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You are here: Home / Pre-Physician Assistant / Health Care Experience / Healthcare Experience Required for PA School: The Ultimate Guide

Healthcare Experience Required for PA School: The Ultimate Guide

February 2, 2015 By Stephen Pasquini PA-C 155 Comments

Get The PA Life PA School Applicant Google Spreadsheet to track and log all your application data including PA Schools, Prerequisites, HCE/PCE, Shadowing, Volunteering, Honors, Costs, and more! Click here

Health Care Experience Required by PA School The Ultimate Guide

Patient Care and Healthcare Experience for PA School

'GPA and performance in the prerequisites are undeniably very important but a meaningful HCE is a near second!' - Duke Physician Assistant ProgramClick To Tweet

Today we are going to tackle step 2 of my 5 steps to PA school series by taking a very detailed look at healthcare experience requirements for PA school.

Included, in this discussion is a side-by-side comparison of healthcare experience requirements of all PA programs in the United States.

PA is different from most other health professions in that to be competitive as an applicant it often requires a very large number of hours of paid healthcare experience.

But the question remains: How many hours of healthcare-related experience do you need to give yourself a competitive advantage along with a broad range of application options in the shortest amount of time?

What do you think?

Healthcare Experience Requirements for PA School

Below is a table comparing the hours of healthcare experience required and type of healthcare experience requested by the majority of Physician Assistant Programs in the United States.

Here are some of the fields that are typically accepted by most programs:

  • Military Corpsman
  • EMT or paramedic
  • Combat Medic
  • Registered Nurse (RN), BSN, LPN
  • EEG or EKG technician
  • Emergency room technician
  • Physical therapy aide
  • Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
  • Medical Assistant (MA)
  • Respiratory Therapist
  • Dietician
  • Phlebotomist
  • International healthcare based mission trips
  • Hospice
  • Medical Technologist
  • Licensed Practical Nurse
  • Dental Hygienist OR Technologist
  • X-Ray Technologist
  • Physical/Occupational Therapist
  • Medical Social Worker Mental
  • Health Care Counselor
  • Aide in Dialysis Unit
  • Optometry Assistant
  • Chiropractic Assistant

We have had many military medics as students in our program. This experience is a great foundation for the profession. - Elissa Love, BCM PA Program in Houston

Here are some activities that are typically not accepted by most programs:

  • Taking care of a family member is not really clinical experience. You can mention it and talk about the clinical care you provided, but it's not really what PA schools are looking for. (Although you should take care of your family)
  • Observation of any kind (i.e., shadowing a physician or PA)
  • Conducting research
  • Helping in the health center at a summer camp
  • Medical records personnel or clerical worker in a medical office or hospital
  • Pharmacy technician/clerk
  • Training without employment (such as EMT/MICT, etc.)
  • Healthcare experience which is part of a healthcare training program (i.e., clinical rotations, fieldwork, or internships)
  • Providing first aid as a coach, scout leader, etc

See more detailed list at the end of this post

Here are some activities that are highly variable:

  • Medical Scribe is one of those very gray areas in that it provides exposure but is not always hands-on. Many schools accept it and many don't.
  • Working as a medical interpreter
  • Volunteering
  • Athletic trainer

"We strongly believe that HCE is a predictor of success because it readies the student for the clinical environment, introduces them to pathophysiology, and prepares them for the rigor of our program and the demands and high standard of our didactic and clinical years." - Case Western Reserve University

Healthcare Experience vs. Patient Care Experience. What's the difference?

Healthcare experience versus patient care experience understanding the difference

In the CASPA experience section, you will be asked to enter both patient care and healthcare experience hours.

They sound like the same thing, but It's important that you understand the difference as you can only enter each experience once and schools may prefer one over the other.

Patient Care Experience (PCE): Experiences in which you are directly responsible for a patient's care. For example, prescribing medication, performing procedures, directing a course of treatment, designing a treatment regimen, actively working on patients as a nurse, paramedic, EMT, CNA, phlebotomist, physical therapist, dental hygienist, etc.

Healthcare Experience (HCE): Both paid and unpaid work in a health or health-related field where you are not directly responsible for a patient's care, but may still have patient interaction; for example, filling prescriptions, performing clerical work, delivering patient food, cleaning patients and/or their rooms, administering food or medication, taking vitals or other record-keeping information, working as a scribe, CNA (depending on the job description), medical assistant, etc.

To make it simple, think of patient care experience as hands-on patient care hours. Everything else is healthcare experience. It's also important not to "double-dip." You can enter your experience only once, but you can divide your experience hours from one job into both PCE and HCE.

For example, say you work at an interventional pain medicine clinic where you spend half your time at the front desk answering calls and the other half of your time as a patient care technician assisting in the surgery center. If you had 2000 hours of experience split equally, you would enter 1000 hours as HCE and the other 1000 hours as PCE. Problem solved!

"If one school accepts your experience as patient care experience, list it under patient care in CASPA. And the schools that don't count it as patient care let them make the decision to consider those healthcare hours so you don't jeopardize your chances at a program that does see them as direct patient care." - James Kim PA-S

How many patient care experience hours should you have to apply to PA school?

According to the latest PAEA program survey and report, for those applicants accepted to PA school, the average student had 2,664 patient contact experience hours. Accepted students had, on average, 756 hours of “other healthcare experience”, 338 hours of community service, 2,155 hours of other work experience, and 94 hours of healthcare shadowing.

Healthcare Experience Hours for PA School 2020
Source: PAEA program report 2019-2020

PA School Applicant Quick Tip:

Aim for at least 2,000 hours (one year of full-time work) of patient care experience.

Here is my healthcare experience prior to PA school

  • Two years working hands-on as an outpatient and inpatient phlebotomist and lab technician at the University of Washington Hospital as an undergraduate and one year part-time in the outpatient clinic.
  • Two years working for the Puget Sound Blood Center as a Senior Mobile Phlebotomist after graduation
  • Three months working with special needs youth through Seattle Parks and Recreation
  • One year working in medical records and shadowing with the PAs and doctors as a freshman at the UW (this is how I got my start in the hospital)
  • Many hours volunteering in patient transport and at Seattle Children's Hospital
  • Certification as an EMT (although I never worked as one so I guess this doesn't count, but it sounds good 🙂 )

Total hours: Upwards of 5,000 hands-on patient care hours + many as a volunteer

Take a minute (or thirty) to browse through the table and I will meet you again at the bottom for a heated discussion! (as well as the answer to the survey question above)

Table: Healthcare Experience Requirements by Physician Assistant Program (204 programs)

New tool! Explore healthcare experience requirements for all 256 PA programs and sort this among 14 other PA school requirements at The Perfect PA School Program Picker ⇒

Physician Assistant Program State Healthcare Experience Requirement
Adventist University of Health Sciences Florida 2,000 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care

Albany Medical College New York 1,000 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care

Alderson-Broaddus University West Virginia Not required
Anne Arundel Community College Maryland Preferred/recommended
Arcadia University Pennsylvania 200 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Arizona School of Health Sciences Arizona Preferred/recommended
Augsburg College Minnesota Preferred/recommended
Baldwin Wallace University Ohio Preferred/recommended
Barry University Florida, Virgin Islands Preferred/recommended
Bay Path College Massachusetts 500 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care

Baylor College of Medicine Texas Not required
Bethel University Tennessee Preferred/recommended
Bethel University Minnesota 250 hours

Acceptable Experience: Not specified

Boston University Massachusetts Not required
Bryant University Rhode Island 2,000 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care

Butler University Indiana Not required
Campbell University North Carolina 1,000 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care

Carroll University Wisconsin 150 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care. Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

CCNY Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education New York Not required
Central Michigan University Michigan 100 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care. Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Chapman University California 1,000 hours

health care related work experience, paid or voluntary.

Chatham University Pennsylvania Preferred/recommended
Christian Brothers University Tennessee See Program Website
Clarkson University New York 500 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Concordia University Wisconsin 124 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Cornell University New York No minimum

200 hour recommended.Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care. Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

CUNY York College New York 200 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Cuyahoga Community College/Cleveland State University Ohio Preferred/recommended
D'youville College New York 80 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care

Daemen College New York 120 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Des Moines University Iowa 750 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Desales University Pennsylvania 500 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care. Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Drexel University Pennsylvania 500 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care

Duke University Medical Center North Carolina 1,000 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care

Duquesne University Pennsylvania Not required
East Carolina University North Carolina See Program Website
Eastern Michigan University Michigan 500 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Eastern Virginia Medical School Virginia Preferred/recommended
Elon University North Carolina 250 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Emory University Georgia 2,000 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care

Franklin Pierce University New Hampshire See Program Website
Gannon University Pennsylvania 30 hours

Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care

Gardner Webb University North Carolina Preferred/recommended
George Washington University District of Columbia 1,000 hours
Georgia Regents University Georgia See Program Website
Grand Valley State University Michigan 500 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Harding University Arkansas 100 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine (FIU) Florida See Program Website
Heritage University Washington 1,000 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care

High Point University North Carolina 200 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care

Hofstra University New York 100 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Howard University District of Columbia 100 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Idaho State University Idaho Not required
Indiana State University Indiana Preferred/recommended
Indiana University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Indiana 500 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Interservice Texas  see program website
James Madison University Virginia 1,000 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care

Jefferson College of Health Sciences Virginia 500 hours

Acceptable experience not specified

Johnson & Wales University Rhode Island 250 hours

Direct patient care in the United States and in an allopathic or osteopathic medical setting.

Keiser University Florida see program website
Kettering College Ohio Preferred/recommended
King's College Pennsylvania 500 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care. Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Lake Erie College Ohio 250 hours

At least 50 of the 250 hours must be from direct shadowing of a licensed physician assistant. Here is the form for PA shadowing. Although this form does not need to be used exclusively, all prospective students will need to retain documentation. Documentation must be available for verification.

Le Moyne College New York 750 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Lenoir-Rhyne University North Carolina Not required
Lincoln Memorial Tennessee Preferred/recommended
Lock Haven University Pennsylvania see program website
Loma Linda University California 2,000 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care

Long Island University New York 500 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Louisiana State University - New Orleans Louisiana 80 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care. Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care. Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Louisiana State University - Shreveport Louisiana 80 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care. Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care

Lynchburg College Virginia 500 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Marietta College Ohio Preferred/recommended
Marist College New York 500 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care

Marquette University Wisconsin 200 hours

Acceptable experience not specified.

