Students in the PCA Program have a minimum of 18 months full-time direct patient care experience. Prior clinical experience is obtained through formal allied health disciplines such as nursing, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, or paramedic medicine. Other candidates have been technicians and aides. Both PA and NP students build upon previous skills to assume a new role in health care. Academically, the student's previous preparation varies from an associate degree to postdoctoral level.
All students receive a certificate of clinical proficiency upon completion of the program.