RMUoHP PA PROGRAM
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are your rotations?
Currently, rotations for our 2020-2021 cohort are full-time (approximately 40 hours per week) for 5-weeks. High-need areas, like women's health, pediatrics, and emergency medicine may be about 2-2.5 weeks long and combined with a complimentary specialty like family medicine or urgent care.
What types of providers can precept PA students?
Our students may complete clinical rotations with MDs, DOs, PA-Cs, Nurse Practitioners, and CNMWs. Our curriculum requires clinical experiences in women's health (prenatal and gynecological), pediatrics, internal medicine, emergency medicine, family medicine, behavioral medicine, and surgery. Students are also given an elective rotation.
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Physicians should be board certified in the area of the designated rotation. Other providers must practice in the area of the designated rotation to qualify.
I'm still new to medicine, how long should I wait before I am allowed to precept?
We have no minimum experience requirements, but recommend providers have enough time to orient themselves to a new career/position. Most providers wait for at least one year before they feel ready to teach a student, but the decision is dependant upon personal preferences and administrative direction.
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What is a PA student allowed to do?
Preceptors are allowed to use their own judgment and discretion to determine what clinical encounters a PA student participates in during clinical experiences. We encourage preceptors to provide opportunities for our students to participate in at least 30% of higher-level experiences and decision-making (beyond just shadowing and basic encounters).
When determining what activities students may participate in consider:
1. Scope of practice for physician assistants
2. Comfort level of preceptor based on student competency and preparedness
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When can I expect my stipend?
Stipends are typically submitted 1-2 weeks after the end of each rotation. In order to qualify, preceptors must complete the required paperwork, including a W-9 and a direct deposit form. Payments are either submitted to your bank account through direct deposit or paid to your organization to distribute.
Preceptors with missing stipend paperwork have until the budget closes to submit their documents. Otherwise, payments will be forfeited.
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Due to organization contractual agreements and policies, some preceptors are ineligible for stipends for their service as a preceptor.
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