ChartFlow Publishing
OSCEs can be nerve-inducing the first time you go into the simulation/exam room. With these tools you’ll be a fully prepared for every step of the process. No need for nerves!
The most important thing to remember for all Physician Assistant students, is that OSCEs are just another exam. There is no need to be afraid. Just like a written exam, you can study, memorize, and prepare beforehand so you can be confident in yourself and your abilities.
Here are some resources that might help:
1️⃣ Your school’s OSCE rubric.
Ask if you can have a copy of the rubric for OSCEs. Here’s an example from Texas Tech University. The person grading your OSCE performance will be using a similar rubric to check off the skills you complete. Practice with this rubric, memorize it, internalize it. If your school requires you to wash hands and then introduce yourself, make sure you do it that way and get the points. If your school wants you to introduce yourself first, and then wash your hands — do it that way. This is a good way to guarantee you get all the easy points possible.
2️⃣ OSCE Sense
This is the single best prep site for OSCEs. We cannot speak highly enough about their free stations. Enlist a friend to be your patient, and pair up with another student for practice. Have the patient read the “simulated patient instructions” first so they know how to behave and what to say, and then have your partner be the grader. The grader will read the “candidate instructions” aloud and then check off each skill as you complete it. Once you finish the station, submit the rubric and see what you missed. Then, swap places and have your partner act as the test-taker and you be the grader. This site includes everything from General Medicine to Surgery to OBGYN stations, so you’ll have plenty to practice.
3️⃣ Youtube (specifically, this video showing an OSCE demo)
Seeing an OSCE be completed step-by-step with an explanation can give you a model to emulate when doing the real thing. The video linked above is a great example of what it will look like on exam day. They give you pointers on what to include and how to do it. We recommend skipping the introduction if you’re in a time crunch.
Now go out and ace those OSCEs.