PA Schools That Require Less Than 1,000 Patient Care Experience (PCE) Hours
This article provides a comprehensive list of all PA schools that require between 500 and 999 hours of direct patient care experience (PCE). In addition to minimum PCE requirements, we have included PA shadowing requirements and the average clinical hours for accepted students at each program. Use this list to identify ‘target schools’ where your current experience makes you a competitive applicant. For PA schools that require less than 500 hours of direct patient care experience, check out this article.
How to Use the Information in this Directory
To help you evaluate your chances of PA school acceptance, we’ve included the following data points where available:
- Average Hours: We provide average direct patient care experience hours for accepted students where we have found this information.
- Competitive Hours: Some schools list the hours they prefer to see, which may be higher than their official minimum.
- PCE Examples: We’ve listed specific roles (EMT, CNA, etc.) that schools have explicitly mentioned as high-value.
- ‘Not Found’: This indicates the program does not publicly disclose that specific metric.
Which PA Schools Should I Apply to With 500–1,000 Hours of Patient Care Experience?
If you have accrued between 500 and 1000 hours of PCE, but you do not have 1000 hours, you can target the programs listed below. In addition, you can target programs that require fewer than 500 hours of direct patient care experience. You can also apply to PA schools that require more than 1000 hours if:
- The school allows applicants to reach the 1000 hours mark after applying AND
- You plan to continue accruing patient care hours after you submit your PA school application to reach their target hours
Is 500 Hours of Patient Care Experience (PCE) Enough for PA School?
There is a common misconception that you need at least 1,000 hours of direct patient care experience to be a competitive applicant. This is not true. While reaching the 1,000-hour mark certainly strengthens your application, many students are accepted every year with between 500 and 1,000 hours. To be competitive in this range, you must:
- Target the Right Schools: Focus on programs that prioritize holistic review or have lower PCE minimums (see the list below).
- Put Together a Compelling Application: Make sure to clearly articulate the lessons you have learned and the growth you have experienced from your patient care role in your personal statement and the rest of your application.
- Maintain a Strong GPA: Often, schools with lower PCE requirements place a higher weight on your academic performance.
If you have more than 500 hours, you are in a ‘sweet spot’ for dozens of accredited programs. The key is applying strategically.
Targeting the Right PA Schools is Key!
Applicants who have accrued between 500 and 1000 hours of direct patient care experience should target schools that do not have hard cutoffs for direct patient care experience hours and those with minimum cutoffs below 1000 hours.
Note: The information provided here is meant to complement any data found on the program’s website. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, we advise you to visit each school’s website and communicate with the school directly. Requirements may change and Admissions Helpers cannot guarantee that the information provided here is entirely up-to-date or accurate.
List of PA Schools Requiring Between 500 and 999 Hours of Direct Patient Care Experience
Bay Path University, MA
Shadowing Experience: Not required
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 3607 hours of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Paramedic, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Nurse’s Aid, Respiratory Therapist, Medical Assistant (MA), Phlebotomist, Medical Scribe, Pharmacy Technician
Source: https://www.baypath.edu/academics/graduate-programs/physician-assistant-studies-ms/admission-requirements/
Baylor University, TX
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 3093 hours of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Scribe, Therapist, Therapist Aide, Technologist, Phlebotomist, EMT, Paramedic, Pharmacy Technician, Health Educator, Nurse, Nurse Aide, Patient Care Attendant, Health-related Peace Corps Volunteer
Source: https://physicianassistant.robbins.baylor.edu/admissions/admission-requirements
Bethel University, MN
Shadowing Experience: Not found
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Not found
Source: https://www.bethel.edu/graduate/academics/physician-assistant/prerequisites
Brenau University, GA
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Not found
Source: https://www.brenau.edu/programs/ms-physician-assistant-studies/
Canisius University, NY
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Licenses Practical Nurse (LPN), RN, EMT, paramedic, respiratory therapist, international medical doctor, PT, OT
Source: https://www.canisius.edu/academics/programs/graduate/physician-assistant-studies/physician-assistant-studies-admissions
Carlow University, PA
Shadowing Experience: Not found
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Not found
Source: https://www.carlow.edu/academic-programs/healthcare-degrees/physician-assistant-masters/
Carroll University, WI
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 2521 hours of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Not found
Source: https://www.carrollu.edu/academics/health-sciences/ms-physician-assistant-studies/admission
Cedarville University, OH
Shadowing Experience: Not found
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 750 hours minimum of paid experience or 1000 hours minimum of volunteer experience
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Not found
Source: https://www.cedarville.edu/academic-schools-and-departments/allied-health/physician-assistant-pa-program/pa-admission/admission-requirements
Central Michigan University (CMU), MI