Marshall B. Ketchum University California Preferred/recommended
Mary Baldwin College Virginia  see program website
Marywood University Pennsylvania 500 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care. Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care. Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

MCPHS University (Boston) Massachusetts Preferred/recommended
MCPHS University (Manchester/Worcester) New Hampshire Preferred/recommended
MCPHS University (Manchester/Worcester) Massachusetts Preferred/recommended
Medical University of South Carolina South Carolina Preferred/recommended
Mercer University Georgia 1,000 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care. Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Mercy College New York Preferred/recommended
Mercyhurst University Pennsylvania 200 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Methodist University North Carolina 500 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care

MGH Institute of Health Professions Massachusetts  see program website
Miami-Dade College Florida see program website
Midwestern University (Downers Grove) Illinois Preferred/recommended
Midwestern University (Glendale) Arizona Preferred/recommended
Misericordia University Pennsylvania Preferred/recommended
Mississippi College Mississippi 1,000 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Missouri State University Missouri 500 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care

Monmouth University New Jersey 200 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

New York Institute of Technology New York 100 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Northeastern University Massachusetts 2,000 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care

Northern Arizona University Arizona 500 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Northwestern University Illinois see program website
Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale Florida Preferred/recommended
Nova Southeastern University, Jacksonville Florida Preferred/recommended
Nova Southeastern University, Orlando Florida Preferred/recommended
Nova Southeastern University, Southwest Florida Florida Preferred/recommended
Ohio Dominican University Ohio 250 hours

Acceptable experience not specified

Oregon Health & Science University Oregon 2,000 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care

Our Lady of the Lake College Florida 1,000 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Pace University New York 200 hours

Acceptable Experience Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care

Pacific University Oregon 1,000 hours
Penn State University Pennsylvania 500 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Pennsylvania College of Technology Pennsylvania see program website
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Pennsylvania see program website
Philadelphia University Pennsylvania 200 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Quinnipiac University Connecticut see program website
Red Rocks Community College Colorado 2,000 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care

Rochester Institute of Technology New York Preferred/recommended
Rocky Mountain College Montana 250 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions Utah 250 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care. Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care

Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine Illinois Preferred/recommended
Rush University Illinois see program website
Rutgers University New Jersey Paid experience with hands-on patient care. Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care. Shadowing a physician or physician assistant
Saint Catherine University Minnesota Preferred/recommended
Saint Francis University Pennsylvania Preferred/recommended
Saint Louis University Missouri 500 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care

Salus University Pennsylvania 300 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care

Samuel Merritt College California see program website
San Joaquin Valley College California see program website
Seton Hall University New Jersey 100 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Seton Hill University Pennsylvania 300 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Shenandoah University Virginia Preferred/recommended
South College Tennessee see program website
South University Georgia Preferred/recommended
South University, Tampa Florida see program website
Southern Illinois University Illinois Preferred/recommended
Springfield College Massachusetts  see program website
St. Ambrose University Iowa 500 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care

St. John's University New York Preferred/recommended
Stanford University California 3,000 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care. Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care

Stony Brook University New York 1,000 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care

Sullivan University Kentucky 250 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care

SUNY Downstate Medical Center New York A minimum of 225 hours of health-related experience
SUNY Upstate Medical Center New York 1,000 hours

health care related volunteer or employment experience-direct patient care preferred.

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Texas 40 hours

Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Thomas Jefferson University Pennsylvania Preferred/recommended
Touro College (Bay Shore) New York see program website
Touro College (Manhattan) New York see program website
Touro University - California California 500 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care

Touro University Las Vegas Nevada Preferred/recommended

Paid experience with hands-on patient care Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Towson University CCBC - Essex Maryland 800 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care. Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care. Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Trevecca Nazarene University Tennessee Preferred/recommended
Tufts University School of Medicine Massachusetts 1,000 hours

Acceptable Experience Paid experience with hands-on patient care

Union College Nebraska 480 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care. Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care. Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

University of Alabama at Birmingham Alabama Preferred/recommended
University of Arkansas Arkansas 500 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care. Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care

University of Bridgeport Connecticut 500 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care

University of California-Davis California 1,000 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

University of Charleston West Virginia Preferred/recommended
University of Colorado Colorado see program website
University of Dayton Ohio 250 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care. Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant.

University of Detroit/Mercy Michigan 1,000 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care

University of Findlay Ohio Preferred/recommended
University of Florida Florida Preferred/recommended
University of Iowa Iowa 1,000 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care

University of Kentucky Kentucky 1,050 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care. Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant.

University of Missouri - Kansas City Missouri Preferred/recommended
University of Mount Union Ohio see program website
University of Nebraska Nebraska Preferred/recommended
University of New England Maine 250 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care

University of New Mexico New Mexico 1,000 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care. Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

University of North Carolina North Carolina  see program website
University of North Dakota North Dakota 5,000 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care

University of North Texas HS Center Ft Worth Texas Not required
University Of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Oklahoma Preferred/recommended
University of Oklahoma, Tulsa Oklahoma Preferred/recommended
University of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 500 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care

University of South Alabama Alabama Not required
University of South Dakota South Dakota Preferred/recommended
University of Southern California California Preferred/recommended
University of St. Francis New Mexico see program website
University of St. Francis (Fort Wayne) Indiana 1,000 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care

University of Tennessee Health Science Center Tennessee 1,000 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

University of Texas - HS Center at San Antonio Texas Preferred/recommended
University of Texas - Medical Branch at Galveston Texas Not required
University of Texas - Pan American Texas 50 hours

Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

University of the Cumberlands Kentucky 500 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

University of the Sciences of Philadelphia Pennsylvania 400 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

University of Toledo Ohio Preferred/recommended
University of Utah Utah 2,000 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

University of Washington Washington 2,000 hours acceptable but 4000 hours recommended

Paid experience with hands-on patient care

University of Wisconsin - La Crosse Wisconsin see program website
University of Wisconsin - Madison Wisconsin see program website
Wagner College New York see program website
Wake Forest University North Carolina 1,000 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care.  Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care.  Shadowing a physician or physician assistant

Wayne State University Michigan 500 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care

West Liberty University West Virginia Preferred/recommended
Western Michigan University Michigan 1,000 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care

Western University of Health Sciences California see program website
Wichita State University Kansas see program website
Wingate University North Carolina 500 hours

Paid experience with hands-on patient care

Yale University School of Medicine Connecticut Competitive applicants are recommended (but not required) to have a minimum of six months full-time healthcare employment, or 1,000 total hours of hands-on patient care experience and/or community service in a healthcare setting. (see website)

If you found this table useful please share it with everyone you know :-). If you would like more info, updates from the blog and occasional free goodies please make sure to sign up for my email newsletter.

PA Program Experience Requirements by the Numbers

If you crunch the numbers, the table above reveals some very interesting facts:

  • A total of 32 programs require 1,000 hours (11%)
  • Only 8 of 288 PA programs nationwide require 2,000 hours (2.7%)
  • Only 1 program requires no healthcare experience whatsoever (0.03%)
  • A total of 84 programs label healthcare experience as preferred/recommended (35.29%)
  • The rest are somewhere in-between (49%) with 59 schools (22%) requiring only 500 hours

What do you mean by healthcare "hours"?

Just in case you are wondering: 2,000 hours is the standard definition of one year of full-time work.

Simply put, there are 52 weeks in a year, assuming 2 weeks of vacation and a standard 40 hours of work per week: 50 x 40 = 2,000.

Thus, a school requiring 1,000 hours would mean you could work part-time for one year and meet the healthcare experience requirements.

On the others side of the coin, a school such as Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center which used to require 40 hours of health care experience means you could have worked one day and then quit. 😉

By now you may be saying "This is great news, Stephen, only 11% of schools require more than 1,000 hours of healthcare experience, I can take it easy!"

Not so fast!

If you have read my post "Who Gets Into PA School? Here’s What You Need to Know" you may have noticed that according to the latest PAEA Annual Report on Physician Assistant Educational Programs in the United States, on average, among matriculating students just above 1 year (roughly 2,300 hours) of prior experience is most common.

You can see the full breakdown below:

FIRST YEAR CLASS HEALTH CARE EXPERIENCE HOURS FOR PA SCHOOL SOURCE PAEA
Source: PAEA Program Report

Just in case you are lazy curious I have included a list of links to PA programs which do not require healthcare experience (HCE) hours to apply.

PA programs in which no prior healthcare experience is required: 3 schools

Currently, there are 3 PA schools that do not require healthcare experience upon application.

Click Here to See the List

  1. Butler University Physician Assistant Program
  2. Western University of Health Sciences Physician Assistant Program
  3. Mary Baldwin College Physician Assistant Program

PA programs with healthcare experience NOT REQUIRED but RECOMMENDED/PREFERRED: 84 schools

Currently, there are 84 PA schools that have no healthcare experience minimums but to be competitive it is preferred/recommended.

Click Here to See the List

1. Adventist University of Health Sciences Physician Assistant Program

  • Our program seeks to educate individuals in becoming knowledgeable, compassionate and spiritually uplifting healthcare providers. Whether…
  • Address: Adventist University of Health Sciences 671 Winyah Drive Orlando, FL 32803
  • Web: http://www.adu.edu/academics/ms-physician-assistant

2. Anne Arundel Community College Physician Assistant Program

  • Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) and University of Maryland Baltimore Graduate School (UMB)prepares students to become competent,…
  • Address: Admission Office School of Health Professions, FLR 306101 College ParkwayArnold, MD 21012
  • Web: http://www.aacc.edu/physassist/

3. Arizona School Of Health Sciences Physician Assistant Program

  • The A.T. Still University Department of Physician Assistant Studies provides a learning-centered education that develops exemplary…
  • Address: Arizona School of Health Sciences 5850 E. Still Circle Mesa, AZ 85206
  • Web: http://www.atsu.edu/ashs/programs/physician_assistant/

4. Augsburg College Physician Assistant Program

  • The Augsburg PA Program was the first in the state of Minnesota. We have a long history of success with our graduates consistently passing…
  • Address: Augsburg College 2211 Riverside Avenue Campus Box 149 Minneapolis, MN 55454
  • Web: http://www.augsburg.edu/pa/

5. Barry University Physician Assistant Program

  • The Program seats students at the Barry University campus in Miami Shores, at St. Petersburg College, through a partnership with the…
  • Address: Barry University 11300 NE 2nd Avenue Miami, FL 33161
  • Web: http://www.barry.edu/physician-assistant/

6. Baylor College of Medicine Physician Assistant Program

  • Baylor College of Medicine is committed to being a national leader in advancing human health through the integration of patient care,…
  • Address: Baylor College of Medicine One Baylor Plaza M108 Houston, TX 77030
  • Web: http://www.bcm.edu/pap/

