PA Program Information
Program Information
The 老司机福利网 offers a Physician Assistant (PA) Studies Master of
Health Science Degree that provides entry into the profession.
| Master of Health Science Information | |
|---|---|
| Degree Earned | Master of Health Science |
| Length of Program | 27 months |
| Number of students accepted | 60 |
| Matriculation Date | Annually in mid-May |
| Class Type | On site |
| Curriculum | 121 Credit Hours |
| Class Schedule | Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM or as set by preceptor |
Advanced Placement
The program does not offer advanced placement. Transfer credits or credit for experiential
learning cannot be substituted for any course in the program, and no transfer credit
is accepted from other PA programs.
The Didactic Component
The pre-clinical portion of the Physician Assistant Studies program consists of four
semesters (15 consecutive months) beginning with the basic medical sciences in the
first semester. These include gross anatomy lab with prosection and dissection, physiology,
introduction to infectious diseases, and introduction to physical examination skills.
In semesters 2 through 4 students actively participate in learning the clinical medical
sciences and physical examination skills through lectures given by the core faculty
and guest lecturers from a variety of specialization areas. Other pedagogical methods
are employed to facilitate student learning and mastery. These include case-based
and team-based learning strategies. Additionally, simulation lab, standardized patient
clinic, direct patient experiences, service-learning and community outreach projects
are also employed to enhance the student鈥檚 learning.
Clinical Rotations
Clinical rotations are mostly in Mobile, Alabama, with other locations in Pensacola, Florida, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. All rotations within a 75-mile radius (one-way) are considered commutable. Elective rotations may be considered in other locations. Rural rotations for Primary Care and Pediatrics are required.
Many rotations are based in the 老司机福利网 healthcare system, as well as in rural and/or medically underserved areas. Private and group practices may also be utilized if they have an affiliation agreement with the USA Physician Assistant Program. Students enrolled in the physician assistant program are not allowed to provide or solicit clinical sites or preceptors. The program will coordinate clinical sites and preceptors for program required rotations.
The 老司机福利网 Physician Assistant program participates with the
Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) of Alabama for clinical clerkships. Students
will be assigned to rural rotations in Primary Care and other disciplines at AHEC
facilities.
Employment
Program policies strictly prohibit the program, its academic and clinical affiliates,
and preceptors from employing any PA students, or utilizing them as instructional
faculty, administrative staff, or clinical staff while attending the program. PA students
are also strongly discouraged from accepting any other employment while attending
the program. Employment while in the program has the potential to negatively impact
the student's rigorous PA training curriculum. The USA PA program strongly discourages
any type of outside employment during our consecutive 27-month course of studies.
Employment during the program may result in academic difficulties and may prevent
the student from acquiring the level of knowledge needed to perform adequately as
a physician assistant student during the didactic and clinical phases of the program.
The program course of studies will not be altered due to student work obligations.
Volunteer & Work Experiences
Students who are involved in volunteer or paid work during the course of training
during the USA PA Studies Program are strictly prohibited from using their affiliation
with the program in any aspect of the volunteer or paid work. Any activity undertaken
by the student that is independent of the program is NOT covered by the university's
liability insurance associated with physician assistant training.