Two programs, two rules
| Program | Patient care rule |
|---|---|
| University of Florida | At least 1,000 hours of direct patient care by August 1 of the application year, paid or volunteer. Academic credit, shadowing and observing do not count. |
| Eastern Michigan University | Volunteer work in a medical setting and student internships do not count as clinical hours. Hours must be done before you apply: hours after you submit CASPA may not be used. |
Eastern Michigan also gives preference to applicants with more clinical hours and with direct patient care that needs specific training or a license. Read the admissions page of every program on your list before you count an hour toward it.
Log each hour so it counts where you apply
- The type: direct patient care, other healthcare work, shadowing or volunteering. Programs draw the lines differently, so keep them apart.
- Paid or volunteer: some programs care, so write it down.
- Your role and duties: what you did with patients. A clear description helps a program give you credit.
- Dates and a supervisor: for each job or shift block, with an email you can reach later.
Track it free
In My Award Tracker, log patient care under Clinical experience and shadowing under Shadowing, then set a goal for the number your target program asks, such as 1,000 patient care hours. You see the hours left and the weekly pace, and supervisors confirm hours by email. Applying to medical school as well? See the pre-med hours guide and the college students page.
Frequently asked questions
How many patient care hours do I need for PA school?
Each program sets its own minimum. The University of Florida, for example, requires at least 1,000 hours of direct patient care by August 1 of the application year.
Do volunteer hours count as patient care for PA school?
It depends on the program. The University of Florida accepts paid or volunteer direct patient care, while Eastern Michigan University does not count volunteer work in a medical setting.
Does shadowing count as patient care?
Not at programs such as the University of Florida, which says shadowing and observing are not direct patient care. Log shadowing separately.
Can I keep adding hours after I submit CASPA?
Some programs credit hours up to a date, such as August 1 at the University of Florida; others, such as Eastern Michigan, do not use hours after you submit CASPA. Check each program.