7. Bethel University Physician Assistant Program (Tennessee)

  • Bethel University’s mission is to create opportunities for members of the learning community to develop to their highest potential as whole…
  • Address: Bethel University 302B Tyson Avenue Paris, TN 38242
  • Web: http://www.bethelu.edu/academics/colleges

8. CCNY Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education Physician Assistant Program

  • The mission of The Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education at The City College of New York is to produce broadly-educated, highly…
  • Address: CCNY Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education PA Admissions Committee 160 Convent Avenue, HR 15 New York, NY 10031
  • Web: http://www.ccny.cuny.edu/sophiedavis/index.cfm

9. Chapman University Physician Assistant Program (California)

  • Our mission is to empower our local and global communities through training self-aware, inter-professional, well rounded physician…
  • Address: Chapman University One University Avenue Orange, CA 92866
  • Web: http://www.chapman.edu/crean/academic-programs/graduate-programs/physician-assistant/index.aspx

10. Chatham University Physician Assistant Program

  • The Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program at Chatham University provides academic and clinical training that will prepare…
  • Address: Chatham University MPAS Program, Office of Graduate Admissions, Berry Hall Woodland Road Pittsburgh, PA 15232
  • Web: http://www.chatham.edu/mpas/

11. Christian Brothers University Physician Assistant Program

  • The CBU Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies is located on the University campus. The cohort-based program consists of 110…
  • Address: Christian Brothers University 650 East Parkway South Memphis, TN 38104
  • Web: http://www.cbu.edu/PAS

12. College of Saint Mary Physician Assistant Program

  • The mission of the College of Saint Mary Physician Assistant Program is to establish an educational environment fostering academic…
  • Address: College of Saint Mary 7000 Mercy Road Omaha, NE 68106
  • Web: http://www.csm.edu/academics/health-human-services/master-science-degree-physician-assistant-studies

13. College of Saint Scholastica Physician Assistant Program

  • The College of St. Scholastica’s mission is to educate Physician Assistant students within a comprehensive, interprofessional and…
  • Address: College of St. Scholastica Office of Graduate Admissions 1200 Kenwood Avenue Duluth, MN 55811
  • Web: http://www.css.edu/graduate/masters-doctoral-and-professional-programs/areas-of-study/ms-physician-assistant.html

14. Cuyahoga Community College Cleveland State University Physician Assistant Program

  • To educate and prepare Physician Assistants to serve the health care needs of diverse communities.
  • Address: Cuyahoga Community College 11000 West Pleasant Valley Road Parma, OH 44130
  • Web: http://www.tri-c.edu/programs/physicianassistant/Pages/default.aspx

15. Eastern Virginia Medical School Physician Assistant Program

  • The MISSION of the EVMS Physician Assistant Program is to prepare students to provide health care in a broad range of medical settings by…
  • Address: Eastern Virginia Medical School 651 Colley Avenue 3rd Floor Norfolk, VA 23501
  • Web: http://www.evms.edu/education/masters_programs/physician_assistant_program/

16. Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine Physician Assistant Program

  • The mission of Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine Master in Physician Assistant Studies is to prepare a…
  • Address: Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine 11200 SW 8th Street MARC Building #260 Miami, FL 33199
  • Web: http://medicine.fiu.edu/physician-assistant-program/admission-requirement/index.html

17. Gardner Webb University Physician Assistant Program

  • Gardner Webb University PA Program Mission Statement The Gardner-Webb PA Program is deeply committed to developing within each student a strong foundation in the basic medical, clinical and psychosocial sciences. This provides our graduates with the…
  • Address: Gardner Webb University 110 S. Main Street Boiling Springs, NC 28017
  • Web: http://www.gardner-webb.edu/academic-programs-and-resources/colleges-and-schools/health-sciences/schools-and-departments/physician-assistant-studies/index

18. Hardin-Simmons University Physician Assistant Program

  • The Hardin-Simmons University PA Program is dedicated to academic excellence in medical education. Our mission is to develop compassionate…
  • Address: Hardin-Simmons University 2200 Hickory Street HSU Box 16236 Abilene, TX 79698
  • Web: http://www.hsutx.edu/academics/holland/graduate/physician-assistant/

19. Howard University Physician Assistant Program

  • Howard University Physician Assistant Program has been in existence since 1974. Howard University Physician Assistant (PA) Department has…
  • Address: Howard University 516 Bryant Street NW, #119 Annex 2 Washington, DC 20059
  • Web: http://healthsciences.howard.edu/education/colleges/nursing-allied-health/division-of-ahs/departments/physician-assistant

20. Idaho State University Physician Assistant Program

  • The mission of the Idaho State Physician Assistant program is to train PAs through service-oriented, multimodal, innovative learning.…
  • Address: Idaho State University 921 S. 8th Avenue Stop 8253 Pocatello, ID 83209
  • Web: http://www.isu.edu/PAprog/

21. Indiana State University Physician Assistant Program

  • The mission of the Indiana State University Physician Assistant Program is to create a student-centered educational environment that…
  • Address: Indiana State University 567 N. 5th Street Terre Haute, IN 47809
  • Web: http://www.indstate.edu/amr/physician-assistant

22. Keiser University Physician Assistant Program

  • Keiser University is a regionally accredited private career university that provides educational programs at the undergraduate and graduate…
  • Address: Keiser University 1500 NW 49th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
  • Web: http://www.keiseruniversity.edu/master-of-science-in-physician-assistant/

23. Kettering College Physician Assistant Program

  • The physician assistant (PA) program at Kettering College is the school’s first on-campus master’s degree, accredited as such…
  • Address: Kettering College 3737 Southern Boulevard Kettering, OH 45429
  • Web: http://www.kc.edu/pa

24. Lenoir-Rhyne University Physician Assistant Program

  • Our vision is that our graduates will be leaders in the healthcare community, healthcare technology, and clinical practice, continuously…
  • Address: 625 7th Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601, United States
  • Web: https://www.lr.edu/physician-assistant-studies

25. Lock Haven University Physician Assistant Program

  • The Lock Haven University Physician Assistant Program represents the first Master Degree entry-level program within the Commonwealth of…
  • Address: Lock Haven University Physician Assistant Program 401 N. Fairview Street Lock Haven, PA 17745
  • Web: http://portal.lhup.edu/pa/

26. Marietta College Physician Assistant Program

  • The mission of the Marietta College Physician Assistant Program is to help meet the need for qualified healthcare providers. The program…
  • Address: Marietta College 215 Fifth Street Marietta, OH 45750
  • Web: http://www.marietta.edu/departments/Physician_Assistant/index.html

27. Marshall B. Ketchum University Physician Assistant Program

  • MBKU will offer a 27 month Master of Medical Science (MMS) degree for the Physician Assistant program. PAs are health care professionals…
  • Address: Marshall B. Ketchum University 2575 Yorba Linda Boulevard Fullerton, CA 92831
  • Web: http://www.ketchum.edu/index.php/admissions/physician-assistant

28. MCPHS University Physician Assistant Program (Boston)

  • The mission of the MCPHS PA Program is to provide each student with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to provide quality medical care,…
  • Address: MCPHS University 179 Longwood Avenue Boston, MA 2115
  • Web: http://www.mcphs.edu/admission-and-aid/graduate-applicants/how-to-apply/physician-assistant-studies-mpas

29. MCPHS University Physician Assistant Program (Manchester) New Hampshire

  • Designed for students holding a bachelor’s degree in any field, the accredited Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program…
  • Address: 1260 Elm Street Room 122 Manchester, NH 3101
  • Web: http://www.mcphs.edu/academics/programs

30. MCPHS University Physician Assistant Program (Worcester) Massachusetts

  • The program prepares highly-qualified physician assistants who regardless of practice settings, are sensitive to both individual and…
  • Address: 19 Foster Street Worcester, MA 1608
  • Web: http://www.mcphs.edu/Academics/Programs

31. Medical University of South Carolina Physician Assistant Program

  • To educate highly competent physician assistants who are compassionate, culturally aware, and attuned to the primary health care needs of…
  • Address: Medical University of South Carolina Education and Student Life 171 Ashley Avenue Charleston, SC 29425
  • Web: http://www.musc.edu/chp/pa

32. Midwestern University Physician Assistant Program (Downers Grove)

  • The mission of the Midwestern University Physician Assistant (PA) Program is to develop competent and compassionate physician assistants…
  • Address: Midwestern University 555 31st Street Downers Grove, IL 60515
  • Web: http://www.midwestern.edu/programs-and-admission/il-physician-assistant-studies.html

33. Midwestern University Physician Assistant Program (Glendale)

  • Our rigorous program immerses you in basic and clinical sciences as you prepare to participate in 13.5 months of clinical rotations in…
  • Address: Midwestern University 19555 59th Avenue Glendale, AZ 85254
  • Web: https://www.midwestern.edu

34. Misericordia University Physician Assistant Program

  • The mission of the Misericordia University pre-professional Bachelor of Science in Medical Science program is to prepare exceptional…
  • Address: Misericordia University 301 Lake Street Dallas, PA 18612
  • Web: http://www.misericordia.edu/page.cfm?p=655

35. North Greenville University Physician Assistant Program

  • Affiliated with and committed to the South Carolina Baptist Convention, North Greenville University is a co-educational liberal arts…
  • Address: 405 Lancaster Avenue Greer, S.C. 29650
  • Web: http://www.ngu.edu/pa-medicine.php

36. Northeastern Statue University Physician Assistant Program – Oklahoma

  • Northeastern Statue University PA Program – Oklahoma Mission Statement The proposed Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program specifically addresses the mission and operational philosophy of the University by: (1) directly…
  • Address: Northeastern University 611 N. Grand Avenue College of Science and Health Professions Tahlequah, OK 74464
  • Web: https://academics.nsuok.edu/healthprofessions

37. Northwestern University Physician Assistant Program

  • The mission of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Physician Assistant (PA) Program is to prepare PAs to provide…
  • Address: Northwestern University 240 E. Huron Street Suite 1-200 Chicago, IL 60611
  • Web: http://www.northeastern.edu/bouve/pa/programs/ms.html

38. Nova Southeastern University Physician Assistant Program, Ft. Lauderdale

  • Our program has 14 full time faculty members who actively teach in class and laboratory sessions, as well as participate in various health…
  • Address: Nova Southeastern University Enrollment and Processing Services – PA Admissions 3301 College Avenue, PO Box 29900 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33329-9905
  • Web: http://www.nova.edu/chcs/pa/fortlauderdale/index.html