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Athletic Trainer, Cardiopulmonary Rehab Specialist, CMA, CAN, Chiropractor, Dentist, Dietician, EMT, Exercise Physiologist, Genetic Counselor, Home Health Aide, Hygienist, Licensed Massage Therapist, Medical Assistant (MA – not certified), Mental Health Therapist, Nurse (LPN, RN), Occupational Therapist (OT), Occupational Therapist Aide (OTA), Optometrist or Optometry Technician, Paramedic, Pharmacist, Phlebotomist, Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Aide , Podiatrist, Psychiatric Aide, Radiation Therapist, Recreational Therapist, Respiratory Therapist, Social Worker, Speech Language Pathologies (SLP), Surgical Technician
Source: https://www.cmich.edu/academics/colleges/herbert-h-grace-a-dow-college-of-health-professions/departments/school-rehabilitation-medical-sciences/physician-assistant/admission-requirements
Charleston Southern University. SC
Shadowing Experience: Not found
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, can include shadowing with a medical provider such as a PA, NP, MD, or DO
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Acupuncturist, Athletic Trainer, Certified Physical/Occupational Therapist, Chiropractor, Corpsman, Dental Hygienist/Assisting, Dietician, EMT, Laboratory Technician, Massage Therapist, MA, Military Medic, CNA, LPN, RN, Paramedic, Patient Care Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomist, PT/OT Assistant, Radiological Technician, Respiratory Therapist, Scribe, Surgical Technician
Source: www.charlestonsouthern.edu/academics/college-of-health-sciences/physician-assistant/admissions/application-requirements/
Clarkson University, NY
Shadowing Experience: Required – 40 hours minimum (at least 10 hours with a PA and remaining 30 hours can be with another PA, MD, DO, NP)
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum at the time of application, 1000 hours minimum prior to matriculation
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Not found
Source: https://www.clarkson.edu/academics/majors-minors/physician-assistant-studies-ms
Colorado Mesa University, CO
Shadowing Experience: Highly recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 3824 average hours of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Not found
Source: https://www.coloradomesa.edu/kinesiology/graduate/pa-program/faq.html
Concordia University, MN
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Nursing roles, EMT-P, EMT-B, sonography, radiology tech, emergency department tech, personal care assistant, phlebotomist, laboratory tech, dietitian, physical therapy roles, chiropractor, dental roles (dentist, dental hygienist, dental assistant), and medical scribes (Shadowing hours do not count toward direct patient contact experience hours)
Source: https://www.csp.edu/admissions/physician-assistant-admissions-process/
Concordia University, WI
Shadowing Experience: Required –24 hours minimum with a PA
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Nurse, CNA, ER tech, EMT, paramedic
Source: https://www.cuw.edu/academics/programs/physician-assistant-masters/index.html#admissions
CUNY York College, NY
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum at the time of application, 750 hours minimum before matriculation, volunteer or paid
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Medical scribe, EMT, medical assistant, patient care technician
Source: https://www.york.cuny.edu/health-professions/physician-assistant
Des Moines University, IA
Shadowing Experience: Required
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 750 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: More than 750 hours of direct patient care experience is competitive. Patient care experiences through the military are very competitive.
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: CNA, Patient Care Tech, Phlebotomist, EMT, MA
Source: https://www.dmu.edu/pa/admission-requirements/
DeSales University, PA
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid or volunteer work or shadowing
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: EMT, CNA, MA, surgical technician, patient care technician/associate, dietician, medical scribe, pharmacy technician, campus health center volunteer
Source: https://www.desales.edu/programs/grad/mspas
Dominican University of California, CA
Shadowing Experience: Required – 8 hours minimum
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Paramedic, phlebotomist, nurse, radiology technician, dental assistant, respiratory therapist, medical assistant, medical scribe
Source: https://www.dominican.edu/academics/graduate-programs/master-science-physician-assistant-studies-mspas
Drexel University, PA
Shadowing Experience: Strongly recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, volunteer or paid
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 2633 hours of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Athletic trainer, CNA, dental hygienist/assistant, dietician, caregiver, EMT, paramedic, phlebotomist, MA, nurse, patient care technician, physical therapist, medical corpsman, medical scribe, midwife, orthopedics technician, ultrasound technician
Source: https://drexel.edu/cnhp/academics/graduate/MHS-Physician-Assistant/
Drury University, MO
Shadowing Experience: Required – 16 hours minimum with a PA
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: CNA, MA, LPN, RN, physical therapist, occupational therapist, PT aide, OT aide, military corpsman, EMT, paramedic, respiratory therapist, speech therapist, surgical technician, phlebotomist, radiology technician, athletic trainer, medical scribe
Source: https://www.drury.edu/graduate/master-of-science-in-physician-assistant-studies/prospective-physician-assistant-students/
ECPI, VA
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: 1200 hours of direct patient care experience or more is considered competitive
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: EMT, medical assistant, nurse, phlebotomist, patient care technician
Source: https://www.ecpi.edu/programs/master-science-physician-assistant
Emory & Henry University, VA
Shadowing Experience: Required – 16 hours minimum with a PA
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 250 hours minimum at the time of application, 500 hours minimum by April 1 of the year of matriculation
