Program Overview

Introduction to the Physician Assistant Program

The Physician Assistant Program at Baylor College of Medicine is a 30-month program that consists of a 13-month didactic phase and a 17-month experiential learning phase, inclusive of a Master's Paper research project. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) and has been granted Accreditation-Continued status.

Program Mission and Goals

The mission of the Physician Assistant Program is to educate physician assistants who will provide excellent healthcare to individuals and communities in a broad range of settings. The program's goals include:

• Recruiting, enrolling, and retaining a diverse community of highly qualified applicants committed to the PA profession
• Offering a curriculum that provides foundational knowledge and analytical skills for the entry-level practice of clinical medicine and lifelong learning
• Preparing graduates who exhibit respect and compassion for others, responsiveness to diverse populations, and a commitment to ethical, legal, and regulatory standards guiding clinical practice
• Preparing graduates who are confident to enter the profession with skills and knowledge requisite to entry-level practice as a Physician Assistant

Program Outcomes

The program publishes its outcomes in accordance with ARC-PA Standard A3.12 as they relate to competencies required to enter clinical practice. The program's outcomes include:

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

• SLO 1: Foundations for Clinical Practice - Learners will demonstrate understanding of the scientific, clinical, and public health foundations underlying illness prevention and disease management
• SLO 2: Risk Causality - Learners will understand the historical, social, family, and community context of illness prevention and disease management
• SLO 3: Assessment - Learners will explain, conduct, and document a systematic assessment and plan for disease prevention, illness stabilization, and injury management
• SLO 4: Critical Thinking - Learners will use critical analysis skills to select and apply illness prevention and disease management strategies for use in clinical practice
• SLO 5: Advocacy - Learners will exhibit cultural humility and professional behavior in all interactions with other care team members, individuals, and families
• SLO 6: Communication - Utilize interpersonal communication skills that result in effective information exchange with individuals, their families, and the care team
• SLO 7: Collaborative Practice - Learners will understand and participate in the interdisciplinary prevention and management of illness and injury
• SLO 8: Practice-based Learning - Use analytical and counseling skills to select, implement, and sustain effective solutions for illness prevention through disease stabilization
• SLO 9: Information-Systems - Learners will use clinical data systems to support care decisions and the provision of effective, efficient care
• SLO 10: Systems-based Practice - Learners will analyze epidemiological, environmental, and other appropriate scientific data related to the health of individuals and target populations

Accreditation

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Baylor College of Medicine Physician Assistant Program. Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the ARC-PA Standards.

Program Attrition

The program's attrition rate and graduation rate are as follows:

• Class of 2022:
  • Maximum entering class size: 40
  • Entering class size: 42
  • Graduates: 40
  • Attrition rate: 0.048
  • Graduation rate: 0.952
• Class of 2023:
  • Maximum entering class size: 40
  • Entering class size: 40
  • Graduates: 32
  • Attrition rate: 0.20
  • Graduation rate: 0.80
• Class of 2024:
  • Maximum entering class size: 40
  • Entering class size: 40
  • Graduates: 32
  • Attrition rate: 0.20
  • Graduation rate: 0.80

School of Health Professions

The Physician Assistant program is under the auspices of the Baylor College of Medicine School of Health Professions. The School offers various programs, academic and support services, and resources for students.