39. Nova Southeastern University Physician Assistant Program, Jacksonville

  • To provide an exemplary educational experience, which emphasizes primary medical care, yet will enable graduates to manifest competency…
  • Address: Nova Southeastern University 6675 Corporate Center Parkway Suite 115 Jacksonville, FL 32216
  • Web: http://healthsciences.nova.edu/pa/jacksonville/index.html

40. Nova Southeastern University Physician Assistant Program, Orlando

  • The Physician Assistant Program in Orlando offers educational excellence through the extensive experience of its faculty and its facilities…
  • Address: Nova Southeastern University 3301 College Avenue PO Box 299000 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33329-9905
  • Web: http://www.nova.edu/chcs/pa/orlando/index.html

41.  Nova Southeastern University, Fort Myers Physician Assistant Program

  • The NSU PA Program Fort Myers endeavors to provide an educational experience that emphasizes primary medical care, provides healthcare…
  • Address: Nova Southeastern University 3650 Colonial Court Fort Myers, FL 33913
  • Web: http://healthsciences.nova.edu/pa/fort-myers/index.html

42. Ohio University Physician Assistant Program

  • Ohio University PA Program Mission Statement The mission of the Ohio University Master of Physician Assistant Practice Program is to prepare students to be leaders in physician assistant practice in any clinical setting with a particular emphasis on…
  • Address: Ohio University 6805 Bobcat Way Division of Physician Assistant Practice Dublin, OH 43016
  • Web: https://www.ohio.edu/chsp/rcs/pa/

43. Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University

  • Our Lady of the Lake College PA Program Mission Statement The purpose of the Physician Assistant (PA) program is to educate outstanding physician assistants who, together with physicians and allied health professionals, will provide quality…
  • Address: Our Lady of the Lake College 5414 Brittany Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70808
  • Web: https://www.franu.edu/academics/academic-programs/physician-assistant-studies

44. Rochester Institute of Technology Physician Assistant Program

  • The Rochester Institute of Technology Physician Assistant Program, built on a foundation of liberal arts and sciences, will prepare…
  • Address: Rochester Institute of Technology Office of Admissions – Bausch & Lomb Center 60 Lomb Memorial Drive Rochester, NY 14623
  • Web: http://www.rit.edu/healthsciences/graduate-programs/physician-assistant

45. Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine Physician Assistant Program

  • To prepare exceptional healthcare professionals for leadership and evidence-based practice within a collaborative delivery model through…
  • Address: Rosalind Franklin University 3333 Green Bay Road North Chicago, IL 60064
  • Web: http://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/Degreeprograms/PhysicianAssistant.aspx

46. Rutgers University Physician Assistant Program

  • The mission of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Physician Assistant Program is to prepare primary care physician…
  • Address: Rutgers University 675 Hoes Lane West Piscataway, NJ 08854-5635
  • Web: http://shp.rutgers.edu/dept/primary_care/paweb/

47. Saint Catherine University Physician Assistant Program

  • Influenced by Catholic intellectual tradition, the MPAS program is committed to preparing competent and compassionate Physician Assistant…
  • Address: Saint Catherine University 2004 Randolph Avenue #4027 Saint Paul, MN 55105
  • Web: https://www.stkate.edu/academics/graduate-degrees/academic-programs/mpas

48. Seton Hill University Physician Assistant Program

  • The Physician Assistant Program at Seton Hill University is dedicated to the use of mobile technology to provide students with a quality…
  • Address: Seton Hill University 1 Seton Hill Drive Greensburg, PA 15601
  • Web: http://www.setonhill.edu/academics/graduate_programs/physician_assistant

49. Shenandoah University Physician Assistant Program

  • The Physician Assistant (PA) Program is an accredited, eight-semester, 30-month, graduate-level program leading to a Master of Science in…
  • Address: Shenandoah University 1460 University Drive Winchester, VA 22601
  • Web: http://www.su.edu/physician-assistant/

50. Slippery Rock University Physician Assistant Program

  • Slippery Rock University PA Program Mission Statement SRU’s Physician Assistant Studies 24-month program is a combination of academic and clinical instruction, blended course delivery (onsite and online), team instruction, and collaborative…
  • Address: Slippery Rock University Welcome Center, 105 North Hall Slippery Rock, PA 16057
  • Web: http://www.sru.edu/academics/graduate-programs/physician-assistant-studies-master-of-science

51. South College Physician Assistant Program

  • The mission of the South College Masters of Health Science in Physician Assistant Studies program is to educate highly qualified physician…
  • Address: South College 400 Goody’s Lane Parkside Campus Knoxville, TN 37922
  • Web: http://www.southcollegetn.edu/academics/academic-programs/master-of-physician-assistant-studies/

52. South University (Georgia) Physician Assistant Program

  • The Physician Assistant Studies program at South University exists to educate a diverse student population as providers of high-quality,…
  • Address: South University 709 Mall Boulevard Savannah, GA 31406
  • Web: https://www.southuniversity.edu/savannah/areas-of-study/physician-assistant/physician-assistant-master-of-science-ms#

53. South University Physician Assistant Program (Tampa)

  • The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program, offered at South University’s Savannah and Tampa campuses, offers you…
  • Address: Office of Admission 4401 N. Himes Avenue Tampa, FL 33614
  • Web: https://www.southuniversity.edu/tampa/areas-of-study/physician-assistant/physician-assistant-master-of-science-ms

54. South University Physician Assistant Program (West Palm Beach)

  • South University PA Program (West Palm Beach) Mission Statement The South University Physician Assistant (MS) exists to educate a diverse student population as providers of high-quality, cost-efficient health care who will make a positive difference…
  • Address: South University 9801 Belvedere Road Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411
  • Web: https://www.southuniversity.edu/west-palm-beach/areas-of-study/physician-assistant/physician-assistant-master-of-science-ms

55. Southern Illinois University Physician Assistant Program

  • The mission of the Southern Illinois University Physician Assistant Program is to prepare healthcare professionals to provide primary…
  • Address: SIU PA Program 600 Agriculture Drive Carbondale, IL 62901
  • Web: http://www.siumed.edu/paprogram/

56. Thomas Jefferson University Physician Assistant Program

  • The Jefferson School of Health Professions is committed to educating healthcare professionals of the highest quality and ethical standards…
  • Address: Thomas Jefferson University 130 S. 9th Street Suite 100 Philadelphia, PA 19107
  • Web: http://www.jefferson.edu/pa

57. Touro University (Las Vegas) Physician Assistant Program

  • The Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program is committed to the education of highly qualified compassionate Physician Assistants who…
  • Address: Touro University 874 American Pacific Drive Henderson, NV 89011
  • Web: http://www.tun.touro.edu/

58. Touro University Nevada Physician Assistant Program

  • The Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program is committed to the education of highly qualified compassionate Physician Assistants who…
  • Address: Touro University 874 American Pacific Drive Henderson, NV 89011
  • Web: https://tun.touro.edu/programs/physician-assistant-studies/

59. University of Alabama at Birmingham Physician Assistant Program

  • The mission of the UAB Surgical Physician Assistant Program is to provide qualified individuals with the knowledge, skills, and judgment…
  • Address: University of Alabama at Birmingham SHPB 437 1720 2nd Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35294-1212
  • Web: http://www.uab.edu/shp/cds/physician-assistant

60. University of Charleston Physician Assistant Program

  • The mission of the University of Charleston Physician Assistant Program is to prepare competent physician assistants who value and provide…
  • Address: University of Charleston 2300 MacCorckle Avenue SE Charleston, WV 25304
  • Web: http://www.ucwv.edu/PA/

61. University of Colorado Physician Assistant Program

  • The mission of the Child Health Associate/Physician Assistant Program is to provide comprehensive physician assistant education in primary…
  • Address: University of Colorado 13001 E. 17th Place Mail Stop F543 Aurora, CO 80045
  • Web: http://www.medschool.ucdenver.edu/paprogram

62. University of Evansville Physician Assistant Program

  • Small class sizes. Campus Location: San Rafael, CA, with many clinical placement sites
  • Address: University of Evansville 1800 Lincoln Avenue Evansville, IN 47722
  • Web:http://www.dbq.edu/Academics/OfficeofAcademicAffairs

63. University of Findlay Physician Assistant Program

  • The Physician Assistant Program at The University of Findlay is committed to providing its students with the medical knowledge necessary…
  • Address: The University of Findlay 1000 North Main Street PA Program Findlay, OH 45840
  • Web: https://www.findlay.edu/healthprofessions/physicianassistant-ma/

64. University of Florida Physician Assistant Program

  • The mission of the School of Physician Assistant Studies is to recruit high quality students to become exemplary physician assistants who…
  • Address: University of Florida College of Medicine Box 100176 Gainesville, FL 32610
  • Web: http://pap.med.ufl.edu/

65. University of Missouri – Kansas City Physician Assistant Program

  • To educate competent, compassionate, and culturally-aware Physician Assistants who are prepared to meet the healthcare needs of our…
  • Address: University of Missouri – Kansas City 2411 Holmes Street M1-103 Kansas City, MO 64108
  • Web: http://med.umkc.edu/pa/

66. University Of Nebraska Physician Assistant Program

  • The mission of the Physician Assistant Program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center is to educate a diverse student population as…
  • Address: University of Nebraska 984035 Nebraska Medical Center Omaha, NE 68198-4035
  • Web: http://www.unmc.edu/alliedhealth/education/pa/mpas/index.html

67. University Of North Texas HS Center Ft Worth

  • Opened in 1970 as the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM), our 2,100-student campus has grown to also comprise the Graduate School…
  • Address: UNT Health Science Center UNT Admissions 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard Fort Worth, TX 76107
  • Web: https://www.unthsc.edu/school-of-health-professions/physician-assistant-studies/

68. University Of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Physician Assistant Program

  • In order to assist in meeting the health care needs of the people of Oklahoma, the mission of the University of Oklahoma Physician…
  • Address: Oklahoma City University 2501 Blackwelder Ave 224 NW 19th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73106
  • Web: https://www.oumedicine.com/familymedicine/academic-information/pa-program-okc

69. University Of Oklahoma, Tulsa Physician Assistant Program

  • The mission of the Physician Assistant Program at the University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, is to train physician assistants…
  • Address: OUHSC Office of Admissions and Records 4502 E. 41st St. Tulsa, OK 74135
  • Web: http://www.ou.edu/content/tulsa/pa.html

