In order for complete application packets to be processed and reviewed, the LMU-Tampa PA Program must receive the following four (4) items on or before November 1st.
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Electronic applications submitted via CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants) (https://portal.caspaonline.org/).
- 2 letters of recommendation:
- Applicants are required to submit two professional letters of reference to CASPA. One letter/reference must be from a medical professional (PA, MD, DO, NP) who has observed the applicant in a clinical setting.
*The program will only evaluate the first two letters that meet the criteria submitted if more than two letters are received. Letters of Recommendation from family members or friends will not be accepted.
- While not required, applicants are strongly encouraged to obtain a minimum of 500 hours of direct patient care experience (DPCE) prior to applying.
- Qualifying activities must be direct patient care hours, such as obtaining manual vital signs, collecting detailed patient histories, assisting with minor procedures or treatments, administering medications, etc. It is recommended that applicants obtain direct patient care hours in different medical settings, e.g., hospice, assisted living facility, hospital, underserved areas/countries, etc.
- To obtain strong direct patient care experience, students are encouraged to obtain certification credentials, e.g., paramedic, certified nursing assistant, phlebotomist, medical assistant, radiologic technologist, EKG tech, EMT (I or Basic), LPN, dental hygienist, or clinical laboratorians/scientists (the applicant MUST be performing phlebotomy, assisting with bone marrow aspirations/biopsy and must have direct patient interaction, not just with their specimens), and behavioral health technician.
All paid direct patient care hours should be clearly documented in the application, including the type of duties performed and healthcare setting.