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MHS in Physician Assistant Becoming a Preceptor

Preceptors are essential to educating the next generation of physician assistants. In addition to providing invaluable clinical education to PA students within the School of Health Sciences, becoming a preceptor is personally rewarding and accompanied by many additional benefits.

Contact Our Clinical Team
Contact Our Clinical Team

About the MHS in Physician Assistant Program

The Quinnipiac University MHS in Physician Assistant program is a full-time, 27-month Master of Health Science degree that leads to eligibility for the Physician Assistant Certification Exam (PANCE) and licensing.

The early part of the program focuses on foundational sciences, clinical reasoning, medical knowledge and skills. During the didactic portion of the program, students have access to cadaver anatomy, high-fidelity simulation, point-of-care ultrasound, case-based learning, and pre-clinical experience with licensed providers. The program trains students to be collaborative, compassionate, team-based healthcare providers equipped with strong medical knowledge, clinical skills, professionalism and cultural humility. Quinnipiac’s PA students have maintained strong first-time pass rates on the national certifying exam (PANCE).

Clinical Rotations and Schedule

During the clinical year, students complete seven required core clinical rotations plus two electives. Core rotations are six weeks in length; electives are four weeks in length.

Rotations and Length

Core Rotations (6 Weeks)

  • Internal Medicine

  • Emergency Medicine

  • Surgery

  • Primary Care

    • 3 Weeks of Outpatient Internal Medicine

    • 3 Weeks of Family Medicine

  • Pediatrics

  • Psychiatry

  • Women’s Health

Elective Rotations (4 Weeks)

  • Elective Rotation I

  • Elective Rotation II

Rotation 1: July 6–August 14, 2026

Rotation 2: August 17–September 25, 2026

Rotation 3: September 28–November 6, 2026

Rotation 4: November 9–December 18, 2026

Rotation 5: December 28, 2026–February 5, 2027

Rotation 6:

  • Core: February 8–March 19, 2027

  • Elective: February 8–March 5, 2027

Rotation 7:

  • Core: March 22–April 30, 2027

  • Elective: March 8–April 2, 2027

Rotation 8:

  • Core: April 5–May 14, 2027

  • Elective: May 3–May 28, 2027

Rotation 9:

  • Core: May 17–June 25, 2027

  • Elective: May 31–June 25, 2027

Why Become a Preceptor?

A student and a faculty member, both in lab coats, assess a pediatric manikin in a hospital bed.

Benefits of Precepting

There are many benefits to precepting PA students. Our preceptors gain access to the Quinnipiac University library as well as professional development opportunities and leadership experience.

By contributing to the profession, preceptors earn CME category 1 for PAs or CME category 2 for MDs and NPs. Precepting also allows for the ability to screen outstanding students for future employment.

 

Resources for Preceptors

Visit the AAPA site for more information about earning CME for precepting accredited PA programs, or contact our clinical team for more information

PAEA Tips for Precepting 

In Their Words

Headshot of Brennan Bowker.

Brennan Bowker, MSH, PA-C

“Precepting for Quinnipiac University PA students has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. Having worked in surgery for 15 years, I’ve had the opportunity to train many students, and the Quinnipiac PA students consistently stand out. They come in well-prepared, motivated and genuinely eager to learn the realities of surgical practice. Quinnipiac students bring curiosity, professionalism and a strong work ethic, which makes teaching them a pleasure. It’s also a reminder that as clinicians we have a responsibility to pass along not just technical knowledge, but the values of teamwork, patient-centered care and lifelong learning. It has been an absolute honor to help train the next generation of PAs.”

Headshot of Bob Drouin.

Bob Drouin, PA-C

“As a 20-year veteran of the PA workforce, I feel that precepting PA students is my way of giving back to those that precepted me many years ago. I enjoy spending time cultivating my future healthcare colleagues and passing on the information that has graciously been passed on to me over the years. Having a PA student keeps me up to date on new advances in medicine, technology and changes in medical education. I am grateful to be able to share my experiences with others and help to prevent mistakes I have made or have seen. This is how healthcare advances and improves patient outcomes, through education.”