70. University of Saint Francis (Fort Wayne) Physician Assistant Program

  • The Department of Physician Assistant Studies provides education in medical knowledge and skills needed by individuals to serve effectively…
  • Address: University of Saint Francis 2701 Spring Street Fort Wayne, IN 46808
  • Web: http://pa.sf.edu/

71. University of South Dakota Physician Assistant Program

  • The Physician Assistant Studies Program at the University of South Dakota provides a comprehensive primary care education that prepares…
  • Address: Physician Assistant Studies Julian Hall Room 120 414 E. Clark St. Vermillion, SD 57069
  • Web: http://www.usd.edu/health-sciences/physician-assistant/

72. University of Southern California Physician Assistant Program

  • The Primary Care Physician Assistant Program at USC is dedicated to the advancement of physician assistant education and emphasizes service…
  • Address: University of Southern California 1000 S. Fremont Avenue Unit 7, Building A-11, Room 150 Alhambra, CA 91803
  • Web: http://keck.usc.edu/Education

73. University of Texas – Medical Branch at Galveston Physician Assistant Program

  • To recruit, enroll, and graduate an academically, talented student body who will reflect the cultural, geographical, and socio-economical…
  • Address: The School of Health Professions The University of Texas Medical Branch 301 University Boulevard Galveston, Texas 77555-1145
  • Web: http://shp.utmb.edu/PhysicianAssistantStudies/

74. University of Texas – Pan American Physician Assistant Program

  • The mission of the Physician Assistant Department (PAD) at the University of Texas – Pan American (UTPA) is to provide an advanced…
  • Address: The University of Texas-Pan American 1201 W. University Drive Edinburg, TX 78539-2999
  • Web: http://www.utpa.edu/pad

75. University of Texas – SW School of Health Professions

  • Established in 1972, the Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program is a full-time, post-baccalaureate program that begins once a year…
  • Address: 6011 Harry Hines Blvd. Suite V4.114 Dallas TX 75390
  • Web: http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/pa

76. University of Wisconsin – La Crosse Physician Assistant Program

  • The mission of our program is to educate highly competent and compassionate physician assistants who excel in meeting the healthcare needs…
  • Address: 1725 State St. La Crosse, WI 54601
  • Web: http://www.uwlax.edu/grad/physician-assistant-studies/

77. UT Southwestern Physician Assistant Program

  • The Mission of the UT Southwestern Department of Physician Assistant Studies, in accordance with the Competencies for the Physician…
  • Address: UT Southwestern 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard Suite V4.114 Dallas, TX 75390-9090
  • Web: http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/education/school-of-health-professions/programs/masters-programs/physician-assistant-studies/index.html

78. West Liberty University Physician Assistant Program

  • West Liberty University began its Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program in July 2012. Students accepted into the…
  • Address: West Liberty University 208 University Drive CUB 173 West Liberty, WV 26074
  • Web: http://www.westliberty.edu/physician-assistant/

79. Yale University School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program

  • The mission of the Yale University School of Medicine Physician Associate Program is to educate individuals to become outstanding…
  • Address: Yale University School of Medicine Physician Associate Program, PO Box 208083 New Haven, CT 06520-8083
  • Web: http://www.paprogram.yale.edu/

80. Interservice Physician Assistant Program

  • The IPAP mission is to educate and train PAs for the uniformed services. Our graduates are commissioned into the officer corps of their…
  • Address: Interservice PA Program 3599 Winfield Scott Road Academy of Health Sciences, Graduate School JBSA Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234-6130
  • Web: http://www.cs.amedd.army.mil/ipap/

81. Quinnipiac University Physician Assistant Program

  • Fully licensed by the state of Connecticut, Quinnipiac’s physician assistant program leads to an MHS degree and provides the clinical…
  • Address: Quinnipiac University Office of Graduate Admissions 275 Mt. Carmel Avenue NH-GRD Hamden, CT 6518
  • Web: http://www.quinnipiac.edu/gradphysicianasst

82. Trine University Physician Assistant Program

  • All programs operate in accordance with the ARC-PA Standards, but programs may focus on specific populations, regions, teaching methods,…
  • Address: Trine University 1 University Avenue Angola, IN 46703
  • Web: http://www.trine.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/graduate/master-physician-assistant-studies/index.aspx

83. University of Mount Union Physician Assistant Program

  • The mission of the Mount Union Physician Assistant Studies Program is to educate knowledgeable, competent, and compassionate physician…
  • Address: University of Mount Union Physician Assisant Studies Program, 1972 Clark Avenue Alliance, OH 44601
  • Web: http://www.mountunion.edu/physician-assistant-program

84. Wichita State University Physician Assistant Program

  • With more than 100 years of combined clinical and more than 80 years of healthcare education experience, the department of Physician…
  • Address: Wichita State University 1845 Fairmount Wichita, KS 67260-0043
  • Web: http://www.wichita.edu/thisis/home/?u=pa

What constitutes healthcare experience (HCE)

As you can see from the table above, the acceptable experiential preparation requirements varies from school to school.

Most schools report accepting:

  1. Paid experience with hands-on patient care
  2. Volunteer experience with hands-on patient care
  3. Shadowing a physician or physician assistant as acceptable HCE.

Many schools don't accept shadowing or volunteer hours as acceptable HCE so, as always, you must check the school website and contact the PA program directly if you have any questions whatsoever.

In the PAEA graphs and tables above you may have noticed that HCE was broken down into 6 general categories. This is because CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants) has 6 experience categories for reporting work and volunteer activities and the PAEA report is based on CASPA applicants.

Again, some PA programs will not accept HCE outside of the patient care experience category, although many do.

CASPA Reporting Work and Volunteer Experiences Categories

For a wonderfully detailed look at how to report work and/or volunteer experience in each of these categories I recommend you check out Paul Gonzales' amazingly thorough explanation on his blog "Trust me, I'm a PA Student".

The six CASPA reporting categories are as follows:

 1. Patient Care Experience 

This is the most important section. List experiences in which you are directly responsible for a patient’s care; for example: prescribing medication, performing procedures, directing a course of treatment, working on patients as an active EMT, etc.

2. Other Health Care Experience

You are working in the health or a health-related field but are not directly responsible for a patient’s care; for example, filling prescriptions, performing clerical work, delivering patient food, cleaning patient rooms, working as a “Candy Striper” or hospital volunteer, etc.

3. Health Care Shadowing

Time spent officially following and observing a health care professional at work.

4. Research

Research projects done in addition to classroom work; research should NOT appear as credit on a school transcript.

5. Community Service

Volunteer work done outside of the healthcare field; for example, working for Habitat for Humanity, tutoring children, participating in or working for a fundraiser walk or blood drive, etc.

6. Other Work Experience

Paid work done outside of the healthcare field; for example a retail or restaurant job.

Let's look at what some of the PA schools themselves are recommending for  HCE:

Upstate Medical University’s Definition

Documentation of 1000 hours will be required prior to matriculation.

Preferred experiences: Military corpsmen or medic, nursing (ex. certified nurse assistant, nurses aide, RN, home health care aide), EMT’s employed full time (active hours only for EMT volunteers), paramedic, medical technologist, massage therapist, radiation therapist, respiratory therapist, phlebotomist, X-Ray technologist, medical imaging, clinical counselor, medical assistant, chiropractor, PT or PT aide, athletic trainer, New Visions, volunteer experience with direct patient care.

Acceptable: Shadowing a health care professional (200 hours maximum), Pharmaceutical Sales with patient contact, health-related research (will be reviewed on an individual basis), pharmacy technician (100 hours maximum).

(see program website)

Yale Physician Assistant Program Definition

Competitive applicants are recommended (but not required) to have a minimum of six months full-time healthcare employment, or 1,000 total hours of hands-on patient care experience and/or community service in a healthcare setting.  Preference is given to applicants having experience that requires a period of training and results in direct (hands-on) patient care.

  • Examples include: EMT, Paramedic, Registered Nurse, Medical Assistant, CNA, ER Tech, Physical Therapy Aide
  • Hours associated with the completion of academic degrees, certifications, or training will not count

Evidence of community service (i.e., healthcare for underserved populations, medical mission trips) is highly valued.

(see program website)

Northeastern Physician Assistant Program Definition

Evidence of significant direct hands-on patient care experience is required in order for applicants to have a basic understanding of and comfort with patient care as well as a minimum level of clinical maturity. Strongest preference will be given to applicants who have approximately 2000 hours of hands-on patient care experience prior to applying to the program. Applicants with less than 2000 hours may also be given consideration depending upon the strength of their entire application.

  • Hands-on patient care involves working one-on-one with patients and doing procedures that require touching patients yourself including, but not limited to:
    • taking vital signs
    • drawing blood
    • doing EKGs
    • changing bandages and dressings
    • casting and splinting
    • removing sutures and staples
    • bathing and toileting
  • A partial list of hands-on patient care positions includes, but is not limited to:
    • certified nursing assistant
    • medical/clinical assistant
    • ER tech
    • EMT doing more than patient transfer
    • physical therapy assistant
    • paramedic
    • nurse
    • physical therapist
    • respiratory therapist
    • medical corpsman

northeastern hands on patient care experience

(see program website)

 Full-time paid employment done after completing your bachelor’s degree is always most competitive! 

Health Care Experience that is NOT ACCEPTABLE for PA School

Just as it is important to know what to report as HCE, it is equally important to know what not to report.

Below is an example from the Duke University. The following types of experience are NOT accepted toward the 1,000 hours of patient care experience as required by Duke.

  • PA or physician observer or shadow
  • non-clinical research assistant positions
  • student clinical experience (student nurse, student EMT, student athletic trainer, or other health care student)
  • student "intern" experiences, candy striper or junior volunteer positions
  • CPR or ACLS instructor
  • wilderness medicine instructor
  • patient transporter
  • pharmaceutical representative
  • ski patroller
  • lifeguard
  • aerobics instructor
  • unit clerk, insurance clerk
  • medical secretary or other clerical positions.

