Methodist University - Clinical Experience

Clinical Experience

Clinical Experience for the MU PA Program:

A minimum of 500 Hours of Direct Patient Contact is required prior to entering the program. Number and description of hours must be submitted on the CASPA application and are submitted without documentation. However, applicants should always have documentation of hours in a log book form (pay stubs are acceptable), in case the program requests a confirmation of hours. Information to be logged are dates (daily), times, number of hours completed, supervisor's signature and contact information.

If at the time of application, hours are not complete, updates may be submitted by the supervising PA, Physician, or Nurse Practitioner on company letterhead, with the number of hours completed and contact information.

Please note: Clinical experience documented in combination with clerical duties (filing, answering phones, setting up appointments, etc) must be listed in separate form. If combined, hours will not count. No exceptions will be made.

The program is not responsible for assisting applicants in finding places of employment, shadowing opportunities, certifications, etc. It is the responsibility of the applicant to arrange their own opportunities to obtain clinical experience.

All hours must be completed by July 15th of the year planning to enter.

Acceptable Work:

Emergency Room Technician
Scribe
Military Medic, Clinical Specialist or Independent Corpsman
Surgical Technician
Radiological Technician
Emergency Medical Technician
Certified Nursing Assistant
Nursing
Orderly
Certified Laboratory Technician
Certified Pharmacy Technician
Phlebotomy
College or University Athletic Trainers
Shadowing a Physician, Physician Assistant, or a Nurse Practitioner in their routine duties. Shadowing physical therapists, chiropractors, etc. will not be accepted.
Certified Physical Therapist Assistant

Unacceptable Work:

Clerical duties for any organization
Veterinarian work
Medical answering service
Ward Secretary
Massage Therapist
Dental Assistant
In-home care assistant (i.e personal care giver for ill family member)
Shadowing of any profession other than PA, NP or Physician

The major factor is direct patient contact or observation of direct patient contact. Extra consideration is given to applicants who are compensated for their contact hours. If any questions exist, or if there is any doubt, please contact the

Physician Assistant Program

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