Physician Assistant Program
318 Porter Building
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
734.487.2843
chhs_paprogram@emich.edu
Clinical Experience / Health Care Hours
A minimum of 500 hours of clinical experience must be completed prior to application to the EMU PA Program. Clinical Experience / Health Care Hours are defined as any of the following: time spent directly participating in hands-on patient care, observing interaction between health care providers and patients or health care-related interactions with providers. Clinical Experience / Health Care Hours can occur in a volunteer (including student internships) or paid position in a wide range of health care settings. Hands-on or direct patient care experience is not required by the EMU PA program.
For your reference, we have compiled the following list of examples of approved and unacceptable experiences:
Approved experiences include, but are not limited to:
- Athletic trainer
- Chiropractor
- Chiropractor assistant
- Clinical laboratory technician
- Dental assistant
- Dental hygienist
- Emergency medical technician
- Emergency room technician
- Exercise stress test technician
- Laboratory technologist
- Medical assistant
- Medical interpreter
- Medical scribe
- Military medical/clinical specialist
- Nursing assistant or aide
- Nurse
- Occupational therapist
- Occupational therapy assistant
- Ophthalmic assistant
- Paramedic
- Patient care technician
- Pharmaceutical or medical device representative
- Pharmacist
- Pharmacy technician
- PhlebotomistÂ
- Physical therapist
- Physical therapy assistant
- Radiological technician/technologist
- Respiratory therapist
- Surgical technician
- Shadowing a PA or MD/DO
- Veterinary technician or assistant
Unacceptable examples include, but are not limited to:
- Aerobics instructor
- Companionship or respite care
- Lifeguard
- Hospital greeter
- Massage therapist
- Medical office secretary or other clerical/non-clinical positions
- Non-clinical research assistant
- Personal care or home care (bathing, grooming and assisting with activities of daily living)
- Personal care of a friend/relative
- Shadowing anyone other than a PA or MD/DO
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that they have successfully completed at least 500 hours of approved clinical experience / health care hours prior to application.
Preference will be given to candidates with direct patient care experiences, particularly those that require specific training, high level medical decision making and/or registration/licensure. Preference will also be given to candidates who have completed greater numbers of hours of clinical experience.
Questions
If you have specific questions regarding this admissions requirement, please contact us via email (chhs_paprogram@emich.edu) with your job title and description of duties.
