From the Research
Securing and retaining clinical sites for Physician Assistant students requires a multifaceted approach centered on building strong relationships with healthcare facilities and preceptors. This approach is crucial for providing students with varied experiences and ultimately benefiting patient care through the development of well-trained PA professionals. Programs should establish formal affiliation agreements with hospitals, clinics, and private practices that clearly outline expectations, liability coverage, and benefits for all parties involved. Financial incentives such as preceptor stipends, faculty appointments, library access, and continuing education opportunities can significantly enhance site retention, as noted in various studies 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Key Strategies for Securing and Retaining Clinical Sites
- Establishing formal affiliation agreements
- Providing financial incentives
- Regular communication between PA programs and clinical sites
- Comprehensive orientation and support for preceptors
- Developing a diverse network of sites across specialties and geographic areas
- Involving preceptors in program activities
Regular communication between PA programs and clinical sites is essential, including site visits, appreciation events, and prompt resolution of any issues that arise. Programs should also provide comprehensive orientation and support for preceptors, including teaching resources and clear evaluation tools. Developing a diverse network of sites across specialties and geographic areas helps distribute the teaching load and provides students with varied experiences. Additionally, involving preceptors in program activities such as admissions committees or guest lectures fosters deeper engagement. These strategies work because they address the primary concerns of clinical sites—time constraints, educational support, and professional recognition—while creating a collaborative relationship that benefits students, preceptors, and ultimately patient care through the development of well-trained PA professionals, as supported by the most recent study 5.