PA Program Clinical Education

The clinical year of the PA Program takes students from the theoretical classroom setting to an active, hands-on learning environment to prepare them for a lifetime of continued refinement of skills and expanded knowledge as a practicing PA. The WSU PA Program is fortunate to have the support of healthcare providers across the state (and beyond) who are willing to serve as clinical rotation preceptors and mentors for our students. Our clinical rotation sites are located in a wide variety of communities and in a wide variety of healthcare settings.

Goals of the Clinical Year

It is intended that PA students experience and participate in as many clinical experiences as possible. To this end, the goals of the clinical year include:

  • Apply didactic knowledge to supervised clinical practice
  • Develop and sharpen clinical problem-solving skills
  • Expand and develop the medical fund of knowledge
  • Perfect the art of history taking and physical examination skills
  • Sharpen and refine oral presentation and written documentation skills
  • Develop an understanding of the PA role in health care delivery
  • Prepare for the PA National Certification Exam
  • Develop interpersonal skills and professionalism necessary to function as part of a medical team

Required Clinical Rotation Experiences

During the clinical year of the program, students will be exposed to healthcare provided to patients in a variety of specialties in a variety of healthcare settings. The clinical year consists of 7 core and 2 elective rotations scheduled by the Program. An individualized clinical rotation schedule is developed for each student in order for each student to meet the following clinical rotation requirements:

Required Rotations*
Required Rotations*
  • Family Medicine
  • Surgery
  • Internal Medicine
  • Pediatrics
  • Women’s Health
  • Behavioral Health/Psychiatric
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Elective Rotation (Two)

* Two rotations must occur in a rural or undeserved setting

Become a Clinical Preceptor

 

Clinical Preceptor Quick Guides / Resources

Behavioral Health Electives Emergency Medicine Family Medicine General Surgery Internal Medicine Pediatrics Women's Health

Please contact us at any time at paclinical@wichita.edu or 316-978-3011

Upcoming Clinical Year Rotation Schedule

Rotation Begins Ends
Rotation 1 July 22 August 20
Rotation 2 August 26 September 24
Rotation 3 September 30 October 29
Rotation 4 November 4 December 3
Rotation 5 January 6 February 4
Rotation 6 February 10 March 11
Rotation 7 March 24 April 22
Rotation 8 May 12 June 12
Rotation 9 June 16 July 15

Clinical Preceptor Frequently Asked Questions 

Who can precept PA students?

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the PA (ARC-PA) stipulates that clinical preceptors may include: physicians who are specialty board certified in their area of instruction, NCCPA certified PAs, or other licensed healthcare providers qualified in their area of instruction (e.g. nurse practitioners or midwives).

What types of preceptors are in highest demand for the WSU PA Program?

Every student must complete a rotation within Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Women’s Health, Pediatrics, Behavioral Health, Emergency Medicine and Surgery as well as two elective rotations within other areas.  However, we currently have a shortage of preceptors specifically within Women’s Health, Pediatrics, and Behavioral Health.  

What can I expect from a second year WSU PA student on clinical rotations?

You will find WSU PA students to be exceptionally well prepared and very comparable to a medical student.  The didactic curriculum includes 54 credit hours of advanced anatomy, pharmacology, and clinical medicine courses across all body systems as well as evidence-based practice and interprofessional education.  A 2nd year student should be able to perform comprehensive and focused H&Ps and develop a list of differential diagnoses and next steps.  They have had some practice with patient education, standardized patients, and common medical procedures and most have had direct patient care experience even before starting the PA Program. 

How much time is required of me as a preceptor?

Student are required log AT LEAST 160 hours for each rotation. Students are expected to conform to your schedule, including evening, weekends, and holidays as needed.

How do I assess student performance and provide feedback?

We ask you to provide students with regular feedback regarding their performance throughout the rotation as well as a mid-rotation evaluation.  At the conclusion of the rotation, you are asked to submit an electronic evaluation (mostly Likert scale questions) assessing student progress with regard to the rotation learning outcomes and the student’s proficiency with certain clinical skills.

Am I responsible for the student during the entire rotation or can they spend time with others?

Students may spend time with other qualified practitioners within the practice.  All preceptors must complete a preceptor profile.  It is typical for some groups to identify a primary preceptor who will be responsible for coordinating the student’s experience.  The student can then spend time with several practitioners within the group over the course of the rotation.

Are the students and institution covered under insurance?

Yes, WSU carries institutional insurance and all PA students are covered.

Clinical Education Faculty and Staff

Stephen Lewia DMSc, PA-C

Assistant Clinical Professor and Director of Clinical Education

stephen.lewia@wichita.edu

316-978-5685

Julie Slade, MS, PA-C

Assistant Clinical Professor and Director of Clinical Development & Operations

julie.slade@wichita.edu

316-978-5682

Melanie Bayles

Clinical Coordinator

melanie.bayles@wichita.edu

(316) 978-5680