Competitive Clinical Experience: Average of 2782 hours of direct patient care experience and 189 hours of PA shadowing
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Volunteer, medical scribe, MA, nursing assistant, dental assistant, radiology technician, mental health counselor
Source: https://www.emoryhenry.edu/academics/physician-assistant-studies/admission-tuition-info/
Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, FL
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive Clinical Experience: More than 1000 hours of direct patient care experience is competitive
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: RN, LPN, EMT, Paramedic, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Respiratory Therapist, Surgical Technologist, MA, CNA, Medic (Army), Chiropractor, Pharmacist, Optician, EKG Tech, Phlebotomist, Respiratory Therapist, Ultrasound Tech, Patient Care Tech, Radiologic Tech, Midwife, Cardiovascular Perfusionist, Home Health Aide, Dietician, Nutritionist, Exercise Physiologist, PT Aid, Athletic Trainer, Scribe, Speech Therapy, Pharmacy Tech, Dental Hygienist, Research Coordinator
Source: https://medicine.fiu.edu/academics/master-in-physician-assistant-studies-mpas/admissions/admission-requirements/index.html
Florida State University, FL
Shadowing Experience: Not found
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Nursing assistant, EMT, paramedic, LPN, RN, BSN, nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, athletic trainer, physical therapist, respiratory therapist, x-ray technician, MA, military medical technician/corpsman, international medical graduate, chiropractor, licensed massage therapist, optometrist, pharmacist
Source: https://med.fsu.edu/pa/admissions
Franklin Pierce University, NH
Shadowing Experience: Required – 20 hours minimum with a PA-C
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Nurse, EMT, paramedic, CNA, phlebotomist, respiratory therapist
Source: https://franklinpierce.edu/academics/programs/physician-assistant/nh-in-person/
Frostburg State University, MD
Shadowing Experience: Required – 8 hours minimum with a PA
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: More than 500 hours of direct patient care experience is competitive
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: EMT, Paramedic, Respiratory Therapist, RN, Physical Therapist, Military Medical Corpsman, and Chiropractor, Athletic Trainer, Dietician, or Exercise Physiologist
Source: https://www.frostburg.edu/programs/graduate-physician-assistant/Admission%20Requirements1.php
Grand Valley State University, MI
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Mean hours 3160 (range 514-33550)
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: CNA, nurse’s aide, patient care technician, EMT, MA, psychiatric care technician, phlebotomist, home health aide, research assistant involving clinical duties, volunteer work in healthcare setting involving clinical duties, medical mission trip volunteer, medical scribe, medical translator, internships and training programs, pharmacy technician, PT aide, dental hygienist, respiratory therapist, nurse, patient transport, athletic trainer, telehealth
Source: https://www.gvsu.edu/pas/admission-related-faq-106.htm
Hawai’i Pacific University, HI
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Pharmacist, RN/LPN, paramedic/EMT, respiratory therapist, radiology technician, surgical technician, military medic/corpsman, physical therapy assistant, occupational therapy assistant, athletic trainer, certified nursing assistant, medical assistant, medical scribe, phlebotomist, dental hygienist, behavioral therapist
Source: https://www.hpu.edu/gchs/mms-pa/admissions.html
Howard University Physician Assistant Program, DC
Shadowing Experience: Recommended – 40 hours minimum with a PA
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 800 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Paramedic, nurse’s aide, phlebotomist, MA, radiologic technologist, EKG tech, EMT, LPN, dental hygienist, or clinical laboratorians involving interaction with patients, or behavioral health technician
Source: https://cnahs.howard.edu/departments/physician-assistant/prospective-applicants
Ithaca College, NY
Shadowing Experience: Not found
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: EMT, Medical Scribe, Paramedic, MA, Nurse, Surgical Technician, Athletic Trainer, PT Aide, Medical Corpsman, volunteer hours in a healthcare setting involving direct interaction with patients
Source: https://www.ithaca.edu/academics/school-health-sciences-and-human-performance/graduate-programs/physician-assistant-studies/admission/admission-requirements
King’s College, PA
Shadowing Experience: Required – 8 hours minimum with a PA
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid or volunteer, up to 200 shadowing hours or training courses in healthcare will count towards this requirement
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Emergency Medical Technician (actual patient contact hours can be claimed), Pharmacy Technician, Athletic Trainer, Medical Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant, Home Health Aide, Physical Therapy Aide, Volunteering at camps with ill or mentally challenged clients (maximum of 10 hours per day), Medical Scribe
Source: https://www.kings.edu/programs/graduate/physician-assistant.html
Lawrence Technological University, MI
Shadowing Experience: Required – 20 hours minimum with a PA
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 750 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: More than 1000 hours of direct patient care experience at the time of the application is competitive
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: CNA, MA, EMT or paramedic, radiology technician, ECG technician, LPN or RN, phlebotomist, medical scribe (up to 500 hours), physical therapy assistant, surgical tech, respiratory therapist, chiropractor, athletic trainer
Source: https://ltu.edu/programs/physician-assistant-studies/#practical
Le Moyne College, NY
Shadowing Experience: Considered