Here is a list from South Carolina School of Medicine PA Program

Unacceptable forms of clinical experience include:

  • Veterinarian Assistant
  • Receptionist for Physician's Office
  • Administrator or Business Manager for Physician’s Office
  • Massage Therapist
  • Chiropractic
  • Acupuncture
  • Aesthetician
  • Dental Hygienist/Assisting
  • Inpatient Patient Transport/Orderly
  • Health Fitness Specialist
click here to see a list of what they consider acceptable experience

Acceptable forms of clinical experience include:

  • Shadowing of PA, NP, MD/DO
  • Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic
  • Military Medic/Clinical Specialist
  • Corpsman
  • Surgical Technician
  • Radiologic Technician
  • Certified Nursing Assistant
  • Laboratory Technician with phlebotomy experience
  • Phlebotomist
  • Athletic Trainer
  • Scribe
  • Nursing (CNA, LPN, RN, CMA)
  • Certified Physical/Occupational Therapist
  • PT/OT Assistant
  • Home health with verification of job duties
  • Medical Interpreter
  • Dietician
  • Pharmacy Technician

Does PA Shadowing Count Towards Healthcare Experience?

Applicants are encouraged to "shadow" a PA to become knowledgeable of the role of the physician assistant; More often than not this experience does not count as patient care experience, so as I always say, make sure to contact your PA program prior to submitting your application.

Two Thousand Hours

In his book Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking – Malcolm Gladwell identifies 10,000 hours (5 years of full-time work) as the amount of time it takes to become an expert in any given field.

You don't need to be a healthcare "expert" come application time but having a good number of HCE hours has big advantages.

When it comes to your PA school application and HCE it is important to focus on direct, hands-on patient care experience.

Although only 4% of schools require 2,000 hours or more, for the majority of PA school applicants, 2,000 hours (1 year) of direct, hands-on patient care experience is a good general rule of thumb.

  1. 2,000 hours of patient care experience places you close to the mean of 3,560 hours and above the median of 1,428 hours.
  2. It will make you much more competitive as an applicant and give you more options come application time.
  3. It will give you confidence in your decision to pursue PA as a career choice.
  4. You will have the necessary medical experience to sit comfortably in any interview situation.
  5. You will have the fuel for a killer personal statement.

My Healthcare Experience

When I applied to PA school back in 2004 I had roughly 5,000 hours of direct patient contact experience as well as quite a bit of work and volunteer experience both inside and outside the realm of healthcare. I accumulated this through work as a phlebotomist both as a student in the campus health clinic and then later after graduation while working in an outpatient mobile health setting.

Many schools at the time (specifically MEDEX and OHSU where I was hoping for acceptance) considered even this to be insufficient. I could have been patient and accrued more patient care experience and let more time pass but instead, I chose to throw a larger net and apply to schools that did not require so many hours. At the time many of these school were on the East Coast.

People write me all the time frustrated that their schools of choice won't give them the time of day. It is important to keep your options open, the wider the net you cast the greater your chances of catching a fish.

There are many ways to garner the patient care experience you need and the sooner you start the easier it will be to fulfill these requirements in a timely matter.

You should aim to have enough hours to be competitive, look at the median of accepted applicants, this is a good goal to have.

And most importantly it should not be seen as a burden to entry, it should be seen as an opportunity to get your hands wet in a field you love in preparation for a life of fulfilling work practicing what you love as a PA

Note:

This post is part two of my continuing series: The 5 Steps of PA School. To receive immediate updates when new posts are published sign up for the blog email.

Resources used for this blog post:

  • Physician Assistant Healthcare Experience Hours  Source: PAEA Program Directory
  • The PAEA Annual Report on Physician Assistant Educational Programs in the United States
  • The Physician Assistant SchoolFinder
View all posts in this series
  • How to Write the Perfect Physician Assistant School Application Essay
  • Prerequisite Coursework: How to Design the Perfect Pre-PA School Curriculum
  • Healthcare Experience Required for PA School: The Ultimate Guide
  • Secrets of Successful PA School Letters of Recommendation
  • The GRE and PA School: The Pre-PA Advisor Series

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  • The Pre-PA Advisor Series: Patient Contact Hours and Healthcare ExperienceThe Pre-PA Advisor Series: Patient Contact Hours and Healthcare Experience The Pre-PA Advisor Series Welcome to the PA Advisors Series - a special series of posts where PA school applicants like yourself ask the tough questions and admissions directors from top-ranking PA schools provide the […]
  • No Experience Required! 84 PA Schools That Don’t Require Healthcare ExperienceNo Experience Required! 84 PA Schools That Don’t Require Healthcare ExperienceAre you looking to get into PA School fast? Then skip the healthcare experience! Below is a list of 84 PA programs in the United States that do not require patient care experience for PA school admissions. I use "require" lightly […]
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Stephen has been a family practice PA since 2004 and is the creator of The PA Life and Smarty PANCE Board Review websites. A National Health Service Corps Scholar and a graduate of The University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ (Rutgers) PA Program and the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. Stephen's goal is to provide one-of-a-kind online resources for those interested in or practicing in the PA profession, to promote better access to healthcare for all, and foster universal recognition/awareness of the PA profession. Read more about Stephen.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sara Peterson says

    January 17, 2022 at 12:40 pm

    Is patient contact considered inferior if the patients are always unconscious? I’m interested in becoming a surgical PA and have been offered a job as an autotransfusionist (I’m certified as a CNA). I’d love to take the job as it would allow me to be present during lots of surgeries, but wonder whether the lack of interaction with conscious patients would make the experience less useful for applying to PA school.

    Reply
  2. Aliciante Parker says

    June 2, 2021 at 11:00 am

    Will working as a mental health technician/ direct support professional count as patient care experience / HCE as well? I am also wondering in Registered Behavioral orial Technician can count as PCE/HCE also.

    Reply
  3. Kelly B Pham says

    May 13, 2021 at 9:37 am

    Would working in an optometry office as a medical scribe be considered health care experience?

    Reply
    • Stephen Pasquini PA-C says

      May 15, 2021 at 7:34 am

      Most likely Kelly! But check with PA programs you are applying to as opinions around scribing as HCE/PCE varies widely.

      Stephen

      Reply
  4. Gabi Mirabella says

    April 12, 2021 at 12:37 pm

    Would working as a caregiver at a retirement home count for experience hours?
    Also, how can you get a lot of hours when you’re a full-time college student and don’t have any certifications?

    Reply
    • Stephen Pasquini PA-C says

      April 13, 2021 at 7:46 am

      Hi Gabi, yes, working as a caregiver should satisfy HCE/PCE hours for most PA schools. But as always, confirm this with PA programs you are planning to apply to as there is a tremendous amount of variability here on what programs do and don’t accept, along with their classification as PCE vs. HCE.

      Stephen

      Reply
  5. Ashton Tanner says

    April 4, 2021 at 3:38 pm

    There’s a job offering that includes OR technician/patient transporter. Can I be confident that schools would consider that patient-care hours?

    Reply
    • Stephen Pasquini PA-C says

      April 5, 2021 at 7:00 am

      Hi Ashton. Every program has its own definition of what is considered acceptable PCE/HCE experience. It is therefore essential that you review the requirements of each program you are interested in early on. If there is any doubt about what is considered acceptable, HCE/PCE, contact the program admissions department for clarification. Although you may not know all the schools you will apply to early on, as you go through this process, you will see trends and get a much clearer understanding of what schools are requiring. You will also make sure that you have the necessary requirements for those on the top of your list. Assemble all of this into a spreadsheet for cross-reference.

      Stephen

      Reply
  6. Julia says

    March 22, 2021 at 5:40 am

    Can shadowing hours be paid if I already work with a PA/MD? Or can they only be unpaid?

    Reply
  7. Sarah says

    May 28, 2020 at 5:50 pm

    I am debating how to count my experience as a camp counselor at MDA summer camp. I was directly responsible for a camper for the whole week, but I didn’t perform procedures or provide treatment. I provided assistance with ADLs, lifts and transfers, and pushing wheel chairs.

    Reply
    • Stephen Pasquini PA-C says

      May 28, 2020 at 6:55 pm

      Hi Sarah, it will depend on the program. Some may accept this as HCE/PCE while others may not.

      Reply
  8. Emma says

    August 20, 2019 at 6:57 pm

    Hi,

    For the schools that list “2000 hours of…” and it includes the paid hours, not paid and shadowing, how much of each area do you need? I.e. 2000 hours total with 1000 paid patient are hours, 500 non paid and 500 shadowing?

    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Stephen Pasquini PA-C says

      August 22, 2019 at 7:22 pm

      Hi Emma, it really depends on the school as they all have different requirements and to make it even more difficult they have different definitions of what qualifies as HCE vs. PCE, etc. etc. So it’s imperative that you research this on the school’s website and contact them if there is anything that is unclear.

      Stephen

      Reply
  9. Gregg Manion says

    March 8, 2019 at 2:44 pm

    HI; I have a question.

    I am at the point of my life where I can finally go back to school and complete a career change. I am 38, I have a Bachelors degree and graduated with a 2.75. Im starting in the fall to do all the pre-reqs, I have none. But my admissions counselor, says this is a amazing chance to pull your GPA up. In the next year ill be taking the GRE also. SO I know I need the 2000 hours, is my plan. Being I work full time to support myself for now, how would you recommend me obtaining these hours?

    Also, in 2004 through 2008 I was a licensed EMT and worked fulltime. So I am not sure those count, but I plan to atleast do more to ensure im competitive. I thought about volunteering at a hospice.

    Do you think I have a shot after all my pre-reqs are completed to get into a school in GA, NC or FL?

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      October 6, 2020 at 12:25 pm

      What are the pre reqs for PA school for classes?

      Reply
      • Stephen Pasquini PA-C says

        October 11, 2020 at 3:13 pm

        Hi Lisa, since there is no institutional standard it’s best to reference each PA program website. Although you can use other online resources or PA program reference materials which attempt to aggregate this information it changes so frequently I would only trust the source. Alas, another great way to collect this information is by creating a CASPA account. As you add PA programs to your list you will be able to see their prerequisite requirements. You can create a CASPA account for free here: https://caspa.liaisoncas.com/

        P.S you do not need to be actively applying to create an account and there is no penalty for creating an account early.

        Stephen

        Reply
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Excellent service! The editor did a great job of working with me to write my personal statement as I wanted. They also provide some pointers and tips on how to write which is good for supplemental essays and writing prompts.

Ryan, Pre-PA

We worked on my essays back in summer and oh, how much work it was! But it all paid off because I just got accepted into the school of my first choice! Thank you so much for your time and dedication to my success. I will also be glad to recommend your services to other pre-PA students at my school!

Jennifer, H Pre-PA

Duke went above and beyond to help me. I so appreciate his help and would recommend this service to anyone!

Jessica H. Pre-PA

Carly was excellent! She was very quick to provide edits and did a thorough job. She really helped me with the flow of my essay. I will be sure to let you know if I receive any interview invitations. Well worth the money! I feel confident in my essay.

