Program Overview

Introduction to the Physician Assistant Program

The Physician Assistant Studies program at Ohio Dominican University is designed for individuals committed to helping others through a compassionate and holistic approach to healthcare. This 27-month program combines classroom and clinical phases to prepare highly educated and compassionate healthcare professionals for work in the community.

Program Features

• 27-month program with classroom and clinical phases
• State-of-the-art PA Program building includes cadaver and simulation labs
• Partnerships with clinics and health care centers throughout Ohio
• Housing available on campus
• The program prepares students in:
  • Application of coursework concepts
  • Clinical skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Effective communication
  • Professionalism
  • Working in the community

Admissions Requirements

Admission to ODU's PA Program is highly competitive. The admissions requirements include pre-requisites and minimum technical standards.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the classroom and clinical phases of the program includes course descriptions. The didactic phase lasts 15 months and covers:

• Anatomy, including cadaver dissection
• Genetics
• Pathophysiology
• Microbiology
• Clinical medicine, including internal medicine, family practice, surgery, emergency medicine, women's health, and pediatrics
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy and Security Rules training and certification

Clinical Phase

Upon completion of the didactic phase, students begin the clinical phase, participating in monthly rotations in seven core areas of study:

• Family medicine
• Internal medicine
• Emergency medicine
• Surgery
• Psychiatry/behavioral health
• Women's health
• Pediatrics Additionally, students may participate in up to four one-month non-core rotations.

Accreditation Status

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

Professional Licensure Information

Ohio Dominican University's Physician Assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Graduates are eligible to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

Graduate Outcomes

Graduates of Ohio Dominican's MS in Physician Assistant Studies Program are able to:

• Meet eligibility requirements for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE)
• Effectively communicate with patients and their families and other healthcare professionals
• Show entry-level proficiencies necessary to provide high-quality primary care in a rapidly changing healthcare system
• Demonstrate attitudes and skills that show their commitment to professional behavior, along with respect for self and others
• Provide quality, compassionate, and ethical healthcare services
• Become a leader through continued knowledge, growth, research, publication, and professional activity

PANCE and Program Performance

ODU's Fall 2019 PA Program graduates achieved a 98% PANCE pass rate for first-time exam takers, above the national average of 93% for first-time takers. The program's accreditation history document can be accessed on the ARC-PA website.