Headshot of Mark Elsesser.

Mark Elsesser, DMSc, PA-C, CAQ-Peds, CLC

“Being a preceptor for the Quinnipiac PA program provides me with the rewarding opportunity to help students translate their didactic knowledge into meaningful clinical practice. Guiding students as they develop their clinical reasoning, communication skills and confidence is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my role as a PA. Serving as an educator also allows me to give back to the profession and to the program that played such an important role in shaping me into the clinician I am today. Additionally, providing pediatric clinical instruction enables me to continue my practice’s long-standing tradition of mentoring Quinnipiac PA students and supporting the next generation of providers.”

Headshot of Jason Prevelige.

Jason Prevelige, DMSc, MBA, PA-C, DFAAPA

“As a PA student at Quinnipiac, it was imparted upon us how important it is to give back one day by precepting, so that we can pay forward the opportunity we had to train on clinical rotations. Since entering the profession, I have ensured that I continue to do my part to train the next generation of PAs. Regularly precepting Quinnipiac PA students is such an enjoyable experience. Quinnipiac’s students always come prepared, are hard-working, motivated, and actually make the workplace a more enjoyable experience!”

How to Apply

  • If you are interested in becoming a preceptor for our QU PA students, please contact us at the following email address: ClinicalQUPAProgram@qu.edu

Contact Our Clinical Team

 

Required Qualifications

All prospective preceptors undergo a review process conducted by clinical faculty to ensure alignment with program policies, procedures and educational standards. Preceptors are asked to provide a current curriculum vitae outlining their educational background, professional experience, certifications and licensure. Faculty and staff review all preceptor qualifications in accordance with program requirements and minimum eligibility criteria, listed below. In addition, prospective preceptors may discuss prior teaching or precepting experiences, as well as their interest in working with students. Eligible preceptors will receive an orientation to the program’s policies, procedures, and expectations prior to hosting students.

All preceptors need to meet the following requirements to apply for a position.

  • Prospective preceptors must be able to provide clinical experiences that support students in achieving the program's defined learning outcomes and competencies within the specialty area of rotation.

  • Active NCCPA certification for physician assistants OR board certification in the specialty of instruction

  • Current license in the state in which they are practicing. All licenses and certifications must be unrestricted and unencumbered. 

  • At least 1 year of experience practicing in the area of instruction

Frequently Asked Questions

  • In general, students are expected to be present at clinical rotation on average 40 hours per week. This will vary depending on each site as well as the rotation, with some being more and some being less.

  • Students are expected to travel to hospital and outpatient settings, sometimes out of state, and arrange housing and travel on their own, unless otherwise provided by the rotation site.  

  • Students are expected to integrate classroom knowledge into clinical practice, take histories, perform physical exams, formulate differential diagnoses and management plans, document appropriately, and participate in patient care under supervision.

By the second (clinical) year of the PA program, students are expected to demonstrate:

  • Clinical Skills

    • Conduct patient interviews and physical exams

    • Generate differential diagnoses and clinical plans

    • Present patient cases orally and in writing

    • Interpret basic labs and diagnostics

    • Perform specialty-specific procedural skills, if applicable

    • Provide patient education and counseling

  • Professional Behaviors

    • Practice-based learning 

    • Commitment to learning

    • Effective communication

    • Collaboration 

    • Adaptability 

    • Ethical conduct 

Yes, Quinnipiac University MHS in PA students are covered under the university’s malpractice (professional liability) insurance during assigned clinical duties and approved program activities.

You do not have to commit to taking students for every rotation. The Quinnipiac University Physician Assistant program is willing to discuss the specific questions and needs of each preceptor prior to committing.  

If you’re interested in precepting, but limited by time, consider being a preceptor for our pre-clinical experience. This experience is designed for our first-year didactic PA students to practice taking histories, performing physical exams, giving oral reports and mastering note writing. This experience is once per week for three hours between November through April with several weeks’ break during December/January. 

If you are interested in becoming a preceptor for our QU PA students, please contact us at ClinicalQUPAProgram@qu.edu

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