Casey, Pre-PA

After receiving two edits from Carly I feel extremely confident in my personal statement. She not only fixed grammatical error and syntax, but helped me better organize my thoughts into a competitive essay. To other Pre-PAs looking to submit their essays: I know it’s a bit of an investment but the peace of mind, comfortability, and confidentiality is so worth it! Thank you The PA Life!

Elizabeth, Pre-PA

I am mind-blown by my editor Carly’s work. My original essay is like an ill-fitting suit. She hemmed and adjusted it in all the right places and now it looks perfect. I don’t think I’m a bad writer, but I don’t write often and I have spent the past 10 years of my life focused on health sciences. I may have never been able to do this on my own. Thank you thank you, I consider this essay service a bargain.

Rebecca, Pre-PA

Sue was amazing! She was very quick at replying to my emails and looking over my paper and application. She was so helpful and has a way with words. I know I will continue to use her services throughout my application process!

Miranda, Pre-PA

I wanted to reach out and thank you for your help with my personal statement. I received compliments about my essay at every interview I had. I also wanted to let you know that I will be attending Duke’s PA Program – my top choice. Your help was amazing! Thank you so much again!

Kelli Tseng, PA-S

I just want to thank you again so much for being so awesome and helping me perfect my statement. I promised you that I would let you know if I got into any programs, and I was offered interviews at all the five universities I applied to. And I got offered positions at my top two school choices shortly after I interviewed. I am so ecstatic to say that I will be going to my number one school choice. I know multiple factors contributed to this opportunity being offered to me and the personal statement was surely a big one. Thank you so much for all that you do. It was really a great investment to have you edit my paper. I hope you have a fantastic rest of your day!

Elisa, PA-S

I am so happy to have gone through this editing process! I did not think you would take so much time to not only give me great feedback but also to edit and revise my paper like you did. I am so happy with my new revised paper and will definitely tell my friends!

Eric, Pre-PA

My editor knew exactly what kind of edits I was looking for and addressed all of my questions/concerns I had about my essay. I will definitely be recommending this service to my club members and friends.

Stephanie, Pre-PA

Carly is absolutely amazing, and I would recommend her to everyone. She was very helpful and supportive with her edits and why she recommended certain changes. She is amazing, and she helped me tell my story.

Peter, Pre-PA

I want to let you know that I got accepted into Misericordia University PA program starting the Summer of 2021. So far, I have had two interviews, one rejection and one acceptance. I have two more interviews coming up, and other schools are still reviewing applications. You have been a huge part of my application process, and I just want to appreciate your time and efforts you put in during my application. Thank you, and God bless

Jani, PA-S

AMAZING EDITS. Really opened my eyes to a new perspective of what a personal statement should really be like!

Jasmine, Pre-PA

A couple of months ago you worked with me on improving my personal statement. I wanted to reach out and let you know that it worked out! I got 5 interviews and so far have been accepted to 2. I am so so thankful for all your help as I don’t think it would have worked out without your amazing editing skills. Thank you for all you do! Not just me but for all the applicants you helped get accepted this year!

Matthew B. PA-S

Sarah was amazing and so helpful with thoroughly explaining her edits! I was so impressed with the first edit. She really took my theme to the next level and really helped tighten the flow of my essay. During our first phone call, I was amazed by how quickly she incorporated my new ideas/suggestions. Sarah is extremely clever with re-wording and cutting down unnecessary words, allowing you to elaborate more on important things. I can’t say enough good things about Sarah! I am so thrilled with my result!

Khanhi, Pre-PA

Sarah was a tremendous help to me and provided me with thoughtful edits that really made my personal statement stand out from the crowd. She was very easy to work with and really seems to care about each of her clients. I really enjoyed working with her and highly recommend her as an editor. As of today, I have 3 interviews scheduled, including one at my top choice school! Thank you!

Andrew, Pre-PA

I absolutely loved working with Sarah! She provided the best feedback to my personal statement, while also being sensitive to the details regarding personal family trauma. At the end of our sessions, I always felt confident in the statement and knew that Sarah would help me best articulate into words what I wanted to say. My statement now is something I can be completely confident in, and know that Sarah has been able to help me achieve a statement that prospective schools will pay attention to. Thank you, Sarah (and The PA Life) for everything!

Elizabeth, Pre-PA

Sarah did such an excellent job editing my personal statement that I wanted her expertise for my supplemental essays. I’ve had multiple interview invites so far. I’m so glad I used this service, and I’m so glad I had Sarah’s help! She really took my essays to a whole new level and had good suggestions. I’m recommending her to my peers.

Emily Crenshaw, Pre-PA

Thank you so much for helping me with my physician assistant program application essays and interview! I am so excited to let you know that I received multiple PA school acceptances and have decided that I will be attending Cornell University’s PA Program in New York City. The program begins in February 2019 and I cannot wait to begin!  I truly appreciate all your help and encouragement throughout my PA application process.

Christine Chen, PA-S

I just wanted to update you that I got waitlisted for Drexel but accept to Dominican University of California. I still have other interviews coming up. Thank you for your help!

Karmen Wu, Pre-PA

I have been accepted to my first-choice program!! UC Denver, I don’t have to move! I have also received three other interviews so far. Thank you so much for your help with my personal statement. You eloquently helped me state my desires and strengths for the career. I am beyond thrilled and thankful.

Nika (Future PA)

I was accepted into PA last cycle and am currently in my second semester! I am a part of the inaugural class at Keck Graduate Institute. Your services really helped me during the application process. I enjoyed working with Sarah on my personal statement. She helped me view my experiences from a different perspective, making my personal statement more unique and stand out amongst other applicants. The mock interview was also very helpful and prepared me for my one and only interview. I was given great pointers and feedback on how to refine my answers. Thank you again for your services!

Michelle Chen, PA-S

I just wanted to let you know that I was accepted in the UW MEDEX program at my home campus in Anchorage, AK. After the long journey I’ve had, I finally was accepted to my top choice! It still seems surreal and I couldn’t be more excited! Thank you so much for the help and insight you gave me. I truly believe it helped prepare me and not be as nervous. I will definitely recommend you to anyone I know who is applying in the future.

Melanie, PA-S

I have recently been accepted to a program that was one of my top choices, and I also was waitlisted with two other schools. I wanted to thank you again for all your help Duke.  Not only am I grateful for your knowledge of writing and grammar (which were invaluable), but most importantly your kind word and motivation, which I needed so much at the time.  You’re a great person!

Alex Taylor, PA-S

I finally have amazing news. So first of all, in total, I was offered 13 interviews. I was just offered a seat at Nova Orlando! I am finally going to be a PA and a big part of that was from all of your help with my personal statement. So thank you very much for helping me succeed during this round.

Jennifer, PA-S

Loved this service and working with Sarah. She was super helpful and easy to talk with. Will definitely recommend this service to others.

Diana, Pre-PA

I just wanted to email you and let you know that 3 weeks post-interview with Gannon, I was accepted into the class of 2023! I am so excited and thrilled and I know that your help, helped me. So, thank you!

Cailin, PA-S

The service provided was excellent. I really appreciate Duke taking the time and reviewing my essay multiple times and at that same time, making sure I am comfortable with the wording. Thank you for all your help!

Foram Patel, Pre-PA

I am pleased to tell you that I have been accepted to PA school, starting in 2-weeks.? I appreciate everything you have done for me, from helping with my personal statement to preparing me for interviews. You have been with me since the beginning of the application process and I really wanted to thank you.

Shane, Pre-PA

I truly appreciate the ideas and comments Deanna provided for my personal statement. Without her expertise in having an understanding of what PA programs are looking for in a personal statement, I would have gone in a completely different and possibly wrong direction. I highly recommend this service!

Victoria, Pre-PA

Carly was excellent! Not only did she make my essay much more compelling, but she understood the deadlines I wanted to reach and helped me do that! 10/10!!

Jesse Cordova, Pre-PA

Sarah helped to condense my detailed thoughts into a powerful essay. Over the phone, she was careful to collaborate with me before making any changes so that the piece remained under my control and in my voice. She served as a guide and insured the essay brought out my strengths and reasons for pursuing the PA profession. Overall, I’m incredibly happy with the service!

Julie, Pre-PA

Carly did a great job helping my personal statement flow from paragraph to paragraph. She truly helped me show throughout the essay why I wanted to become a PA. What I really appreciated was she explained why each change was made; comments and reasons which not only helped with this one time essay but for all my future essays as well. Definitely was worth it!

Kathleen, Pre-PA

Very helpful. I needed help figuring out what to cut and Sue was great at showing me what could go without sacrificing what I was trying to convey.

Dave, Pre-PA

Sarah Morris Schultz was my PA statement editor and she was absolutely fabulous! She helped to shave my original 4-page long, winding PA statement down to a 2 page impactful, poignant, moving statement that lead me to get accepted to a Doctor of Medical Science program in Physician Assistant Studies. She has such a gift for writing and knowing how to say things in just the right way and use the right words! One of the DMS PA program committee members started off my video conference online interview by stating that my PA statement was the best he ever read, not “one of the best” but THE BEST statement. My heart leapt. My PA statement years ago had caused me NOT to get accepted to the school that I had hoped. I did get accepted to a good PA school, got my degree, and started practicing in this field that I love. However, this time I decided to humble myself and get help writing a good statement. Praise God, it paid off. I am so grateful for the PA Life service and fee for the one-on-one service is worth every penny! I recommend everyone get Sarah Morris Schultz. She’s the bomb.com! I love you, Sarah 🙂

Sonja D. PA-S

Sarah from The PA Life was an incredible resource for editing my personal statement. Her edits took into account the big picture of the message of the statement and helped guide me when writing additional content my statement was lacking. Her edits and responses were both prompt and thorough, and I truly feel that she made a huge positive impact on my personal statement.

Travis, Pre-PA

I’ve had several people look at my essay in an effort to gauge whether the content was strong and to help clean it up and cut characters – none were as helpful as Carly. Carly’s editing truly helped make a difference in the quality of the essay, and while there’s still quite a bit of character cutting I have to do, I am more prepared now than I was before. I am so happy I chose to work with The PA Life.

Kristen, Pre-PA

Sue was extremely prompt and thoughtful in providing her comments, edits, and revisions. My essay had a good start but she helped me write it with admissions committees in mind. I will keep you updated on if I get interview invitations.

