Introduction to the Physician Assistant Profession

The Introduction to the Physician Assistant Profession course is designed for individuals considering a career as a physician assistant (PA). This course takes the student through the history of the PA profession, its development, and the role of the PA as a member of the healthcare team.

Course Learning Outcomes

The course learning outcomes include:

• Identify commonly used acronyms, abbreviations, and terminology in healthcare.
• Describe key milestones in the development of the PA profession.
• Describe the roles of the PA as a member of the healthcare team.
• Describe the role of the supervising physician and the concept of delegated practice.
• Discuss common admission criteria for PA programs.
• Discuss common curriculum in PA education.
• Discuss the continuing medical education (CME) requirements for PAs.
• Explain the role that PAs play in providing care to the medically underserved.
• Discuss laws and regulations governing PA practice, credentialing, licensure, and malpractice.
• Discuss the certification and recertification process for state licensure and NCCPA certification.
• Explore the areas of specialization in which PAs practice.
• Describe career and employment opportunities for the PA.
• Define and discuss professionalism.
• Analyze the significance of current issues in the healthcare and political arenas that impact the PA profession.
• Discuss the use of evidence-based medicine and information literacy in professional practice.

Course Details

• Dates: August 17 December 12, 2026
• Schedule: Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
• Instructor: Kimberly Berggren
• Required Materials: Students need to purchase the required textbook - Ballweg, R; et al, Physician Assistant: A Guide to Clinical Practice, 7th edition
• Location: Pensacola Main Campus
• Tuition: $480 (noncredit)

Physician Assistant Pipeline Program

The UWF Physician Assistant Pipeline Program (PAPP) is a mission-based program that seeks to recruit and train qualified residents with a passion for serving elderly, rural, minority, and underserved populations in Florida. Accepted students will be admitted to the FSU School of Physician Assistant Practice.

Employment and Education

Employment of physician assistants is projected to grow 28 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for healthcare services will increase because of the growing and aging population.

Job Statistics

• Job Outlook: 28% (Much faster than average)
• Number of Jobs, 2023: 153,400
• Median Pay: $133,260 per year

University of West Florida

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Overview:

The University of West Florida (UWF) is a public university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. It prides itself on providing a personalized learning experience with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. UWF emphasizes a strong student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring individual attention and support.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UWF offers a vibrant campus community with various facilities and resources. Students can explore the Pensacola campus, UWF Emerald Coast in Fort Walton Beach, UWF Historic Trust in Historic Pensacola, and UWF's downtown Pensacola facilities. A virtual tour is available to experience the campus remotely.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Personalized Attention:

UWF boasts a 100:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and support from world-renowned professors.

Diverse Programs:

Over 110 undergraduate and graduate programs cater to various interests and career aspirations.

Strong Reputation:

UWF is ranked #100 in the "Top Public School – Regional Universities South" by U.S. News and World Report.

Engaging Campus Life:

UWF offers a vibrant campus community with various facilities and resources, including a virtual tour for remote exploration.

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Academic Programs:

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Other:

UWF actively engages in research and community outreach. Recent initiatives include:

Archaeology Institute Field Schools:

Offering students hands-on experience in archaeological investigations.

HeirStory Project:

Collaborating with a renowned journalist to develop technology for preserving family legacies.

Galapagos Islands Study Abroad:

Providing students with immersive cultural and historical experiences.