The Penn State Physician Assistant Program is a highly respected and competitive program that has been training students to become skilled and compassionate physician assistants for over 20 years. As one of the top-ranked programs in the country, it has a strong reputation for producing graduates who are well-prepared to provide high-quality patient care in a variety of settings. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) and is designed to meet the needs of students who are passionate about delivering exceptional patient care and making a positive impact in their communities.
Program Overview
The Penn State Physician Assistant Program is a 24-month master’s degree program that combines didactic and clinical training to provide students with a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of physician assistantship. The program is designed to be completed in six semesters, with the first three semesters focused on didactic instruction and the final three semesters focused on clinical training. Students who graduate from the program are eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) and become certified as physician assistants.
Admissions Requirements
To be considered for admission to the Penn State Physician Assistant Program, applicants must meet certain requirements. These include having a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, completing a set of prerequisite courses, and gaining a minimum amount of patient care experience. The program also requires applicants to submit their Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores and participate in an interview with the admissions committee. The program is highly competitive, with an average of over 1,000 applicants vying for 40 spots in each incoming class.
| Admissions Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | Must be from an accredited institution |
| Prerequisite Courses | Must include courses in biology, chemistry, and physics |
| Patient Care Experience | Must have a minimum of 1,000 hours of direct patient care experience |
| GRE Scores | Must be submitted as part of the application process |
| Interview | Must participate in an interview with the admissions committee |
Curriculum
The curriculum of the Penn State Physician Assistant Program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of physician assistantship. The program includes a mix of didactic and clinical instruction, with courses in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical medicine. Students also participate in clinical rotations in a variety of settings, including family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, and pediatrics. The program’s curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students who are preparing for careers as physician assistants in a variety of settings.
Clinical Rotations
The clinical rotations are a critical component of the Penn State Physician Assistant Program. During these rotations, students work directly with patients and healthcare providers to gain hands-on experience in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. The rotations are designed to provide students with a broad range of experiences and to help them develop the skills and competencies they need to become effective physician assistants. The program’s clinical rotations are supervised by experienced physician assistants and physicians who are committed to providing students with a supportive and educational learning environment.
Key Points
- The Penn State Physician Assistant Program is a 24-month master's degree program that combines didactic and clinical training.
- The program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) and is designed to meet the needs of students who are preparing for careers as physician assistants.
- Admissions to the program are highly competitive, with an average of over 1,000 applicants vying for 40 spots in each incoming class.
- The program's curriculum includes a mix of didactic and clinical instruction, with courses in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical medicine.
- The clinical rotations are a critical component of the program, providing students with hands-on experience in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.
Faculty and Resources
The faculty of the Penn State Physician Assistant Program are experienced and dedicated educators who are committed to providing students with a supportive and educational learning environment. The program’s faculty include physician assistants and physicians who are experts in their fields and who are passionate about teaching and mentoring students. The program also has a range of resources available to support student learning, including state-of-the-art classrooms and simulation labs, as well as a comprehensive library and online learning platform.
Alumni Network
The Penn State Physician Assistant Program has a strong and active alumni network, with graduates who are working in a variety of settings throughout the country. The program’s alumni are committed to staying connected with each other and with the program, and they provide a valuable resource for current students and recent graduates who are looking for career advice and support. The program’s alumni network is also an important source of feedback and guidance, helping to shape the program’s curriculum and clinical rotations to meet the needs of students and the healthcare industry.
What are the admissions requirements for the Penn State Physician Assistant Program?
+The admissions requirements for the Penn State Physician Assistant Program include having a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, completing a set of prerequisite courses, and gaining a minimum amount of patient care experience. Applicants must also submit their Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores and participate in an interview with the admissions committee.
What is the curriculum like for the Penn State Physician Assistant Program?
+The curriculum of the Penn State Physician Assistant Program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of physician assistantship. The program includes a mix of didactic and clinical instruction, with courses in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical medicine.
What are the clinical rotations like for the Penn State Physician Assistant Program?
+The clinical rotations for the Penn State Physician Assistant Program are designed to provide students with hands-on experience in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Students work directly with patients and healthcare providers to gain a broad range of experiences and to develop the skills and competencies they need to become effective physician assistants.
