Hey, future PA. Are you feeling nervous about your physician assistant clinical rotations? If so, you’re not alone! Many students feel both anxious and excited for their very first day of rotations—it is a HUGE milestone, after all.
Take a deep breath and remind yourself that learning happens beyond just books. In PA school rotations, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience that will help you apply your skills in a real-world setting. So, shake off those nerves, and let us help you prepare for the big day!
The Clinical Phase Of PA School
First, give yourself kudos for completing the didactic (classroom instruction) phase! It’s a challenge in itself, and you’ve done a great job to get to this point.
As a PA student, clinical rotations will take up a good chunk of your time. You’ll embark on a journey of completing more than 2,000 hours of supervised clinical rotations in the following possible specialities:
- Family medicine
- Internal medicine
- Obstetrics and gynecology
- Pediatrics
- General surgery
- Emergency medicine
- Psychiatry
Rotation length varies by school, but each is typically four to eight weeks long. Your PA school may also offer other clinical rotation opportunities in addition to those listed above, and oftentimes, you will have the option to select at least one elective clinical rotation that interests you!
How to Prepare for Physician Assistant Clinical Rotations
Now, what you came for. Learn everything you need to know about how to prepare for clinical rotations.
Research
Before your first day of PA clinical rotations, take some time to research and study. Ask yourself what you need to know for your specific rotation and get to it! Researching will help you gain confidence, enabling you to walk the walk and talk the talk on your first day. Remember, not everything is going to be intuitive during your rotations—you’re there to learn.
Don’t know where to get started? Check out these effective study tips for PA students.
Ask Questions
Have peers who’ve been in your shoes? Or are you a part of a PA community or forum? Reach out! You can acquire helpful advice and insights into the day-to-day tasks and challenges you may run into. With some words of wisdom, you’ll learn how to navigate complex situations and feel more prepared for your clinical rotation.
You can also reach out to your preceptor before your first rotation day. Introduce yourself to make a good impression and gather information you need to know if you haven’t already, like the location, when to arrive, contact information, and more.
Make a Checklist
Don’t forget anything on your way out the door. The night before your shift, choose your outfit and comfortable shoes. You can also make a list of what you need for the day, including lunch, snacks, a refillable water bottle, a pen, and a pocket-sized notebook. After your first week or so, you’ll get a better idea of what you’ll need for your rotation.
Arrive Early
Plan your commute! Look up on Google Maps how long it will take you, possible traffic, and what the address looks like. If you want to take it a step further, drive by the building before your first day. Make sure you arrive 15 minutes early to settle in and show that you’re both punctual and reliable.
Stay Engaged
You should make the most of your PA school clinical rotations and demonstrate that you’re engaged and ready to learn. This means resisting distractions, or your phone, to be frank. Observe, write down notes, ask appropriate questions, and take in every learning opportunity you can.
How Picmonic Can Help With Your Rotations
No rotation day will be the same. After you come home and unwind, tie each experience to a learning objective and ask yourself the following prompts:
- What did I learn?
- What did I miss?
- What can I do differently next time?
Then, review related topics of the day in Picmonic! Picmonic is a visual learning platform used by PA students nationwide to learn vital medical facts, test their knowledge, and retain information long-term.
It features short mnemonic videos, unlimited quizzing, and helpful resources. Study up with 21,000 need-to-know facts and download the Picmonic app. It’s perfect for PA school rotations, helping you review topics during your busy clinical day.
