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Physician assistant student helping patient through imaging procedure.
love + medicine 

Physician Assistant (PA) Students

Our world-class providers train the next generation of physician assistants (PAs). You’ll practice medicine in partnership with our advanced practice providers invested in your education as you begin your career improving patients’ lives.

Apply now

Overview 

Advance your education and skills through clinical placement at Gundersen after a year of didactic education in University of Wisconsin-La Crosse’s Physician Assistant Program or equivalent program at your institution. During your year-long clinical placement, you’ll gain hands-on experience in physical exams, diagnostics, professional development and more.

Experience

If you’re enrolled in UW-L's PA program, your clinical experience involves required 4-week rotations in General Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine and Behavioral Health. You’ll then choose an additional 4 rotations to tailor your experience to your career goals.  

If you’re joining Gundersen from another institution, you can rotate through Endocrinology, Pulmonary, Hematology/Oncology, Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Orthopedics and more.  

As a UW-L student or a visiting PA, you’ll gain experience in: 

  • Documenting medical history 
  • Conducting physical exams 
  • Diagnosing and treating illnesses 
  • Ordering and interpreting tests 
  • Developing treatment plans 
  • Assisting in surgery 
  • Writing prescriptions 
  • Making rounds 
  • Performing clinical research 

Application

If you’re a current PA student at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse (UW-L), we will work with UW-L for your placement in a PA clinical program.

If you’re a current PA student at an institution other than UW-L, we encourage you to apply for a clinical rotation at Gundersen, at least 4 months in advance, by clicking the ‘Apply now’ button.

Apply now
Physician assistant student taking patient's temperature.
My experience during my clinical rotations at Gundersen has been nothing short of amazing. All the Gundersen Health System staff and preceptors truly care about teaching students. They are always willing and excited to get students involved in direct patient care. During my rotations I have been able to build my clinical decision-making skills in a supportive environment, which has been a great blessing. I have also loved getting to experience different specialties to help me identify areas of medicine that interest me. I am excited to continue growing during the rest of my rotations at Gundersen!
Portrait of Marissa Kinsman.

What sets us apart

Aerial view of Gundersen La Crosse campus and river.

Why Gundersen

Our physician-led, integrated system spans 7 hospitals and 65 clinics in neighboring communities to provide primary and specialty care to patients in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa.

About Gundersen

Life at Gundersen

Around here, loving your job is part of the job. But, it's more than just medicine. It’s people like you who make life at Gundersen amazing.

Learn more
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Careers

Together, we are something extraordinary. Inside Gundersen, you’ll find a supportive and respectful culture that empowers you to flourish and make a positive impact.

Find your career
Contact our team 

We’re here to answer your questions about our program. 

Email us

1900 South Ave.
La Crosse, WI 54601

(608) 782-7300

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