Kirsten, Pre-PA

I received an acceptance call from USC! I’m going to be a PA! ??‍⚕️ I’m so overfilled with joy and gratitude!! All of my experiences led to this, and I can’t help but feel immense gratitude for every single person that was part of this journey. You were a huge component of this journey, and I am so appreciative of all of your help. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Cintia Chávez, PA-S

I just wanted to share some amazing news with you! I have been accepted into the MEDEX PA program in Seattle!!! I can’t thank you enough for all your help!! I am beyond excited and still can’t believe it is actually happening! Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!!!!! 😀

Pavitra, PA-S

I was so glad that I chose to have Duke look over my essay, he turned it from long, rambling, and scattered to a much more concise, well written essay. I really feel as though it represents me well! Duke always responded quickly and I felt as though I got a lot of value for the money. Thank you!

Jennifer B. Pre-PA

Sue Edmonson has been a great help in ensuring my personal statement made sense and fit what information I was trying to convey. Her ability to find the pertinent parts in an essay and gain more information about me to make the essay seem relative to my pursuits was truly a Godsend. Would recommend her and your company to others. Thanks!

Christopher Ohsie, Pre-PA

Deanna (my editor at The PA Life) is the GOAT. She went so far above and beyond all my expectations. My jaw was on the floor reading my personal statement after she worked on it.

Austin, Pre-PA

I am so happy with the service Sarah provided! My personal statement turned out exactly how I was hoping it would!

Jennifer, Pre-PA

Working with Sarah felt like working with an old friend. Her thoughtful insight made the revision process easy. She had great advice for improvements to make while remaining within that difficult 5,000 character limit. Thanks, Sarah, you helped a ton!

Ryan, Pre-PA

Mr. Pasquini was very patient, accommodating and direct in his editing/advice. He was honest, in a way that I needed due to the importance of the letter. I even picked up a few tips to enhance my writing from our meetings. Great experience and will definitely recommend him to others!

Alana P. Pre-PA

I was extremely stressed out about writing my personal statement, and finally decided to search the internet for advice and assistance. I came across the personal statement editing service on the PA Life, and decided to give it a try. I received a response within a day, and my stress was instantly relieved. I worked personally with Duke to edit my statement, and he is a phenomenal writer. He didn’t change the content of my statement, but rather helped me tell my story in a way that is much more desirable! I cannot recommend this service enough to others seeking help on their personal statement. Duke was friendly, sincere, and definitely experienced! I felt 100% confident in his editing abilities, and we worked together the entire time so that we were both pleased with the results! Thanks again, Duke, for all of your help!

Chelsie W. Pre-PA

I came into this with a half written personal statement and not a lot of time left. I am beyond pleased with the work Sarah and I were able to accomplish together, and I’m so grateful to have gotten the chance to work with her. She has helped me so much with getting my writing to where I wanted it to be, and has instilled in me a great sense of confidence in myself and my abilities. I highly recommend this service to anyone going through the stress of applying! Keeping my fingers crossed as I submit my applications!

Celine, PRE-PA

Deanna was professional, prompt, and easy to talk to. I truly enjoyed working with her one-on-one for my personal statement. Her suggestions elevated my writing, and I appreciate all the work she put in my essay.

Jamie, Pre-PA

My experience with the PA Life personal statement collaborative was simply remarkable. My editor did an outstanding job making sure that my personal statement reflected my BEST work and addressed all of my concerns regarding the essay and other questions I had about my application. I can’t thank you enough for all the help I received during this process. Thank you!

Erika, Pre-PA

I used the personal statement editing service through The PA Life, and I worked with Sarah. She was AMAZING and made such a difference in both the quality of my personal statement and in my confidence as an applicant. That said, I’m so grateful to say I’ve been accepted into two out of the three programs I applied to and have an interview with the third on Friday of this week. I couldn’t be more excited!

Nikki, PA-S

Sue is so incredibly kind! I needed so much help on cleaning up my personal statement and overall flow of the writing. She provided great insights and explanation.

Laila, Pre-PA

Duke helped me with my essay and he was great! He really helped me fine tune my essay so it’s ready for submission and answered all of the question I had about small details in my essay. He was also great about responding to emails in a timely manner. I definitely recommend this personal statement review service to anyone who’s applying to PA school…even if it’s just as a final read-through before submitting it on their application.

Tyler J. Pre-PA

I really appreciated Carly’s attentiveness to my writing style and working to keep my message and content but working it in a way that reads easier. I appreciate her turnaround time, as well as priority deadlines for programs, are quickly approaching!

Jacob, Pre-PA

Carly was helpful and gave insightful comments while helping me to create more impact within my sentences. I feel confident and at ease knowing that my supplemental application has been reviewed in a thorough manner. Thank you for all your help!

Mina, Pre-PA

Awesome editing service! Everything was detailed, and I could tell that my editor really cared about helping me produce a great personal statement.

Ashanna, Pre-PA

Sue Edmondson was VERY thorough in her editing of my essay, as well as the promptness of her responses to me. She not only took the time to edit the grammar of my essay but helped me remove a large portion of it to focus on the important aspects of it and draw in more details. Overall, a fantastic service!

Megan Hunstad, Pre-PA

Sarah Schultz is such a gifted and talented writer. She is super sweet and is a joy to work with. I could not have asked for a better editor. She was able to articulate all of my ideas and thoughts seamlessly and effortlessly. Although challenging at times, her suggestions and edits were very insightful and necessary into creating a spectacular essay. I am extremely pleased with the outcome. It is now a true work of art. I am so grateful to Sarah for offering her time to helping individuals like myself to write the best possible personal statement. I would not have been able to write such a cohesive and smooth flowing essay without her help. Thank you so much!! I would unhesitatingly recommend The PA Life Essay Collaborative and Sarah Schultz.

Patrick, PRE-PA

I just wanted to give you an update! So far I have had two interviews and been accepted to both! I have three more interviews scheduled as of right now, and still waiting to hear from a handful of schools. Thank you so much for all of your help with my essay!

Jennifer Bidwell, PA-S

I just want to follow up and let you know that I have been so fortunate enough to have conducted 3 interviews and received 3 acceptances, and I have decided to continue my educational journey at the OHSU PA program. I can’t thank you enough for all the help you’ve provided me, from helping me with my personal statement to mock interviews. I couldn’t have done this without your help, thank you.

Yomiyu Gafesu, PA-S

My editor was amazing! She took everything I asked and did editing that was above and beyond. She was also great at communicating and taking my comments/opinions into consideration. 10/10 would recommend!

Ravee, Pre-PA

I was very pleased working with Duke on my personal statement. I’m currently in the middle of applying to PA school, so I haven’t heard back from the programs. I’m looking forward to the experience though.

John R. Pre-PA

I’m so happy with the amount of time and attention that Duke and Sue put into helping perfect my essay. I’m extremely fortunate to have come across Stephen’s page and this opportunity- I would have sent in an essay that unknown to me at the time, had issues and needed many improvements. I’m almost to the point where I’m going to submit my application, and will definitely update the team on prospective interviews. I cannot thank you guys enough for having this essay review service available, you definitely make it worth every dollar and more.

Tiffany Ly, Pre-PA

Your services have eased the stress and anxiety that results from guessing whether or not your essay contains the content that many PA programs are looking for. Your services were prompt and genuine. It is clear that you have the applicant’s success at heart. Thank you!

Madison Pre-PA

I just wanted to let you know that the majority of my interviews have gone really well! So far, I’ve received six interview invites and have interviewed for five schools. Midwestern (AZ) just got back to me a bit ago, and they sent me an acceptance email! I am beyond thrilled! I just wanted to thank you so much for your help! Your mock interview gave me a lot of confidence that I was able to carry into my interviews! I appreciated having the opportunity to practice my interview skills with you. I wanted to let you know just how much you’ve helped me with my application process (with my interviews, personal statement, and just my confidence in general)! Thank you so much for all of the advice over the past few months!

Sneh, PA-S

This experience was great. They took my essay and gave great constructive comments that made it an even better essay. Very fast and efficient process.

Gabby, Pre-PA

Deanna was amazing! She really went above and beyond the single-edit that I could afford. I consider myself a pretty good writer, but she helped me focus and ground my story without sacrificing the overall creativity of the original piece. All I can say is wow! If there ever was something worth the money, this service is it!

John S. Pre-PA

Deanna was an absolute joy to work with. Not only was she a wonderful writer and editor, but she helped me develop my thoughts and produce a personal statement I was proud to submit. She helped me refine my ideas, and concise my writing to illustrate my reasons for wanting this career. She was also very prompt in responding to my emails and questions. I am very happy with my personal statement and would recommend this service to anyone who is considering this service or feels stuck in their writing process.

Maddie, Pre-PA

Sarah is an amazing writer. She helped clarify my thoughts and encouraged me on this journey. When/ if I get an interview, it will be because of her amazing writing skills.

Araceli, Pre-PA

I just wanted to let you know that I got accepted into the RFU PA program! Thank you for all your help and support during the application process. Couldn’t have done it without you!

Zakira, PA-S

Ms. Edmondson was incredible! She provided great feedback and answered all of my follow up questions. I will keep in touch as to my interview offers.

Ashley, Pre-PA

I LOVED the suggestions Carly made for my essay. Not only was she thorough with her edits, but she also provided a lot of quality feedback that really made my essay shine. Carly took my unedited, messy essay and helped me better convey what I was trying to say. I have nothing but positive things to say about this experience and feel this service was worth every penny.

Rachel, Pre-PA

I was very pleased with this service. Writing has never been my strongest area. While I had the ideas that I wanted to convey I wasn’t able to articulate them as well as I’d hoped. Carly provided comments and suggestions without altering my central thesis. Any questions that I had were answered quickly and thoroughly. Any grammatical mistakes were also addressed which put my mind at ease. I would recommend The PA Life personal statement essay revision service to anyone applying.

Keith G, Pre-PA

Duke helped me write a great personal statement. I won’t know if I’ve been accepted to the program until Christmas/New Year’s, but I feel that it was worth every penny!

Alicia C. Pre-PA

Very prompt response and turnaround time. While I did not speak with Duke over the phone, his team’s edits were thorough, clear and very helpful. Highly recommended.

Dave H. Pre-PA

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101 PA School Admission Essays

Admissions Directors Know What They Want. Shouldn't You? You’re slaving away at your personal statement, but can’t help wondering if anyone will read past the first line. A troubling thought, isn’t…

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How to Write Your Physician Assistant Personal Statement

What Makes This Book Unique? We have worked with 1000’s of applicants through our Personal Statement and Essay Collaborative and have interviewed PA school faculty and Admissions Directors from 12…

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