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 750 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Physical Therapist, PT Assistant, Phlebotomist, Athletic Trainer, Mental Health Worker, Substance Dependency Counselor, Medical Scribe, Dentist, Dental Assistant, Paramedic, EMT, Military Medic/Corpsman, Nurse, CNA, Radiology Technician
Source: https://www.lemoyne.edu/Admission/Graduate-and-Professional-Admission/Physician-Assistant-Studies
Long Island University, NY
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 400 hours minimum at the time of application, 500 hours minimum prior to matriculation, paid or volunteer or shadowing
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: MA, surgical technologist, nurse, dental assistant, dental hygienist, CNA, home health aide, paramedic, physical therapist, phlebotomist, medical scribe
Source: https://liu.edu/brooklyn/academics
Marist College, NY
Shadowing Experience: Not required
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum by January of matriculation year
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 2834 hours of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: EMT, paramedic, nurse, medical assistant, CNA, ER tech, PT aide, phlebotomist
Source: https://www.marist.edu/science/physician-asst/programs/admissions
Marywood University, PA
Shadowing Experience: Recommended – 50 hours minimum with a PA
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, up to 50 shadowing hours with a PA will count towards this requirement
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 2199 hours of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Certified athletic trainer, cardiovascular perfusionist, caregiver, dietician, ER technician, EMT, paramedic, exercise physiologist, home healthcare aide, MA, medical scribe, midwife, nurse, CNA, orthopedics technician, pharmacy technician, phlebotomist, physical therapist, PT assistant, radiologic technologist, respiratory therapist, surgical technician
Source: https://www.marywood.edu/apply/physician-assistant
Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences, MN
Shadowing Experience: Required – minimum of two half-days of PA shadowing
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: CNA, phlebotomist, EMT, PT aid, nurse, etc.
Source: https://college.mayo.edu/academics/health-sciences-education/physician-assistant-program-minnesota/how-to-apply/frequently-asked-questions/
Mercy University, NY
Shadowing Experience: Highly recommended – With a PA
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid or volunteer, 250 of the hours should be in primary care (outpatient internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology)
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Not found
Source: https://www.mercy.edu/academics/programs/masters-physician-assistant-details
Midwestern University – Downers Grove, IL
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Not found
Source: https://www.midwestern.edu/admissions/admissions-process
Misericordia University, PA
Shadowing Experience: Highly recommended – 10 hours minimum with a PA
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: CNA, MA, LPN, RN, Phlebotomist, Physical Therapist, Physical Therapy Assistant, Occupational Therapist, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Medical Scribe, Emergency Medicine Technician, Paramedic, Anesthesia Technician, Cardiovascular Technician, Ultrasound Technician, X-Ray Technician, Surgical Technician, Speech-Language Pathologist, Pharmacist, Pharmacy Technician
Source: https://www.misericordia.edu/physician-assistant/admission-requirements
Missouri State University, MO
Shadowing Experience: Required – minimum of 24 hours with a PA
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 3500 hours of paid direct patient care experience prior to admission
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Nurse, paramedic, EMT, CNA, patient care technician, health educator, respiratory therapist, athletic trainer, MA
Source: https://www.missouristate.edu/SHCP/PAS/Graduate/admissionreq.htm
Morehouse School of Medicine, GA
Shadowing Experience: Strongly recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 2440 hours of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: EMT or paramedic, health educator, RN, patient care attendant or nurse’s aide, clinic assistant, Peace Corps volunteer, technologist, clinical research assistant
Source: https://www.msm.edu/physicianassistantprogram/admissions.php
Mount St. Joseph University, OH
Shadowing Experience: Required – 40 hours minimum with a PA
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, of health-related experience, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Preference given to applicants with more than 200 hours related to direct-patient-care
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: MA, PCA, home health aide, STNA, patient transporters, EMT, paramedic, athletic trainer, physical therapist, respiratory therapist, nurse, social worker, speech pathologist, audiologist,
Source: https://www.msj.edu/academics/graduate-programs/physician-assistant-program/pa-admission-requirements/index.html
North Central College, IL
Shadowing Experience: Required – 15 hours minimum with a PA
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 750 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 144 hours of PA shadowing and 2217 of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: RN, LPN, surgical technician, certified MA, CNA, registered dietitian, paramedic, EMT, athletic trainer, physical therapist, occupational therapist, phlebotomist, military medical corpsman, clinical research coordinator
Source: https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/master-physician-assistant/how-to-apply
Northern Arizona University, AZ
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 4327 hours of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: MA, PT, respiratory therapist, OT, social worker, EMT, LPN, chiropractor, RN, CNA, nurse’s aide, medic or corpsman, paramedic, pharmacist, optometrist, nurse practitioner, foreign medical graduate, veterinarian, podiatrist, medical lab technician, medical technologist, athletic trainer, audiologist, exercise physiologist, radiology technician, phlebotomist, optometry technician, registered dietician, patient care assistant, and PT assistant
