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Which PA Schools Look for Applicants with Lots of Direct Patient Care Experience?
This article provides a list of all PA schools (see below) that require 1000 hours minimum of direct patient care experience (healthcare experience) or more. For each school, the PA shadowing requirements are also listed as well as the average number of hours of PA shadowing and direct patient care experience if we were able to find that information on the school’s website.
We also include examples of direct patient care experience (these examples are not exhaustive) and the number of hours of direct patient care experience or PA shadowing that is considered competitive for each school. Where we have written ‘not found’, we were not able to find this information.
Which PA Schools Can I Apply to if I Have More than 1000 Hours of Direct Patient Care Experience?
Applicants with more than 1000 hours of direct patient care experience are eligible to apply to most PA schools in the United States as the vast majority require a minimum of 1000 hours or fewer. This is of course assuming they meet all other requirements for the school.
Applicants with more than 2000 hours of direct patient care experience will meet the patient care experience requirements for virtually every PA school in the United States as very few schools (if any) require more than 2000 hours minimum.
Which PA Schools Should I Target if I Have a lot of Direct Patient Care Experience?
If you have more than one thousand hours of direct patient care experience for PA school, you should target a combination of PA schools with higher and lower direct patient care experience requirements.
Advantages of Targeting Schools with High Patient Care Hour Requirements
With lots of direct patient care experience, you may have a statistically higher chance of acceptance at PA schools with higher direct patient care hour requirements because you will be competing against fewer applicants.
If a school requires a minimum of 2000 hours of direct patient care experience, only a segment of the entire pool of PA applicants will be eligible to apply to that program. But at a PA school that requires 500 hours or fewer, you will also be competing against applicants who have fewer direct patient care hours but may have higher GPAs or GRE/PA-CAT scores.
Advantages of Targeting Schools with Lower Patient Care Hour Requirements
At schools with lower patient care hour requirements, many applicants will have fewer direct patient care hours. These schools are more accepting of PA school applicants with limited direct patient care experience, but they are also more likely to be impressed with an applicant who stands out with much more direct patient care experience than the average applicant.
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 that Require More Than 1000 Hours of Direct Patient Care Experience
Albany Medical College, NY
Shadowing Experience: Not required
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 2384 hours of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Patient Care Associate, Phlebotomist, Orderly, Scribe, ED Volunteer, Nurse’s Aide, Home Health Aide, Physical Therapy (PT) Aide, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), Physical Therapist, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Paramedic
Source: https://www.amc.edu/academic/PhysicianAssistant/admissions.cfm
Arizona School of Health Sciences, AZ
Shadowing Experience: Strongly recommended – With a PA
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: None found
Source: https://www.atsu.edu/physician-assistant-degree#requirements
Bryant University, RI
Shadowing Experience: Not found
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 2000 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: EMT, paramedic, nurse, military medic, corpsmen, ER technician, medical scribe, physical therapist, occupational therapist, respiratory therapist, medical assistant (MA), certified nursing assistant (CNA)
Source: https://www.bryant.edu/academics/program-finder/graduate/physician-assistant
California Baptist University, CA
Shadowing Experience: Strongly recommended – 20 hours minimum with a PA, MD, or DO
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 3295 hours of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Athletic Trainer, CNA, Dental Assistant, Dietitian, ED Technician, EMT, MA, Military Corpsman, Medic, Non-US Physician, Ophthalmic Assistant, PT Aide, Radiology Technician, RN, Respiratory Technician, Medical Scribe
Source: https://calbaptist.edu/programs/master-of-science-physician-assistant-studies/application-requirements
Campbell University, NC
Shadowing Experience: Recommended – 20 hours with a PA
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 7094 hours of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Military Corpsman, EMT, Paramedic, Combat Medic, RN, LPN, EKG Technician, ER Technician, Physical or Occupational Therapist, PT Aide, Occupational Therapy (OT) Aide, CNA, MA, Respiratory Therapist, Radiology Technician, Dietitian, Phlebotomist, Hospice Worker, Dental Hygienist, Medical Social Worker, Mental Health Counselor, Dialysis Aide, Optometry Assistant, Chiropractic Assistant, Behavioral Technician, Athletic Trainer
