A minimum of 2,000 hours (accrued at the time of application submission) of health care experience in a position of responsibility is expected of all applicants. The 2,000 hours is the equivalent of one year of full time or a combination of many years of part time health care experience.   Applicants should apply when they have accrued at least the minimum number of required HCE hours.  The program will no longer project hours, so application submission should be timed with meeting at least the minimum 2,000 hours of health care experience. 

Preference is given to candidates with health care experience involving direct, 'hands-on' patient care, working with acutely sick or injured patients in a hospital or clinical setting. The experience can be obtained through paid or volunteer positions.  Hours obtained as a student (for credit) or for certification cannot be counted toward the 2,000 hour minimum requirement.

Health care experience is evaluated on the following criteria: 

Types of Health Care Experience

The Program doesn't necessarily base decisions on a position's title, but rather the duties and skills involved with the position.  However, we offer the types of experience below as suggested avenues for obtaining health care experience.  There may be other acceptable experiences, but just not mentioned.  Please use the criteria above when determining the type of experience to obtain prior to applying to PA school.