Program Overview

Introduction to the Physician Assistant Program

The Physician Assistant (PA) program at the University of Southern Mississippi is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to become a successful PA. PAs are licensed medical professionals who work in hospitals, doctor's offices, and clinics, delivering high-quality, cost-effective medical care.

Role of a Physician Assistant

PAs can work in over 60 specialties, including primary care, emergency medicine, psychiatry, and women's health, providing a wide variety of clinical services, such as:

• Performing medical exams and procedures
• Diagnosing and treating disease
• Prescribing medication
• Assisting in surgery

Is PA the Career for You?

PAs have extensive medical responsibilities, including diagnosing illnesses and prescribing medicine. PAs work on healthcare teams alongside other providers, so working well with others is crucial. For those who want to continue to expand their skills, PAs can also change specialties without additional schooling.

Organizations Representing PAs

Several organizations represent PAs, including:

• American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA)
• Mississippi Academy of Physician Assistants (MAPA)
• National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
• PA Education Association (PAEA)
• Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA)

Difference between Physician Assistant and Physician Associate

There is no difference between the two titles in terms of education, clinical role, scope of practice, or the delivery of healthcare.

Comparison with Nurse Practitioners

At the practice level, there are likely more similarities than differences between PAs and NPs. However, there are two key differences:

• PAs are educated in general medicine, which offers a comprehensive view of all aspects of medicine.
• PAs are trained to practice medicine using a curriculum modeled on medical school education, while NPs are trained in the advanced practice of nursing.

Admissions Requirements

The admissions requirements for the PA program are outlined in detail on the PA Admissions page. Applicants can choose any major, provided they complete the necessary prerequisite courses. Pursuing a science or healthcare-based degree can be advantageous.

Profile of a Competitive Application

A competitive application typically includes:

• Undergraduate overall GPA > 3.50
• Prerequisite course GPA > 3.50
• DPC hours > 4000
• Shadowing hours > 50 and > 15 with a PA
• Reference letters from 2 clinical providers who prescribe medications
• Personal essay that is well written with no errors, is impactful, and shows strong evidence of compassion, empathy, motivation, and knowledge of the profession.

Application Process

The USM PA program plans to utilize the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) starting in April 2027 for the January 2028 cohort.

Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs)

The MMI consists of a series of short, carefully timed interview scenarios organized into stations. Each station aims to draw multiple samples of applicants' ability to think on their feet, to critically appraise information, to communicate their ideas, and to explore their reasoning with the station facilitator.

Scoring the MMI

Each MMI station will be scored individually by trained personnel using a predefined rubric. The scores from all stations will be averaged as a single, final score for each applicant.

Clinical Rotations

Many of the clinical rotations will be in the southern Mississippi region. However, many rotations will require driving or commuting to distant locations or other states.

Housing for Clinical Rotations

The PA program does not provide any housing or transportation to or from clinical rotation sites. Students are responsible for the costs of transportation, housing, and other living essentials associated with clinical rotations.

Working during PA School

The USM PA program curriculum is rigorous and fast-paced. The PA program's policy prohibits students from working during the entirety of the program.

Degree Earned

Upon successful completion of the PA program and satisfaction of all graduation requirements, USM will award a Master of Science in Medicine (MSM) in Physician Assistant Studies degree.

Master's Capstone Project

The capstone project consists of a scholarly 'Review of Literature' paper related to a clinical question, a scholarly poster (based on the paper), and presentation of the project to faculty and peers.

Certification and Licensure

All 50 states require graduation from an ARC-PA accredited program and National Commission on Certification Of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) certification following successful completion of the Physician Assistant National Certification Exam (PANCE) as conditions for initial PA licensure. Successful completion of the USM PA program and attaining the Master of Science in Medicine (MSM) in Physician Assistant Studies degree satisfies the professional licensure requirement for Mississippi.