Program Overview

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Physician Assistant Program

The Physician Assistant program at Mercy University is a full-time weekday program that takes 27 months to complete. It is designed to prepare graduates to pass the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) examination and to practice clinical medicine at an entry-level.

Program Overview

The program emphasizes research and writing skills as well as skills necessary to practice clinical medicine. It utilizes broad-based medical knowledge incorporating internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics & gynecology, emergency medicine, and psychiatry. Graduates of this program are educated to practice in any field of medicine they choose.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission, applicants must have a bachelor's degree and complete prerequisite courses, including:

• Biology I and II with lab
• Chemistry I and II with lab
• Statistics
• Biochemistry
• Microbiology with lab
• Human Physiology
• Advanced Human Biologic Science (300 level or higher Biology course)

Application Process

The application process includes:

1. Completed CASPA application by October 1st
2. Three letters of recommendation, at least one from a registered physician assistant, physician, or work supervisor
3. A personal statement detailing the applicant's reasons for pursuing a degree in Physician Assistant Studies
4. Official transcripts from all colleges attended
5. A minimum of 500 hours of direct patient care (volunteer or work) experience in a health care setting

Program Curriculum

The program curriculum includes:

• Year I: Summer - 12 Weeks: 10 Credits
• Year I: Fall Semester - 15 Weeks: 18 Credits
• Year I: Spring Semester - 15 Weeks: 20 Credits
• Year II: Summer - Spring - 48 Weeks: 30 Credits
• Year III: Summer - 12 Weeks: 12 Credits Total: 90 Credits

Program Goals

The program goals include:

• Educating students to become highly-educated and qualified physician assistants
• Preparing graduates to practice in any field of medicine they choose
• Emphasizing research and writing skills as well as skills necessary to practice clinical medicine

Technical Standards

To be a physician assistant, students must possess a number of abilities and skills, including:

• Intellectual abilities
• Observation skills
• Communication skills
• Sensory/motor coordination
• Social and behavioral skills
• Problem-solving/critical thinking skills

Academic Integrity

The Physician Assistant Program maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding cheating and plagiarism.

Attendance

Attendance and punctuality in all classes and clinical education assignments are required, unless the student is excused for extenuating and extraordinary life circumstances.

Tuition and Fees

The estimated cost of the program is:

• Tuition: $1,156/credit (90 credits) = $104,040
• Program Fees: $2,350
• Course Fees: $2,350
• Registration Fees: $2,173
• Books, medical equipment, uniforms: $6,256
• Supplemental application fee: $40

Refund Policy

Refunds will be made according to the outlined schedule:

• Prior to second week of scheduled course meetings: 100% refund
• Prior to third week of scheduled course meetings: 80% refund
• Prior to fourth week of scheduled course meetings: 50% refund
• During or after the fourth week of scheduled course meetings: No refund

Accreditation

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Mercy University Physician Assistant Program.