Source: https://nau.edu/physician-assistant/admission-requirements/
Northwestern College, IA
Shadowing Experience: Required – 16 hours minimum with a PA
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Nurse, paramedic, EMT, CNA, MA, phlebotomist, physical therapist, scribe, dental hygienist
Source: https://www.nwciowa.edu/master-physician-assistant/prerequisites
Northwestern University, IL
Shadowing Experience: Strongly recommended, with a PA
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 3967 of direct patient care hours
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Athletic Trainer, CNA, Clinical Research Assistant, EMT, Exercise Physiologist, Hospital Corpsman, MA, Medical Scribe, Mental Health Technician, Nurse Aide, Ophthalmic Assistant, Ophthalmic Technician, Paramedic, Patient Care Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomist, PT Aide, Registered Behavioral Technician, Respiratory Therapist, Respiratory Therapy Technician, Surgical Assistant, Volunteer Coordinator
Source: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/pa/admissions/how-to-apply/index.html
Notre Dame of Maryland University, MD
Shadowing Experience: Required – 40 hours minimum with a PA
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Addiction Counselor; Cardiovascular Technologist; Dentist; Dental Hygienist; Dental Assistant; Pharmacist; Chiropractor; Corpsman/ Medic / IDC; Forensic Pathologist; RN; CRNP; Osteopathic Physician; Medical Doctor; Optician’ Optometrist; Paramedic AAS; Physical Therapist; Podiatrist; Anesthesia Tech; Cardiovascular Tech; Athletic Trainer; ER Tech; Surgical Tech; OT; COTA; PT; PTA; EMT; LPN; MA; Phlebotomist; CAN; PT or OT Tech; Pharm Tech; SLP; Respiratory Therapist; Licensed Social Worker; Diagnostic Imaging Technologist; Medical Scribe
Source: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/physician-assistant-studies
Oakland University, MI
Shadowing Experience: Required – 16 hours minimum with two different PAs
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum – within four years of application submission
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Athletic trainer, CNA, chiropractic assistant, community health worker, dental assistant, dental hygienist, EMT, paramedic, licensed medical massage therapist, LPN, MA, mental health aide or counselor, military corpsman/medic, nurse, dietitian, occupational therapist, OT aide, optometric technician, patient care technician, Peace Corp, pharmacist, pharmacy tech, phlebotomist, physical therapist, PT aide, radiology technician, registered behavior technician, research with patient contact, respiratory therapist, medical scribe, social worker, ultrasound technologist
Source: https://www.oakland.edu/shs/clinical-and-diagnostic-sciences/master-of-physician-assistant-science/
Palm Beach Atlantic University, FL
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid or volunteer (scribing may count for up to 250 of the total hours maximum)
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 6026.16 hours at the time of application
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: MA, CNA, PCT, phlebotomist, pharmacy technician, EMT, athletic trainer, behavioral health technician, RN, CRT, MD, CLT, medical scribe
Source: https://www.pba.edu/academics/schools/school-of-health-professions/admissions/
Penn State University, PA
Shadowing Experience: Not found
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 4670 hours of direct patient care experience (range 900 to 26,000)
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Not found
Source: https://med.psu.edu/education/degree-programs/pa-physician-assistant/admissions
Pennsylvania College of Technology, PA
Shadowing Experience: Required – 16 hours minimum with a PA, NP, MD, and/or DO
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Military corpsman, nurse, CNA, PT, OT, OT assistant, respiratory therapist, speech therapist, paramedic, EMT, first responder, surgical technician, phlebotomist, EKG technician
Source: www.pct.edu/catalog/selective-admission-criteria-process/physician-assistant-studies
Pfeiffer University, NC
Shadowing Experience: Required – 24 hours minimum with a PA
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: More than 24 hours of shadowing and more than 500 hours of direct patient care experience are considered competitive
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: EMT, Paramedic, Emergency Room Technician, CNA, Surgical Technician, Radiological Technician, Respiratory Technician, MA, Medical Scribe, Nurse, Certified Laboratory Technician, Certified Pharmacy Technician, Certified Physical Therapy Technician, Sonographer, EEG/EKG Technician, Athletic Trainer, Phlebotomist, Combat medic/Corpsman
Source: https://www.pfeiffer.edu/program/master-of-science-in-physician-assistant-studies/admissions/
Radford University, VA
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: EMT, CNA, ED scribe, MA, PT assistant, military medic, mental health counselor, radiology technician, respiratory therapist, phlebotomy
Source: https://www.radford.edu/waldron-college-health-human-services/physician-assistant-studies-department/admission-requirements.html
Saint Louis University, MO
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid or volunteer accepted but paid experience is preferred
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 2000 hours or more of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: RN, physical therapist, CNA, EMT, medical scribe, patient care technician
Source: https://www.slu.edu/doisy/degrees/graduate/physician-assistant-mms.php#text
St. Ambrose University, IA
Shadowing Experience: Required – 16 hours minimum with a PA
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Not found
Source: https://sau.edu/academic-programs/masters/health-sciences/mpas/
St. Bonaventure University, NY
Shadowing Experience: Not found
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid or volunteer, paid experience is preferred
