Students aspiring to be accepted in PA school are encouraged to complete 2000 hours of Direct Patient Care (DPC) experience before their intended matriculation. DPC means hands-on care for patients. Examples of DPC include taking vitals, bathing patients, transferring patients to wheelchairs, helping with bed pan and toilet, walking patients, drawing blood. The more hands-on patient care experience you have, the stronger you will be as a PA school candidate.
PA applicants without any previous health care experience are able to acquire DPC experience working as a medical assistant, CNA,and paramedic, EMT and other jobs.
One of the best healthcare jobs that will set you apart for PA school is working as a CNA ( Certified Nursing Assistant). Many people think CNAs only work in nursing homes, but there are CNA positions in hospitals too. If you decide to become a CNA to gain DPC hours for PA school, you will help patients with activities of daily living-such as bathing, dressing, bedpan, walking. People who opt to work in a clinical setting would gain experience taking vitals and assisting nurses and other health care providers. CNAs may also be hired as emergency room technicians. The emergency room is a great and unique place that can help you prepare for PA school.
Getting certified as a CNA is much easier and requires a very small investment compared with becoming a medical assistant, paramedic or EMT, these certifications require costly and lengthy training programs.
In Florida, you may take a short and affordable cna class to get prepared to challenge the FL CNA state exam. Cna Kwik Track in the Orlando area, offers a 4-day, 3-night, 2-day weekend and One Day cna courses. This CNA course in Orlando trains you in the clinical skills you need to know to pass the Florida cna state exam; the class is short, fun, effective and affordable. Call now 407-402-5823. We will help you to get the cna license fast investing little time and money.