Source: https://cphs.campbell.edu/academic-programs/physician-assistant/master-physician-assistant-practice/admissions/requirements/
Case Western Reserve University, OH
Shadowing Experience: Strongly recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum
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 Massage Therapist, LPN, MA, Mental Health Aide, Mental Health Counselor, Military Corpsman, Medic, Nurse, Dietitian, Occupational Therapist, OT Aide, Patient Care Technician, Pharmacist, Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomist, Physical Therapist, PT Aide, Radiology Technician, Research Assistant with Direct Patient Care Experience, Medical Scribe, Social Worker
Source: https://case.edu/medicine/physician-assistant/admissions/prerequisites/pre-admissions-healthcare-experience
Chapman University, CA
Shadowing Experience: Recommended – With a PA, MD, or DO
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 3161 hours of direct patient care experience and 80 hours of shadowing
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Athletic Trainer, Cardiovascular Perfusionist, Dental Assistant, Dental Hygienist, Dietician, CNA, Clinical Nutritionist, Clinical Research Assistant, Community Health Worker, ED Technician, EKG Technician, EMT, Exercise Physiologist, Foreign Medical Graduate, Health Care Aide, MA, Medical Corpsman, Medical Mission Volunteer, Medical Scribe, Midwife, Nurse, Nursing Assistant, Occupational Therapist, Orderly-Patient Transport, Orthopedics Technician, Paramedic, Peace Corps Volunteer, Phlebotomist, Physical Therapist, PT Aide, Radiologic Technologist, RN, Respiratory Therapist, Speech Therapist, Surgical Technician
Source: https://www.chapman.edu/crean/academic-programs/graduate-programs/physician-assistant/admission.aspx
Clarkson University, NY
Shadowing Experience: Not found
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: EMT, paramedic, nurse, nursing assistant, PT assistant, x-ray technician, athletic trainer, medical technologists, emergency department technician, medical scribe
Source: https://www.clarkson.edu/graduate/physician-assistant-studies/admission-prerequisites
Concordia University-Ann Arbor, MI
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Nursing, CNA, ER technician, EMT, paramedic, lab technician, dietician, exercise stress test technician, mental health therapist, occupational/physical therapist, pharmacist, pharmacy technician, phlebotomist, respiratory therapist, surgical technician. Medical scribing is accepted for a maximum of 500 hours.
Source: https://www.cuaa.edu/academics/programs/physician-assistant-masters/index.html#requirements
Duke University Medical Center, NC
Shadowing Experience: Highly recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: EMT, paramedic, health educator, RN, patient care attendant, nurse’s aide, clinic assistant, Peace Corps volunteer, clinical research assistant
Source: https://medschool.duke.edu/education/health-professions-education-programs/physician-assistant-program/admissions/frequently
Emory University, GA
Shadowing Experience: Highly recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 2000 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 5462 hours of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: ER Technician, Nursing Assistant, CNA, EMT, Paramedic, OR Technician, ER Scribe, Physical Therapist, PT Assistant, Respiratory Therapist or Aide, Radiology Technician, RN, LPN
Source: https://med.emory.edu/departments/family-preventive/divisions-programs/physician-assistant-program/admissions/requirements.html
Elon University, NC
Shadowing Experience: Required – 20 hours minimum
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum, volunteer or paid or shadowing
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 5004 hours of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Athletic Trainer, Dental Assistant, Dental Hygienist, EMT, ER Technician, Laboratory Technologist, MA, Medical Interpreter, Medical Technologist, Nursing Assistant, Nurse, Occupational Therapist, OT Assistant, Ophthalmic Assistant, Orderly, Orthopedic Cast Technician, Paramedic, Patient Care Technician, Pharmacist, Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomist, PT Assistant, Physical Therapist, Radiological Technologist, Scribe, Surgical Technician
Source: https://www.elon.edu/u/academics/health-sciences/physician-assistant/admissions-information/
Gardner-Webb University, NC
Shadowing Experience: Not required
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Military corpsmen, paramedic, EMT, combat medic, RN, LPN, CNA, surgical technician, EEG or EKG technician, ER technician, medical assistant (MA), respiratory therapist, radiologic technician, registered dietitian, phlebotomist, lab technician, dental hygienist, x-ray technician, physical/occupational therapist, PT aide, mental health counselor, ophthalmic technician, athletic trainer, exercise physiologist, health and wellness consultant in a clinical setting, medical scribe
