The one thing about applying to PA school that makes me want to pull my hair out is seeing the words: "direct patient care" on the admissions requirements. Ugh. That opens a can of questions.
How do you know how many hours? How do you know what counts as "direct" patient care? Does shadowing count? Is volunteering at a hospital good enough? Or does it have to be paid hours? These questions and many more flooded my mind and frustrated me to no end. My always solution to frustration is Google. However, in this case, Google was the antagonist. It further overwhelmed me because there are so many different viewpoints and perspectives on the subject. However, after weeks of trying to figure it out, I came up with a list of Dos and Donts for getting those hours and getting into PA school. 😀
DO Know the definition of Direct Patient Care. The definition is exactly what you would think. DIRECTLY interacting with the patient. This includes taking vitals, drawing blood, administering immunizations, educating patients, and talking to them about symptoms. If you are not touching or talking to a patient, it probably doesn't count for the hours requirement. Some examples include: Phelbotomy, Certified Nursing Assisting, Patient Care Tech, Volunteer in the ER, Physical Therapy Technician, etc.
DONT Assume that an activity or volunteer experience will suffice. Most schools will tell you what kind of direct patient care counts. However, as a rule of thumb, medical office receptionist, lifeguard, babysitter, etc. does not count. Kind of seems like common sense, but you'd be surprised. If you are wearing scrubs and are in a professional medical setting, you are on the right track.
DO Look at each school's healthcare experience requirements. There is no need to go the extra mile if you don't have to. Make a list of schools you'd like to apply to, and then visit the website of each one. Do they require a certain amount of hours? If so, what is acceptable? Each school is different, so make sure you take note. Write it down on your notebook or keep track on an Excel sheet; whatever will make it easiest for you to refer to.
DONT Lie about your patient care hours. As a future physician or PA, you should be honest and value integrity, so this is something you shouldn't do anyway. But, another reason to truthfully portray your experience is that some schools will call the facility and confirm your hours. If you lie about them....awk. Let's avoid that uncomfortable and compromising situation all together.
DO Keep track of your hours. To prevent making up hours or stress during the CASPA application process, record hours as you do them. Use an Excel sheet and take down the date, the number of hours, and the activity performed. Piece of cake.
DONT Stress. Most of y'all may still be finishing up your undergraduate degree. And that is completely okay! Between school, clubs, activities, studying, jobs, and a social life, you may not have time to volunteer or work in a medical setting 40 hours a week. I know I definitely didn't have time. So, I decided to take a year off and study for the GRE and work at an urgent care clinic as a medical assistant. But, that is something that is completely up to you. Do a little bit at a time. Volunteer here and there. Shadow on weekends or over holiday/ spring break. Do it at your pace.
DO Ask for help. I know when I was exploring ways to get my patient care hours in, I didn't know where to start. I felt completely overwhelmed. However, after talking to some friends in my major and using some networking skills, I found a job that works with my schedule and it is something I really enjoy. If you aren't enjoying what you do, then you probably aren't doing the right thing.
DONT Be afraid to call or email the admissions director at the school or schools you are applying to! There are admissions counselors there in order to help you. If you are questioning whether an experience will count, ask. Always ask if you are unsure. Best piece of advice I have friends.
Alright loves, that wraps up my take on direct patient care. Tell me what you do or did to get those hours! Per usual, I'd love to chat 💋
XOXO,
Madison
