In-patient experience will be arranged by the program. The preceptorship must be in California. Co-preceptors are allowable as long as one serves as overall and responsible preceptor. Preceptor should view preceptee as a student, not a paid employee. Willingness to hire student after graduation is nice, but not necessary.
Students are self-insured for malpractice and worker's compensation.
The preceptorship occurs in all five quarters. 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.