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: RT, RN, paramedic, EMT, CNA, home health aide, ER tech, MA, scribe, pharmacy tech, ophthalmology tech, dental tech, psychiatry tech, phlebotomist, transport aid
Source: https://www.sbu.edu/academics/physician-assistant-studies/admission-criteria
Stephens College, MO
Shadowing Experience: Required – 16 hours minimum, 8 hours minimum must be with a PA
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 750 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 5395 of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: CNA, EMT, patient care technician
Source: https://stephens.edu/program/master-of-physician-assistant-studies/
Sullivan University, KY
Shadowing Experience: Highly recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: 1000+ hours of direct patient care are considered competitive
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Not found
Source: https://www.sullivan.edu/admissions/pa-school
SUNY Downstate Medical Center, NY
Shadowing Experience: Considered
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, volunteer or paid
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Nurse, nurse’s aide, corpsman, medical laboratory technologist, respiratory therapist, EMT
Source: https://www.downstate.edu/education-training/school-of-health-professions/admissions/physician-assistant/requirements.html
SUNY Upstate Medical University, NY
Shadowing Experience: Strongly recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Military corpsman or medic, RN, CNA, EMT, Paramedic, Massage Therapist, Radiation Therapist, Respiratory Therapist, Phlebotomist, X-Ray Technologist, Medical Imaging, MA, Chiropractor, Physical Therapist, PT Aide, Athletic Trainer, Medical Scribe
Source: https://www.upstate.edu/chp/programs/pa/pa_reqs.php
Tarleton State University, TX
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: EMT, Paramedic, Medical Assistant, Nurse, Surgical Technician, Athletic Trainer, Physical Therapy Aide, Military Medical Corpsman
Source: https://www.tarleton.edu/pam/admissions/
Touro University Nevada
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: EMT, Medical Tech, ER Tech, CNA, Nurse, PT Aide, Paramedic, EKG Tech, Radiation Therapist, Radiology Tech, Corpsman, Medical Imaging, MA, Respiratory Tech, Athletic Trainer, Chiropractor
Source: https://tun.touro.edu/programs/physician-assistant-studies/master-of-physician-assistant-studies/pa-application–requirements/
Towson University, MD
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 800 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: 1600 hours of direct patient care experience or more is competitive
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Paramedic, Physical Therapist, RN, Dentist, Pharmacist, EMT, PT Aide, MA, CNA, Scribe, Pharmacy Tech, Physical Therapist Tech, OT Tech, Phlebotomist, Clinical Research Assistant, Lab Assistant
Source: https://www.towson.edu/chp/departments/physician-assistant-masters/admission/
University of Arkansas, AR
Shadowing Experience: Strongly recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Athletic Trainer, Dental Hygienist, Dietician, ER Technician, Home Health Aide, LPN, MA, Medical Corpsman, Nursing Assistant/Aide, Occupational Therapist, Ophthalmology Technician, Paramedic, EMT, Patient Care Technician, Peace Corp Volunteer, Phlebotomist, Physical Therapist, PT Assistant, Radiology Technician, RN, Respiratory Therapist, Surgical Technology
Source: https://healthprofessions.uams.edu/physician-assistant/master-of-physician-assistant-studies/about/admission-requirements/
University of Dubuque, IA
Shadowing Experience: Required – 8 hours minimum with a PA
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: More than 500 hours of direct patient care experience is competitive
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: RN, Nurse Practitioner, Paramedic, Physical Therapist, Pharmacist, Athletic Trainer, Corpsman/Medic/Independent Medical Tech (Army/Air Force), Exercise Physiologist, Occupational Therapist, Veterinarian, Respiratory Therapist, Orthotist/Prosthetist, EMT, LPN, Certified MA, Dental Hygienist, Scribe, PT Assistant, Surgical Tech, Radiology Tech, Nursing Assistant, Home Health Aide, Dietician, Research Coordinator, Medical Laboratory Scientist
Source: https://www.dbq.edu/Academics/GraduatePrograms/MasterofScienceinPhysicianAssistantStudies/AdmissionPrerequisitesandRequirements
University of Lynchburg, VA
Shadowing Experience: Required – 8 hours minimum with a PA
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Median of 2260 hours of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Athletic trainer, paramedic, EMT, military medic, nurse, nurse aide, laboratory technician, radiology technician, respiratory therapist, and surgical technician
Source: https://www.lynchburg.edu/academics/graduate/master-of-pa-medicine/
University of Maryland Eastern Shore, MD
Shadowing Experience: Required – 40 hours minimum
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Strong applicants will have > 2000 hours of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Paramedic, CNA, RN, phlebotomist, MA, radiologic technologist, EKG tech, EMT, LPN, dental hygienist, behavioral health technician
Source: https://wwwcp.umes.edu/pa/admissions-process/
University of Michigan – Flint, MI
Shadowing Experience: Not required
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid or volunteer, paid experience is preferred
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Athletic Trainer, CNA, Chiropractic Assistant, Community Health Worker, Dental Assistant, Dental Hygienist, EMT, Paramedic, Licensed Medical Massage Therapist, LPN, MA, Mental Health Aide or Counselor, Military Corpsman/Medic, Nurse, Dietitian, Occupational Therapist, OT Aide, Optometric Technician, Patient Care Technician, Peace Corp Volunteer, Pharmacist, Pharmacy Tech, Phlebotomist, Physical Therapist, Physical Therapy Aide, Radiology Technician, Registered Behavior Technician, Clinical Research Involving Patient Contact, Respiratory Therapist, Scribe, Social Worker, Ultrasound Technologist
