First-year PA School Clinical Placements: What to Bring and How to Prepare
In first year of PA school, all Canadian PA programs provide students with exposure to patient care through clinical placements. This may include observership with some element of hands-on patient care. Here we provide an overview of what to expect and how to make the most out of the experience!
What is a Clinical Placement in 1st year PA School?
Clinical observerships are an essential part of the PA (Physician Assistant) education program, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in a patient-focused environment.
This may take on different names at the different PA programs, for instance:
McMaster University’s PA Program: Longitudinal Placements (LPs), or IER Placements
University of Toronto’s PA program: Longitudinal Clinical Experiences (LCEs)
Manitoba PA program: Clinical Electives for PAS1
What are the Benefits of Clinical Exposure in 1st year?
As a PA student, you will have the opportunity to observe and work with experienced healthcare professionals, giving you a glimpse into the day-to-day responsibilities of a PA (or other health care provider). This type of clinical exposure provides a valuable opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills, making you a well-rounded and competent future PA.
The benefits of clinical observerships are numerous.
You will be able to observe a wide range of medical procedures and patient interactions, giving you a more comprehensive understanding of the PA role. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive guidance from experienced professionals, which can help to further your education and career.
This is also a great preview for clerkship (2nd year of PA school!). If a placement goes well and you feel like it provided a great learning environment, you could ask the preceptor to complete an elective clerkship rotation next year!
How much patient contact will I get during a clinical placement in first year?
One of the benefits of a clinical observership is the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and interact with patients. However, the amount of patient contact you can expect will depend on the setting and the rules and regulations in place.
You may be able to observe patient exams and procedures, and assist with certain tasks under the supervision of your preceptor.
Who precepts 1st year PA students during clinical placements?
During a clinical placement, you will be precepted by a licensed PA, a physician, or another healthcare professional. This individual will serve as your mentor and guide, providing you with insight into the field and offering support and guidance as you learn.e
Dress Code and Professionalism
One of the first things you should consider when preparing for a clinical placement is what to wear.
Appearance is important in a healthcare setting, as it reflects both your professionalism and respect for the patients and staff. Most clinical settings have a strict dress code, so it is important to research and understand the dress requirements beforehand.
As a general rule, you should aim to dress conservatively and professionally.
This may mean wearing scrubs, a white coat, or business attire, depending on the setting. It is always better to err on the side of caution, so opt for attire that is more formal than casual.
In addition to dressing appropriately, it is also important to maintain a professional demeanor throughout your clinical observership. This means following all protocols, showing respect for patients, staff, and your preceptor, and being attentive and engaged in all aspects of the clinical experience.
Expectations of a clinical observer include being punctual, professional, and respectful at all times. You should also be an active learner, asking questions and seeking feedback from your preceptor. This is your opportunity to gain hands-on experience and expand your knowledge, so make the most of it.
Actionable tip: Research the dress code for the clinical setting beforehand. This will help ensure that you are prepared and dressed appropriately for the observership.
What to Bring and Prepare
You should aim to bring everything you need to make the most of your experience and ensure that you are prepared for any situation.
Here are some items you may want to consider bringing with you:
Notebook and pen for taking notes
Identification (e.g. student ID, driver's license)
Stethoscope (not all placements require this, you can ask ahead of time!)
Snacks and water
Any necessary personal items (e.g. medications)
Actionable tip: Make a checklist of items you need to bring and tasks you need to complete before your clinical observership. This will help ensure that you are prepared and ready to make the most of your experience.
Background Reading Before your Clinical Placement
It is also important to prepare for your clinical observership in other ways. For example, you may want to review any relevant reading materials or familiarize yourself with the relevant anatomy and physiology, or medical conditions and procedures you may encounter. This will help you to be more engaged during the placement.
It does not need to be comprehensive reading, but a quick glance of some common conditions that are typically seen in that practice setting.
Reading before your clinical placement will not only help you to be more knowledgeable and engaged during the experience, but also demonstrate your commitment to learning and your interest in the field.
Tip: Make a list of relevant reading materials and set a goal to read at least a few of them before your clinical observership. This will help you to be better prepared and make the most of the experience.
Professionalism on Placements
As a PA student, it is important to maintain a professional demeanor during your clinical observership. This will help to create a positive impression.
Here are some tips for remaining professional during your clinical observership:
Be punctual and reliable
Dress appropriately and maintain good personal hygiene
Show respect and follow the rules and regulations of the healthcare setting
Avoid using your phone or engaging in other distractions while in the clinical setting
Be engaged and participate in discussions and activities
Ask informed and relevant questions
By following these tips, you can demonstrate your professionalism and commitment to the field, and gain the most from your clinical placement experience.
Actionable tip: Take some time to reflect on your own professional demeanor, and consider any areas you may need to improve before your clinical observership. This will help you to be prepared and confident in your ability to remain professional during the experience.
Summary of Tips
Research the facility and the preceptor you will be working with before your clinical observership. This will help you to be prepared and confident, and ensure that you are well-informed about the clinical setting.
Make a list of relevant reading materials and set a goal to read at least a few of them before your placement. This will help you to be better prepared and make the most of the experience.
Take some time to reflect on your own professional demeanor, and consider any areas you may need to improve before the placement. This will help you to be prepared and confident in your ability to remain professional during the experience.
Dress appropriately for the clinical setting and maintain good personal hygiene. This will help to create a positive impression and demonstrate your professionalism.
Be prepared and organized by bringing necessary items such as a notepad, pen, and stethoscope.
Be engaged and participate in discussions and activities during your clinical placement Ask informed and relevant questions to demonstrate your interest and commitment to the field.
Avoid using your phone or engaging in other distractions while in the clinical setting. Focus on being present and attentive during your placement.
Final Notes
Clinical placements are an exciting opportunity in first year of PA school to gain hands-on experience in a real-world setting.
By understanding the benefits and expectations of a clinical observership, dressing appropriately, bringing necessary items, reading before the experience, and remaining professional, you can make the most of this opportunity and set yourself up for success as a future PA!
