making career changes. The following table includes locations and types of experiences that require minimal training, have flexible hours, and meet minimum acceptable criteria for application to the Center.

Location:

Types of roles available:

Notes:

Hospitals

Patient care associate (PCA)
Phlebotomist

Minimal on the job training required.

 

Orderly

 

 

EKG/monitor technician

 

 

ED Volunteer

 

Nursing homes

Nurse's aide

 

 

Orderly

 

 

Volunteer

 

Home care agencies

Home health aide

Some training required

Ambulance services/ Rescue Squads

EMT

About 100 hours training