Patient Care Assistance Externship

Since 2008, Houston Methodist has offered local at-risk high school graduating seniors the opportunity to participate in an 8-week, full-time Patient Care Assistant (PCA) summer externship program. Participants work 40 hours per week on a 12-hour shift schedule, gaining hands-on experience in patient care under the guidance of a preceptor. 

 

Externs are selected and assigned to nursing units where they serve in the PCA role. Upon successful completion, participants may apply for a PCA position at Houston Methodist, subject to availability and preceptor recommendation.

 

Key eligibility requirements include:

  • Must be 18 years old by June 10, 2026
  • Must be a current graduating senior
  • Reliable transportation to get to the medical center or outlying campus by 6:45 AM
  • Ability to pass a background check
  • Completed TB skin test within 6 months of program start
  • Submission of an online application (via school liaison) including a resume, two letters of recommendation, and an essay
  • Completion of a separate application via the Houston Methodist portal

 

For additional information about program requirements and submission of application, please contact Victoria Vazquez at vvazquez@houstonmethodist.org.

 

The 2025 PCA Summer Externship is no longer accepting applications. Summer 2026 applications will start being accepted in February 2026.