Source: https://www.umflint.edu/graduateprograms/physician-assistant-ms/#admissionrequirements
University of New England, ME
Shadowing Experience: Required – 20 hours minimum with a PA or PA-C
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: 2500 hours of direct patient care experience or more is considered competitive
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: PT assistant, phlebotomist, ER technician, optometry/ophthalmic technician, CNA, MA, home health aide, LPN, RN, respiratory therapist, athletic trainer, audiologist, behavioral health technician, exercise physiologist in clinical setting, surgical technician, dental assistant, pharmacist, registered dietitian, social worker, radiology technician, therapeutic massage therapist, chiropractor, medic or corpsman, nurse practitioner, physical therapist, occupational therapist, paramedic, EMT, ski patrol
Source: https://www.une.edu/wchp/pa/admissions
University of Pittsburgh, PA
Shadowing Experience: Not required
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: RN, EMT, paramedic, MA, PT/OT assistant
Source: https://www.shrs.pitt.edu/PAProgram/admission
University of South Carolina, SC
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid or volunteer or shadowing
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: 2000 hours of direct patient care experience or more is competitive
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic, Military Medic/Clinical Specialist, Corpsman, Surgical Technician, Radiological Technician, CNA, Phlebotomist, Athletic Trainer, Scribe, LPN, RN, Certified MA, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, PT/OT Assistant, Home Health Aide, Medical Interpreter, Dietitian, Pharmacy Technician, Respiratory Therapist, Ophthalmic Technician
Source: https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/medicine/education/graduate_programs/physician_assistant/admission/index.php
University of South Dakota, SD
Shadowing Experience: Not found
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Not found
Source: https://catalog.usd.edu/preview_entity.php?catoid=36&ent_oid=2062
University of South Florida, FL
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 2141 of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: EMT, paramedic, MA, scribe, patient care technician, nurse, surgical technician, athletic trainer, PT aide
Source: https://health.usf.edu/medicine/pa/prospective-students/requirements
University of the Cumberlands – Williamsburg, KY
Shadowing Experience: Required – 50 hours minimum with a PA
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid or volunteer or shadowing
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: EMT, paramedic, LPN, CNA, respiratory therapist, MA, speech and language pathologist, medical scribe, pharmacy technician, x-ray technician, surgical technician, athletic trainer, and phlebotomist
Source: https://www.ucumberlands.edu/academics/graduate/programs/master-science-physician-assistant-studies/admission
University of the Cumberlands, Northern Kentucky Campus, KY
Shadowing Experience: Required – 50 hours minimum with a PA
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid or volunteer or shadowing
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: EMT, paramedic, LPN, CNA, respiratory therapist, MA, speech and language pathologist, medical scribe, pharmacy technician, x-ray technician, surgical technician, athletic trainer, and phlebotomist
Source: https://www.ucumberlands.edu/academics/graduate/programs/master-science-physician-assistant-studies/admission
University of Pittsburgh, PA
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: RN, EMT, paramedic, MA, PT/OT assistant
Source: https://www.shrs.pitt.edu/academics/pas/pas-ms/admissions/
University of South Alabama, AL
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average is 2722 hours of direct patient care experience and 67 hours of PA shadowing
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Armed Services: Medic/Military Corpsman, Athletic Trainer, Caregiver/Home Health Aide, Chiropractor, Clinical Nutritionist or Dietitian, Community Health Worker, Dental Assistant/Hygienist, EMT/EMS/Paramedic, Massage Therapist, Medical Aide/Assistant/Technician, Radiology, PT, OT, EMT, MA, CNA, Nursing Aide, ER, Surgical Tech, Mental/Behavioral Health Counselor, Optometric Technician, Nurse, OT, PT, Respiratory Therapy, Patient Care Tech, Phlebotomist, Firefighter with Medical Calls
Source: https://www.southalabama.edu/colleges/alliedhealth/pa/admissions.html
University of South Carolina SOM, SC
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid or volunteer or shadowing
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: 2000 hours of direct patient care experience or more is competitive
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: EMT, Paramedic, Military Medic/Clinical Specialist, Corpsman, Surgical Technician, Radiological Technician, CNA, Phlebotomist, Athletic Trainer, Scribe, LPN, RN, Certified MA, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, PT/OT Assistant, Home Health Aide, Medical Interpreter, Dietitian, Pharmacy Technician, Respiratory Therapist, Ophthalmic Technician
Source: https://www.sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/medicine/education/physician_assistant/admission_and_application/index.php
University of South Florida, FL
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 2558 of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: EMT, paramedic, MA, scribe, patient care technician, nurse, surgical technician, athletic trainer, PT aide
Source: https://health.usf.edu/medicine/pa/prospective-students/requirements
University of the Cumberlands – Williamsburg, KY
Shadowing Experience: Required – 50 hours minimum with a PA
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid, volunteering, or shadowing
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: EMT, paramedic, LPN, CNA, respiratory therapist, MA, speech and language pathologist, medical scribe, pharmacy technician, x-ray technician, surgical technician, athletic trainer, and phlebotomist
