Resources for PCE in San Diego - Mark Guiriba

Hi all! I know many students start to search for PCE opportunities during school, so hopefully this list of resources can help students get an idea on where to start.

This blog post will not be about the differences between different PCE jobs, but will be a list of resources and programs to be aware of if you are looking for PCE opportunities close to UCSD. If you want to learn more about the differences between different PCE jobs check out our other blog posts under the “PCE” tab on our website for some past students’ perspectives on their jobs!

We will try to update our list as we hear and learn about new resources. Feel free to send us any recommendations by emailing us or by submitting a suggestion under the feedback/suggestions tab on our website!

Websites you should keep up to date with:

1. PPASO’s Facebook and Discord page

   1. Job postings will come up pretty often on our Facebook page, including some positions that don't require certifications. If you haven’t already, join our group! Just make sure to answer the prompted questions when joining. https://www.facebook.com/groups/94817456268

   2. As for discord, you’ll be able to stay up to date with any partnerships PPASO has (like IHG), ask questions, and have access to other resources posted. https://discord.com/invite/PCHX76Pf4E?fbclid=IwAR2OqDk8KTas3t0Vj6VMuPosnK-q9upR063c1VzKeAdtAO3rK7QoosB7sOg

2. Craigslist

   1. I know it sounds odd, but I know a couple of past PPASO members who have successfully found their job off of craigslist. As with anything posted online, please make sure to verify the validity of the posting, and to be careful about sharing any personal information, especially if you are still unsure if they are legitimate.

Certification Programs:

1. IHG (International Health Group) https://ihgcc.com/

   1. Offers CNA and MA training programs

   2. With IHG specifically, if you say you’re a part of PPASO, they’ll give you an extra set of free scrubs. If you take it over summer, PPASO has worked with IHG to make the class time frame to be within UCSD’s summer timeline, so you’ll be able to complete it before Fall quarter starts. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to one of our PR coordinators, Alison, who has completed their MA program and was also the one who established our partnership with them.

2. Pacific Health Education Center https://www.pacifichealthedu.com/

   1. Offers CNA programs and is located close to UCSD (~7min drive from UCSD with no traffic)

3. Miramar College EMT Program https://sites.google.com/view/miramaremtprogram/home

Other:

1. Palomar Health’s Pathmaker Internship https://www.palomarhealth.org/pathmaker-internship-program/apply

   1. The Pathmaker internship is a unique opportunity in that you are trained to perform basic hands-on patient care, can rotate between different departments within both Palomar’s hospitals, and only have to commit to one 4-hour shift a week.

   2. As for PCE, depending on the program, all of the hours within the internship may not count towards PCE. Some schools only count paid PCE hours, for example. Furthermore, because a large amount of time can also be spent on stocking equipment, cleaning, etc. as opposed to patient care, I have heard some people splitting their hours in half to be counted as PCE. Every program is different though so I would recommend checking in with admissions to see how they would count these hours.

   3. We have a blog post "What it's like to be a Pathmaker" written from a past PPASO board member, Ashley. Be sure to check it out under the "PCE" tab if you want to learn more!

2. Network with other students!

   1. There is so much more information that can be learned from other students - you can often get the "insider" info on work environments, flexibility, pay, and more. Hearing others' experiences gives you a huge advantage in making sure you choose the right job for you. You might even get the chance to get a referral, or other opportunities like PAs to shadow! Don't be afraid to get to know your fellow pre-pa colleagues :)