PA Program Overview
The program curriculum comprises 114 credit hours, divided into didactic and clinical components. The first year focuses on didactic instruction, covering foundational topics such as Clinical Skills, Pharmacology, Ethics, Public Health, Physical Assessment and Diagnosis, and Clinical Medicine. This initial phase prepares students for clinical practice; the second year provides an opportunity to apply the medical knowledge gained in a wide variety of settings.
Why Preceptors
The clinical exposure provided in your office or clinic is essential for a fruitful learning journey in our program. The clinical environment integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application for effective healthcare delivery. As a clinical preceptor, you play a pivotal role in facilitating meaningful learning experiences in this setting. Working closely with you, PA students benefit from your guidance and exemplary practices. Under your supervision, students progressively acquire the skills and clinical acumen vital for their future roles as practicing PAs. Your steadfast dedication to PA education is truly valued and appreciated.
Preceptor Benefits
Category 1 CME for PA and NP Preceptors from AAPA and Category 2 CME for all preceptors.
We are also happy to offer the opportunity to apply for affiliate faculty status for those who (agree to?) precept at least two students annually.
Benefits Include:
1) Access to the Blatt Physical Education Center (with USofC ID card and a fee); access to the Strom Thurmond Fitness Center (with UofSC ID card and a fee).
2) Access to Department Grand Rounds (CME approved) and Faculty Development series through the Office of Continuous Professional Development and Strategic Affairs.
3) Access to SOM Medical Library resources as follows:
Reference services via phone, email, or in-person, borrowing privileges, copying service, interlibrary loan service, e-device checkout service, and access to the online catalog.
SOMC Library Details
- Free literature searches versus $25/search for South Carolina health professionals
- Reduced faculty rate for interlibrary loan requests ($5/item versus $10/item for SC health professionals)
- On-site access to all electronic resources (books, journals, and databases) in the School of Medicine Library, Building 101, at the workstations in the Information Commons area.
Online Access to E-Resources on SOMC Library Website
- E-Journals
- E-Books (Access Medicine, Clinical Key, Books@Ovid, Psychiatry Online, R2 Library)
- Evidence-Based Medicine Resources
- Mobile Device Resources
- Current Awareness Tools
- Medical Images and Illustrations
- Podcasts
- Digital Collections
- Subject Guides
- Tutorials
On July 10th, 2019 Governor McMaster signed into law Senate Bill 314 which provides personal state income tax credits and deductions for eligible clinicians in South Carolina if they agree to train students.
Preceptor Documents
The clinical course syllabi and all other needed documentation for the School of Medicine Columbia PA program are available to all preceptors through our password protected portal. All sites and preceptors will also be delivered copies of the current year's clinical year documents by our program. If you would like to request additional copies of our handbooks or syllabi, please contact us.
Other Opportunities
Preceptors, both new and seasoned, who may be interested in helping out the SOMC PA Program in any other capacity, such as teaching, interviewing and/or serving as a mentor, please send contact information to Lisa Myrick, PA-C.