Source: https://gardner-webb.edu/admissions-aid/graduate/how-to-apply-graduate/requirements-for-physician-assistant-admission/
George Washington University, DC
Shadowing Experience: Not found
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 2356 hours of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Acupuncturist, Addiction Counselor, Behavioral Therapist, Cardiovascular Technician, CNA, Chiropractor or Chiropractic Assistant, Psychologist, Dental Hygienist, Dental Assistant, Foreign Medical Graduate, Doula, EMT, Paramedic, Exercise Physiologist or Certified Athletic Trainer, Massage Therapist, Medic (Army, Navy, Coast Guard), MA, RN, LPN, Occupational Therapist, Optician or Optometrist, Pharmacist or Pharmacist Technician, Phlebotomist, Physical Therapist, Physical Therapy Technician, Physician, Radiation Therapist, Dietitian, Respiratory Therapist, Social Worker, Speech Pathologist, Imaging Technician, Scribe
Source: https://physicianassistant.smhs.gwu.edu/admission-requirements
James Madison University, VA
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 4475 hours of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Paramedic, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Pharmacist, RN, Registered Dietician, Certified Athletic Trainer, Psychologist, EMT, Surgical Assistant, Respiratory Therapist, Patient Care Technician, Mental Health Counselor, CNA, Radiology Technician, Ophthalmology Technician, MA, OT Aide, PT Aide, Phlebotomist, Ultrasound Technologist, Clinical Research Assistant
Source: https://healthprof.jmu.edu/pa/prerequisites.html
Keck Graduate Institute, CA
Shadowing Experience: Recommended – With a PA, MD, or DO
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 4966 hours of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Paramedic, EMT, Dietitian. Respiratory Therapist, Radiological Technician, MA, LPN, RN, CNA, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Surgical Technician, Clinical Research Assistant, Medical Scribe, Pharmacist, Phlebotomist
Source: https://www.kgi.edu/academics/degrees-certificates/master-of-science-in-physician-assistant-studies/
Loma Linda University, CA
Shadowing Experience: Strongly recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 2000 hours minimum prior to matriculation, paid
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 4914 hours of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Military Medic or Corpsman, Paramedic, EMT, Licensed Vocational Nurse, RN, Radiologic Technologist, Physical Therapist, Respiratory Therapist, Occupational Therapist, MA, Scribe, Chiropractor
Source: https://alliedhealth.llu.edu/academics/physician-assistant/admissions-physician-assistant/physician-assistant-admission-requirements
Marshall B. Ketchum University, CA
Shadowing Experience: Not found
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 2000 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 6438 hours of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Military Medic or Corpsman, MA, CNA, EMT, Paramedic, PT Aide, RN, Medical Scribe
Source: https://www.ketchum.edu/pa-studies/requirements
Mercer University, GA
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Athletic Trainer, Chiropractor, Clinical Health
Educator, EMT, Paramedic, Hospital Social Worker, LPN, MA, Corpsman, Phlebotomist, Physical Therapist, RN, Respiratory Therapist
Source: https://chp.mercer.edu/admissions/admissions-requirements/physician-assistant/
MGH Institute of Health Professions, MA
Shadowing Experience: Not required
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 4875 hours of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Nurse, CNA, MA, physical/occupational therapist, PT assistant, athletic trainer, exercise physiologist, dental hygienist, respiratory therapist, registered dietician, EMT, paramedic, ER technician, clinical researcher, optometrist, optometry assistant, radiology technician
Source: https://www.mghihp.edu/health-rehabilitation-sciences/departments-programs/physician-assistant-studies/master-physician-assistant-studies
Northeastern University, MA
Shadowing Experience: Highly recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: 1800 hours minimum of direct patient care experience is competitive
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Taking vital signs, performing EKGs, drawing blood, changing bandages and dressings, splinting, casting, removing sutures, bathing and toileting, scribing, and mental health counseling
Source: https://bouve.northeastern.edu/physician-assistant/ms/prerequisites/
Northwest University School of PA Medicine, WA
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 2000 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: MA, EMT, Paramedic, Military Medic/Medical Corpsman, CNA, LPN, Licensed Vocational Nurse, RN, ER Technician, Respiratory Therapist, Sonographer, Radiologic Technician, Phlebotomist, Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Physical Therapist, PT Assistant, Occupational Therapist, OT Assistant, Speech Language Pathologist, Audiologist, Ophthalmology Assistant, Dental Assistant/Hygienist, Surgical Assistant
Source: https://www.northwestu.edu/school-pa-medicine/admission-requirements
