May 2000 Health care experience is one of the admission criteria for the UW-Madison Physician Assistant Program. Other demonstrated commitment to health care, shadowing physician assistants and community service are also regarded favorably, but do not carry the same weight as patient care. Applicants are encouraged to reflect on what they have learned from these experiences as they make their commitment to be a physician assistant. The PA program does not designate a minimum amount of health care experience. Successful applicants present experience ranging from two years of responsible volunteer experience to 10 plus years of professional experience in a health care setting.
Most applicants have experience in more than one setting.
Here are ways some successful applicants have acquired health care experience. Order does not indicate preference. Applicants should choose to work in a setting that reflects their personality and interests. Volunteer work in hospitals, clinics or nursing homes. Some successful applicants have found volunteer work in emergency rooms and other departments helpful in providing direct patient interactions.