Pre-Physician Assistant

Program Overview

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Seattle Central College's Pre-Physician Assistant Program prepares students for PA master's programs through academic coursework and clinical experience. It offers two pathways: Community Health & Education and Respiratory Care. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary for a successful career as a Physician Assistant. The program emphasizes cultural competency, social justice, and access to healthcare resources in Seattle.

Program Outline

It combines academic coursework with hands-on clinical experience, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career as a PA.

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Objectives:

• Complete the prerequisite coursework required for admission to PA programs.
• Develop a strong foundation in medical knowledge and critical thinking skills for patient care.
• Gain practical experience through clinical rotations and community partnerships.
• Prepare for successful application and admission to PA graduate programs.

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Program Description:

The Pre-PA program at Seattle Central College offers two pathways:

• Community Health & Education: This option is ideal for individuals with prior experience working directly with patients.
It focuses on health education, community engagement, and critical thinking skills needed for PA practice.
• Respiratory Care: This pathway provides healthcare training and a bachelor's degree for individuals new to the field.
Graduates can choose to add the pre-PA option to their transcripts by completing prerequisite courses with a GPA of 2.7 or higher.

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Clinical Experience Requirements:

In addition to the academic requirements, Physician Assistant programs typically require applicants to have 1-2 years of hands-on experience working with patients. Seattle Central College partners with local healthcare organizations to provide students with opportunities to gain this experience through rotations and clinical placements.

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Outline:

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Community Health & Education:

• Duration: Two years (six quarters)
• Coursework:
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Microbiology and Immunology
• Pathophysiology
• Medical Terminology
• Community Health
• Health Education
• Research Methods
• Human Development
• Public Health
• Ethics
• Leadership
• Communication
• Clinical Experience:
• Minimum of 1 year of direct patient care experience

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Respiratory Care:

• Duration: Two years (six quarters)
• Coursework:
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Microbiology and Immunology
• Pathophysiology
• Medical Terminology
• Pharmacology
• Cardiopulmonary Assessment
• Respiratory Therapy
• Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care
• Mechanical Ventilation
• Critical Care
• Management of Acute and Chronic Respiratory Diseases
• Clinical Experience:
• Integrated into the respiratory care curriculum

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Assessment:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

• Exams (written and practical)
• Quizzes
• Presentations
• Case studies
• Portfolios
• Clinical performance evaluations

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Teaching:

The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Case-based learning
• Simulations
• Hands-on labs
• Clinical rotations
The program is taught by experienced faculty with expertise in medicine, health sciences, and education. They are committed to creating a supportive learning environment and providing students with the individualized attention they need to succeed.

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Careers:

Graduates of the Pre-PA program are prepared to apply to PA graduate programs and pursue a career as a Physician Assistant. PAs work in a variety of healthcare settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Outpatient surgery centers
• Emergency departments
• Urgent care centers
• Private practices
PAs are highly sought-after healthcare professionals, and the job outlook is excellent. The median salary for PAs in the United States is over $115,000 per year.

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Other:

• The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
• Seattle Central College offers a variety of resources to support students in their academic and professional goals, including tutoring, advising, and career services.
• The program emphasizes cultural competency and social justice, preparing students to work effectively with diverse patient populations.
• Seattle Central College is located in the heart of Seattle, providing students with access to a wealth of healthcare resources and opportunities.