Northwestern University, IL
Shadowing Experience: Strongly recommended, with a PA
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 4344 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
Oregon Health and Science University, OR
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 2000 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: MA, EMT, paramedic, medical corpsman, Peace Corps volunteer, phlebotomist, health care-related technician, RN, ER technician, clinical nutritionist or dietician, clinical research assistant, community health worker, CNA, PT aide, medical scribe
Source: https://www.ohsu.edu/school-of-medicine/physician-assistant/health-care-experience
Pacific University, OR
Shadowing Experience: Considered
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Athletic Trainer, Chiropractor, Chiropractor Assistant, Dental Hygienist, Dietitian, EKG/EEG Technician, EMT, MA, Military Medic or Corpsman, Nursing Assistant, Pharmacist, Phlebotomist, Physical Therapist, Nurse, Occupational Therapist
Source: https://www.pacificu.edu/physician-assistant-studies/admissions
Point Loma Nazarene University, CA
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum, paid
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 2818 hours of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Not found
Source: https://www.pointloma.edu/schools-departments-colleges/department-physician-assistant-education/admissions-requirements
Quinnipiac University, CT
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 2000 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Athletic trainer, CNA, EMT, paramedic, licensed clinical social worker, MA, military medic, occupational therapist, orthopedic technician, patient care assistant, pharmacy technician, physical therapist, radiology technologist, LPN, respiratory therapist, surgical technician, scribe, clinical research coordinator with clinical responsibilities similar to an MA
Source: https://www.qu.edu/schools/health-sciences/programs/masters-degree/physician-assistant/admissions/
Red Rocks Community College, CO
Shadowing Experience: Not found
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 2000 hours minimum, paid
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 5754 hours of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Not found
Source: https://www.rrcc.edu/physician-assistant/faq
Rocky Mountain College, MT
Shadowing Experience: Strongly recommended – 40 hours minimum with a PA
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1500 hours minimum, paid
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: CNA, MA, RN, LPN, paramedic, phlebotomist
Source: https://www.rocky.edu/academics/academic-programs/graduate/master-physician-assistant-studies/admission-requirements
Rocky Vista University, CO
Shadowing Experience: Strongly recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum, paid
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Not found
Source: https://www.rvu.edu/admissions/mpas/application-requirements/
Rush University, IL
Shadowing Experience: Required
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Median of 3653 hours of direct patient care experience, 1500 hours minimum of direct patient care experience is competitive
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Not found
Source: https://www.rushu.rush.edu/college-health-sciences/academic-programs/master-science-physician-assistant-studies/master-science-physician-assistant-studies-admissions-deadlines
Sacred Heart University, CT
Shadowing Experience: Not required
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum, paid
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: 2000 hours minimum of direct patient care experience is competitive
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: CNA, Patient Care Associate, EMT, LPN, MA, Medical/ER Scribe, Military Medic, Corpsman, Ophthalmic Technician, Paramedic, Patient Care Assistant, PT Aide, Radiology Technician, RN, Respiratory Therapist
Source: https://www.sacredheart.edu/majors–programs/physician-assistant-studies—mspas/admission-requirements/
Saint Catherine University, MN
Shadowing Experience: Not required
Direct Patient Care Experience: 2000 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: More than 2000 hours of direct patient care experience is competitive
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Not found
Source: https://www.stkate.edu/admission-and-aid/gc/physician-assistant-studies-mpas-application-instructions
Samuel Merritt University, CA
Shadowing Experience: Required
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: MA, CNA, EMT, behavioral health technician, phlebotomist, paramedic, athletic trainer, clinical pharmacist, dietician, medical scribe, PT aide, radiology technician, RN, respiratory therapist, sonographer
Source: https://www.samuelmerritt.edu/college-health-sciences/master-physician-assistant
Southern California University of Health Sciences, CA
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 2000 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: More than 2000 hours of direct patient care experience is competitive
