All PA programs either require or strongly recommend hands-on patient care experience as a prerequisite to admission. The actual requirements vary from program to program, so it is essential that you visit the website of each school that interests you to make sure that you meet their specific requirements.
What counts as "hands-on patient care experience?"
Most programs will define this as any work experience where you interact with patients directly in a clinical capacity. Some examples include medical assistant, nurse's aide, patient care tech, phlebotomist, EMT tech, physical therapy tech, and so forth.
What does not count?
Non-clinical positions such as receptionist or medical records clerk will not satisfy this requirement. Also, many programs will not count volunteer experience to fill the patient care experience requirement, even if it is technically hands-on patient care.
How do I get work experience?
This one is up to you. Many students choose to complete a CNA training program through a local school. Others train to be phlebotomists or EMTs. Some Nursing homes offer to pay for your CNA training if you agree to work for them for a certain time. You might also be able to find a job as a PT aide (which may not require training.) It could cost you money to get the training necessary for a hands-on position. Jobs that require no formal training are few and far between, so if you are going home for the summer, you might consider enrolling in a CNA course at a tech school in your hometown.
Why do I need work experience?
PA programs want to be sure that you really understand the profession and that you have a good grasp on what working in the health care system is really like. They know that if you have worked in the field for an extended period of time, you have had a chance to become familiar with the basics of medicine, and also to get comfortable with one-on-one patient interactions as a provider.
Will a school ever waive this requirement?
In short, no. Most programs will state on their webpage exactly how much is required, and this is generally inflexible. However, there are a few programs which state that work experience is strongly recommended, but not required. You might try applying at these schools, but keep in mind that your application will be viewed more favorably if you have at least some work experience (or hands-on volunteer experience) on there.
Do I have to have the hours by the time I apply, or just by the time I graduate?
You should aim to have the required number of hours completed by the time that you submit your applications, as this is what most schools consider when reviewing your file. You might still be okay to apply if you are close but not quite there, although I would recommend that you contact the program to make sure it's okay. Otherwise, you'll be wasting money on a useless application.
Do some schools require more hours than they state on their webpages?
Yes and no. Most websites will honestly state that the given hour requirement is a minimum requirement. As a general rule of thumb, more is always better, but your application will still qualify for committee review if you have at least the minimum number of hours stated. Just be aware that the committee could consider this a weakness in reviewing your application, so you must be sure to have the strongest possible application in every other way.