Source: https://www.ucumberlands.edu/academics/graduate-programs/masters-physician-assistant-studies-mspas/wburg
University of the Cumberlands, Northern Kentucky Campus, KY
Shadowing Experience: Required – 50 hours minimum with a PA
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid, volunteering, or shadowing
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: EMT, paramedic, LPN, CNA, respiratory therapist, MA, speech and language pathologist, medical scribe, pharmacy technician, x-ray technician, surgical technician, athletic trainer, and phlebotomist
Source: https://www.ucumberlands.edu/academics/graduate-programs/masters-physician-assistant-studies-mspas/nky
University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, WI
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: More than 500 hours of direct patient care experience is competitive
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Nurse, EMT, paramedic, radiology technician, respiratory therapist, PT aide, patient care technician, athletic trainer, phlebotomist, certified MA, laboratory/medical technician, CNA, mental health worker
Source: https://www.uwlax.edu/academics/grad/physician-assistant-studies/admission-requirements/
Wayne State University, MI
Shadowing Experience: Not required
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: EMT, paramedic, health educator, RN, nurse’s aide, PT or OT aide, exercise physiologist, international health care volunteer, medical technologist, clinical research assistant
Source: https://applebaum.wayne.edu/physician-assistant/admissions-requirements
Weber State University, UT
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: More than 4000 hours of clinical healthcare experience in an in-patient medicine setting, or more than 2000 hours of clinical healthcare experience in positions requiring autonomous, high-level medical decision-making
is considered competitive
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Not found
Source: https://www.weber.edu/physician-assistant-medicine/admissions.html
Weill Cornell Medicine Master of Science in Health Sciences for Physician Assistants Program, NY
Shadowing Experience: Strongly recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: More than 500 hours of direct patient care experience is competitive
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Not found
Source: https://medicaleducation.weill.cornell.edu/medical-education/health-sciences-physician-assistants
Westfield State University, MA
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 3469 direct patient care hours
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: EMT, Scribe, Paramedic, Healthcare Volunteer, Nurse’s Aide, Lab Tech
Source: https://www.westfield.ma.edu/academics/degrees/ms-physician-assistant-studies
Widener University, PA
Shadowing Experience: Recommended – 40 hours minimum with a PA
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: More than 500 hours of direct patient care experience is competitive
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Athletic trainer, Medical scribe, CNA, Medical corpsman, Dental hygienist/assistant, Dietician, Medical caregiver, Emergency department technician, EMT/paramedic, Exercise physiologist, Foreign medical graduate – physician, Home health care aide, Phlebotomist, MA, Mental health technician, Medical Research with patient contact, Physical therapist, Occupational therapist, Speech pathologist, Nurse, Midwife
Source: https://www.widener.edu/academics/graduate-studies/physician-assistant-studies-ms
Wingate University, NC
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 500 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 3884 direct patient care hours
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: CNA, EMT, phlebotomist, pharmacy technician, medical assistant, scribe in an emergency department
Source: https://www.wingate.edu/academics/graduate/physician-assistant-studies/pa-admissions
How to Increase my Chances of PA School Acceptance if I Have Fewer than 1000 Hours of Direct Patient Care Experience?
PA schools look at many different aspects of a PA school applicant’s background including the amount and type of direct patient care experience, shadowing experience with a PA or other healthcare providers, and the applicant’s academic background including the GPA and the GRE or PA-CAT scores for schools that require these standardized tests. One way to increase your chances is to make sure these other aspects of your PA school application are strong.
It’s Never Too Late to Accrue More Patient Care Hours for PA School!
It helps greatly to accrue more hours of direct patient care experience even after submitting the CASPA application. As mentioned, some schools allow applicants to accrue hours towards their minimum even after the CASPA is submitted. But remember, even if you have already met a school’s minimum when you apply, showing the school that you are continuing to gain direct patient care experience can boost your chances of getting an interview and acceptance.
Don’t Get Discouraged by PA Schools’ Average Patient Care Hours
Some PA school applicants get discouraged when they see that their patient care hours fall significantly below the average of their target PA schools (even if they meet the minimum requirement). While it’s wise to try to exceed the minimum hours for a school, averages should be taken with a grain of salt because a handful of individuals with many patient care hours can often skew the average for a PA school.
The Guy with 14,000 Hours Skews the Average!
We recently advised a student who had been working for many years as a respiratory therapist before deciding to go to PA school. He was accepted to multiple PA schools with 14,000 hours of direct patient care experience – much higher than most successful PA school applicants accrue. If a school with 25 seats accepts two people like him but all other accepted students have 500 hours of direct patient care experience, that raises the average hours of accepted applicants to 1580. A person applying to PA school with 500 hours may look at this average and get discouraged when in fact, their hours match the majority of accepted students.
