UMSV 303 Admission Assessment for Patient Care Experience

Policy Name: Admission Assessment for Patient Care Experience

Applicants to the University of Mount Saint Vincent Master of Science Physician Assistant Program must demonstrate a minimum of 200 hours of direct patient care. This requirement must be fulfilled prior to the electronic submission of the CASPA application process. Direct patient care experience can take on many roles and responsibilities and can be either a volunteer or paid position. Physician assistant applicants should be familiar with healthcare environments, medical documentation, and the role of physician assistants within the medical community. The healthcare experience that is reported will be evaluated on an individual basis for each applicant.

Patient care experience is evaluated quantifying the level of healthcare experience as follows:

Patient Care Experience

1. The level is determined by the level of autonomy and education earned in the healthcare field.
2. Other life experience can be granted a commensurate level of points when comparing the education and professional level of functioning to the examples provided below.
3. Some examples, but not an inclusive listing, include:

• Physician Assistant (PA)
• Occupational Therapist (OTR)
• Physical Therapist (RPT and/or DPT)
• Speech Therapist
• MD, DO, DPM (Podiatrist), DCM (Chiropractor)
• Nurse Practitioner (NP)
• Registered Nurse (RN)

Professional Level Patient Care Experience

1. Requiring a baccalaureate degree or above.
2. Requires professional license.
3. Some examples, but not an inclusive listing, include:

• Respiratory Therapy
• Nutritionist
• Optometrist

Para-Professional Level of Patient Care Experience

1. Requiring an associate degree or professional diploma.
2. Requires licensure exam or registration exam.
3. Military training without a degree will qualify.
4. Some examples, but not an inclusive listing, include:

• Military Corpsman
• Athletic Trainer

Technical Certification with Patient Care Experience

1. Some examples, but not an inclusive listing, include:

• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-A)
• Paramedic (EMT-B)
• Electrophysiology Technologist
• Interventional Vascular Technologist
• Radiology Technician
• Emergency Room Technician
• Rehabilitation Technician
• OT/PT Aide

Basic Level/Auxiliary Level of Patient Care Experience

1. May require on-the-job training or basic certification.
2. Some examples, but not an inclusive listing, include:

• Medical Scribe
• Nursing Assistant/Aide
• First Responder
• Nutritional Educator