Program Overview

Introduction to the Physician Assistant MMS Program

The Master of Medical Science (MMS) program in Physician Assistant Studies at Temple University is designed to train outstanding physician assistants who enhance patient care in the North Philadelphia community and beyond. Graduates of the program are recognized as leaders, educators, and innovators in the delivery of high-quality healthcare that is accessible, affordable, compassionate, and respectful of cultural diversity.

About the Program

The Physician Assistant program facilitates the delivery of an innovative curriculum for medical students that meets the accreditation standards for inter-professional education set by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). The program is designed to prepare students to provide patient-centered care in practice settings under the supervision of and in collaboration with physicians and inter-professional teams. The curriculum satisfies all of the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) standards and provides instruction in all areas tested by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) licensing examination.

Program Goals

The goals of the program are to:

• Support diversity and inclusion
• Promote cultural sensitivity in the provision of care to a diverse community
• Prepare highly trained physician assistants with a robust didactic and clinical curriculum that results in high-quality, compassionate, patient-centered care
• Encourage a high level of professionalism
• Cultivate collaborative patient care skills through integrated inter-professional education (IPE)
• Develop the skills needed to be effective lifelong learners

Program Details

• Time Limit for Degree Completion: 3 years
• Campus Location: Health Sciences Center
• Full-Time/Part-Time Status: The curriculum is designed to be completed in approximately 26 months

Interdisciplinary Study

The Physician Assistant program is part of inter-professional education at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine. Inter-professional education is a collaborative exercise that involves students from the School of Medicine as well as from Temple University's College of Public Health, Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry, School of Pharmacy, and School of Podiatric Medicine.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline

• Summer I: January 15

Application Process

All applicants to the MMS program must apply via the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). A $60 non-refundable Temple Graduate application fee is also required.

Letters of Reference

• Number Required: 3
• From Whom: Letters of recommendation should include one letter each from:
  • A professor with whom the applicant has completed science coursework
  • A physician, physician assistant (preferred, but not required), or nurse practitioner
  • An individual of the applicant's choosing, but one who possesses a personal supervisory knowledge of the applicant

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration

Prerequisite coursework includes:

• Biochemistry (3 credits)
• General Biology I and II, with lab (8 credits)
• General Chemistry I and II, with lab (8 credits)
• Human Anatomy* (4 credits)
• Human Physiology* (3 credits)
• Medical Terminology (2 credits)
• Organic Chemistry, with lab (4 credits)
• Psychology (3 credits)
• Statistics (2 credits)
• Two or more of the following: Cell Biology, Genetics, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology (6 credits)

Bachelor's Degree Requirement

A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States or Canada is required.

Statement of Goals

In approximately 500 to 1,000 words, describe your interest in Temple's Physician Assistant graduate program, research interests and past experiences, future career goals, and academic and research achievements.

Standardized Test Scores

• GRE or MCAT: Optional. If submitting scores, the test must have been taken within three years of matriculation.

Resume

Current resume or CV required

Interview

Candidates must have strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen and be culturally sensitive to another's point of view.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements

• Number of Credits Required to Earn the Degree: 117, divided into a preclinical curriculum of 69 credits over 14 months and a clinical curriculum of 48 credits over 12 months

Required Courses

The curriculum includes a series of courses designed to provide a comprehensive education in physician assistant studies. Students spend the last 12 months of the program rotating through clerkships in seven assigned medical disciplines and two elective rotations at Temple University Hospital System locations.

Culminating Event

• Technical Standards: The technical standards for the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University Physician Assistant Program have been established to ensure that students have the ability to demonstrate academic mastery and competence when performing clinical skills and the ability to communicate clinical information.

Conclusion

The Physician Assistant MMS program at Temple University is a comprehensive and rigorous program designed to prepare students for a successful career in physician assistant studies. With its strong focus on inter-professional education, cultural sensitivity, and patient-centered care, the program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become competent and compassionate physician assistants.