With our present, limited staff of full and part-time teachers, we do not schedule classes in morning, rather students are expected to arrive at the Clinic, which opens at 8:30 am, to learn and assist in a real-life situation. Two or three teachers, plus a superintendent who greets patients and makes appointments, provide free clinic care for anyone who arrives at the clinic.

When the last patient has been seen, usually between 2 and 4:30 pm, the clinic closes and becomes transformed into an actual classroom. A typical school day for a first year student is not quite as rigorous as that of the second and third year students. Second and third year students are responsible for three 2.5 hours shifts per week in the clinic; one shift observing at the New Patient Desk; two shifts working with needle placement and clean needle technique and diagnosis. After lunch there are two 75-minute classes.

We encourage students to do extra shifts in the clinic as well as to study in groups with other students.