Some PA programs value and accept international service hours, and others prefer domestic hours. Inquire with each program individually. If you have acquired international service hours that you wish to be considered on your application, first be certain enter it in the correct place on your CASPA application:
- Patient care experience: if your international work required you to be directly responsible for patient care (such as performing procedures).
- Other health care experience: if your international work in a health care setting did not involve direct responsibility for patient care (such as administrative duties).
- Community service: if your international work was not in a health care setting (such teaching, building homes, etc.)
Track your total hours accurately, and be certain to include contact information should programs wish to verify your service. And, if your international service is the major part of your healthcare experience background, having a clinical reference from this setting (if you are able) can contribute to your overall applicant profile.