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: MA, Scribe, EMT, Nurse Assistant, ER Technician, PT Aide, Patient Care Technician, Behavioral Therapist, Phlebotomist, Pharmacy Technician, Ophthalmic Technician, Optician, Speech Pathologist, Paramedic, Radiologic Technologist, Chiropractic Assistant, Surgical Technician, Registered Dietician
Source: https://www.scuhs.edu/masters-degrees/physician-assistant-program/?activetab=content_admissions_requirements
Touro University – California
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Nurse, paramedic, EMT, CNA, phlebotomist, physical therapist or PT aide, dental hygienist
Source: https://tu.edu/programs/mspas-mph/admissions/
Tufts University, MA
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Nurse, physical therapist, dental hygienist, ER technician, respiratory therapist, clinical nutritionist, EMT, paramedic, CNA, MA, athletic trainer, exercise physiologist, optometric assistant, patient care technician, ophthalmology technician
Source: https://medicine.tufts.edu/admissions-financial-aid/admission-program/physician-assistant/prerequisites
University of Bridgeport, CT
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: RN, LPN, EMT, Paramedic, Medical Scribe, Respiratory Therapist, OR Technician, Radiology Technician, Licensed Acupuncturist, Naturopathic Doctor, Chiropractor, Dentist, Ophthalmic Technician, Phlebotomist, Military Medic, Athletic Trainer, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Registered, CNA, Clinical Social Worker, Psychiatric Technician, Clinical Researcher with Patient Contact, Clinical Psychologist
Source: https://www.bridgeport.edu/academics/programs/physician-assistant-ms/admission-requirements
University of California Davis, CA
Shadowing Experience: Not found
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: 1000 hours minimum of direct patient care experience is competitive
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Behavioral Therapist, CNA, Chiropractor, Dental Assistant, Dietitian, EKG Technician, Radiology Technician, EMT, Home Health Aide, International Medical Graduate, Licensed Vocational Nurse, MA, Occupational Therapist, Ophthalmic Technician, Paramedic, Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomist, Physical Therapist, PT Aide, RN, Respiratory Therapist, Scribe
Source: https://health.ucdavis.edu/nursing/admissions/programs/mhs-pa.html
University of Detroit Mercy, MI
Shadowing Experience: Not found
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Acupuncturist, Athletic Trainer, Behavioral Technician, Chiropractor, Chiropractic Assistant, Community Health Worker, Dental Hygienist, Dietitian, EMT, ER Technician, MA, Mental Health Therapist, Naturopathic Doctor, Nursing Assistant, Nurse, Occupational Therapist, OT Assistant, Ophthalmic/Optometrist Assistant, Paramedic, Patient Care Technician, Pharmacist, Phlebotomist, Physical Therapist, PT Assistant, Respiratory Therapist, Ski Patroller, Social Worker with Clinical Focus, Surgical Technician, Student Clinical Experiences
Source: https://healthprofessions.udmercy.edu/academics/pa/grad.php
University of Florida, FL
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum by December 31 of the application year, 2000 hours minimum by June 1 of the of matriculation year
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: CNA, Chiropractor, Clinical Psychologist, Corpsman, Dental Hygienist, Dietitian, Nutritionist, EMT, Paramedic, ER Technician, OR Technician, Exercise Physiologist, Athletic Trainer, RN, LPN, MA
Source: https://pa.med.ufl.edu/admissions/requirements/#patientcareexp
University of Iowa, IA
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 4388 hours of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Not found
Source: https://medicine.uiowa.edu/pa/admissions/admission-requirements
University of Nevada, Reno, NV
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 2000 hours minimum, paid
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 5183 hours 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://med.unr.edu/physician-assistant/admissions/-prospective-students/requirements-and-prerequisites
University of New Mexico, NM
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 7683 hours of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: CNA, certified MA, patient care technician, surgical technician, radiological technician, laboratory technician, EMT, PT/OT aide, phlebotomist, athletic trainer, scribe, nurse, home health care provider
Source: https://hsc.unm.edu/medicine/departments/family-community/education/physician-assistant/admissions.html
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, NC
Shadowing Experience: Not required
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 6063 hours of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Nurse, EMT
Source: https://www.med.unc.edu/healthsciences/unc-pa/admissions/
University of North Dakota, ND
Shadowing Experience: Not found
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: 1000 hours minimum of direct patient care experience is competitive
