Participate in a unique opportunity to guide Physician Assistant students through the world of Integrative Medicine
Integrative practices can be located in any state
SCU’s Master of Science: Physician Assistant program is the only Physician Assistant program in the country with an emphasis on Integrative health. We pride ourselves on this distinction.
Our students are required to complete a 4-week Integrative Health rotation. This rotation is intended to expose students to the many modalities of Integrative Health including but not limited to: Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Naturopathic medicine, Physical rehabilitation, Functional medicine and many more.
What are the requirements to become preceptor for the Integrative Health Clinical rotation?
We accept any licensed healthcare provider that practices in one or several fields of Integrative medicine, such as Naturopathic Physicians, Chiropractors, Acupuncturists, Herbalists, Sports Medicine and Ayurveda practitioners. If you work for a multi-specialty Integrative practice, our students may participate in any modalities that you provide to patients.
What is the time commitment for students?
Our students are required to complete 32-40 hours of instruction weekly for a total of 4 weeks. That can be split between several providers in a multispecialty group as you desire and see fit. Preceptors have our PA students in their office for 32-40 hours a week to meet the requirements of the rotation. The preceptors can also assign supplemental readings or assignments as they see fit.
What does the clinical site and preceptor do?
Preceptors ensure a suitable learning environment for all of your PA students in their respective clinics. Preceptors guide the PA students through the many aspects of Integrative Health discussing the benefits of the modalities they are using and how they can be incorporated into a traditional Western medicine practice. Preceptors in Integrative Health will also help the PA students understand how and when to refer patients to Integrative Health providers. This is a unique opportunity for Integrative Health providers to impart their knowledge on future health care providers and guide them through this exciting time in medicine. Preceptors will evaluate the students while on the rotation through written evaluations that will be emailed directly from the program.
What are the Physician Assistant students allowed to do on the Integrative Medicine rotation?
Our PA students are well versed in taking vital signs, performing medical histories and physical examinations. While we understand that some of the Integrative modalities are not within their scope of practice, as a PA they can gain a vast amount of knowledge in observing these procedures, discussing the benefits of the modalities, and learning how they may be integrated into their future practice.
Why is it important for our students to learn about Integrative Medicine?
Patients highly seek integrative Medicine; therefore, future health care professionals must know which IH providers to refer to or use as part of their patient management plan. It is also critical for our students to understand which IH providers will enhance their clinical experience.
What support does SCU provide to preceptors that have volunteered to welcome PA students into their practice?
The SCU Clinical team is here to support all of our preceptors through the process from onboarding to accepting students on a regular schedule. The Clinical team schedules the students at your location based on your availability for the rotation blocks. The Clinical team also provides resources on how to be a successful preceptor as well as extensive guidance on preceptor best practices.
We would love to have your practice participating in this exciting opportunity to impart
knowledge on future healthcare professionals and advance the field of Integrative Medicine.
If there are further, questions please do not hesitate to contact us and we would be happy to
discuss this wonderful opportunity with you!
Please reach out to:
Ashley Larsen, MPA, PA-C
Associate Program Director of Clinical Education
ashleylarsen@scuhs.edu
562-947-8755 ext 458