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Athletic Trainer, Dietitian, RN, Paramedic, Pharmacist, Physical Therapist, Radiology Technologist, Respiratory Therapist, CNA, PT Aide, OT Aide, Phlebotomist, EMT, MA, LPN, and Surgical Technologist
Source: https://med.und.edu/education-training/physician-assistant/prerequisites.html#d56e104–2
University of the Pacific – Sacramento, CA
Shadowing Experience: Not required
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 4688 hours of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Athletic Trainer, CNA, Chiropractor, Chiropractor Assistant, Dental Hygienist, Dietician, EKG/EEG Technician, EMT, ER Technician, MA, Medical Scribe, Military Medic or Corpsman, Nurse, Occupational Therapist, OT Assistant or Aide, Ophthalmic or Optometric Assistant or Technician, Paramedic, Pharmacist, Phlebotomist, Physical Therapist, PT Aide or Tech or Assistant, Radiological Technician, Respiratory Therapist, Surgical Technician
Source: https://healthsciences.pacific.edu/healthsciences/programs/master-of-physician-assistant-studies/physician-assistant-program-prerequisites
University of Utah, UT
Shadowing Experience: Strongly recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 2000 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 8987 hours
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Not found
Source: https://medicine.utah.edu/dfpm/physician-assistant-studies/program/prospective-students
University of Washington, WA
Shadowing Experience: Strongly recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 2000 hours minimum, paid
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: More than 4000 hours of direct patient care experience is competitive
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Military medicine, paramedic, EMT, ER Technician, RN, LPN, licensed vocational nurse, respiratory therapy, MA
Source: https://familymedicine.uw.edu/medex/applicants/clinical-prerequisites/
University of Wisconsin – Madison, WI
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum, paid or volunteer
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: 1500 hours minimum of direct patient care experience is competitive
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: CNA, Psychiatric Care Technician, EMT, Phlebotomist, MA, Home Health Aide, Clinical Research, Research Assistant
Source: https://www.med.wisc.edu/education/physician-assistant-pa-program/admission-requirements/
Utah Valley University, UT
Shadowing Experience: Not required
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 2000 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Taking vitals, bathing patients, transporting patients, helping patients transfer, walking patients, drawing blood, performing diagnostic lab or imaging tests, laboratory bench work, filling medications, assisting with or administering treatments, patient education
Source: https://www.uvu.edu/physicianassistant/admissions/requirements/experience.html
Wake Forest University (Bowman Gray), NC
Shadowing Experience: Recommended
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Average of 3881 hours of direct patient care experience
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Not found
Source: https://school.wakehealth.edu/education-and-training/pa-program/admission-requirements
Western Michigan University, MI
Shadowing Experience: Not required
Direct Patient Care Experience: Required – 1000 hours minimum
Competitive or Average Clinical Experience: Not found
Examples of Direct Patient Care Experience: Not found
Source: https://wmich.edu/pa/academics/apply
Can I Get into PA School with a Low GPA if I Have a lot of Patient Care Experience?
Some PA school applicants assume that if they have accrued many hours of direct patient care experience, schools will disregard their academic performance. This is not completely true as schools weigh each of these elements in the holistic consideration of an applicant.
How to Make Up for a Low GPA Before Applying to PA School
The best way to make up for a low GPA is to take additional coursework and do well in that coursework. Nonetheless, those PA school applicants who are applying with a weaker academic record can make up in part for their academic performance if they have lots of direct patient care experience.
How Many Hours of Direct Patient Care Do I Need to Make up for a Low GPA?
While there is no magic number, in our experience, students with at least 2000 hours of direct patient care experience had better chances of getting an interview if their GPAs were not very competitive.
Exceptions to the GPA Requirements
Certain PA schools make exceptions on their minimum GPA requirements or course expiry requirements for applicants with extensive direct patient care experience hours. These PA schools may be easier to get into for applicants with strong direct patient care experience. It’s worth noting that most schools do not make these types of exceptions so it’s important to check which schools are likely to be do this before applying to a program whose requirements you don’t meet.
See List of PA Schools that Require Less than 500 Hours of Direct Patient Care Experience
See List of PA Schools that Require 500 – 999 Hours of Direct Patient Care Experience