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 Goals
The goals of the Baylor College of Medicine Physician Assistant Program are as follows:
- Enrollment and Retention: Recruit, enroll, and retain a diverse community of highly qualified applicants committed to the PA profession.
- Curriculum: Offer a curriculum that provides foundational knowledge and analytical skills for the entry-level practice of clinical medicine and lifelong learning.
- Graduate Preparation: Prepare graduates who exhibit respect and compassion for others, responsiveness to diverse populations, and a commitment to ethical, legal, and regulatory standards guiding clinical practice.
- Practice Preparedness: Prepare graduates who are confident to enter the profession with skills and knowledge requisite to entry-level practice as a Physician Assistant.
Program Outcomes
The BCM PA 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 are measured by the following 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. Competencies Required:
- Medical Knowledge
SLO 2 Risk Causality
Learners will understand the historical, social, family, and community context of illness prevention and disease management. Competencies Required:
- Medical Knowledge
- Clinical Reasoning and Problem Solving
SLO 3 Assessment
Learners will explain, conduct, and document a systematic assessment and plan for disease prevention, illness stabilization, and injury management. Competencies Required:
- Medical Knowledge
- Clinical and Technical Skills
- Clinical Reasoning and Problem Solving
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. Competencies Required:
- Clinical Reasoning and Problem Solving
SLO 5 Advocacy
Learners will exhibit cultural humility and professional behavior in all interactions with other care team members, individuals, and families. Competencies Required:
- Professional Behaviors
SLO 6 Communication
Utilize interpersonal communication skills that result in effective information exchange with individuals, their families, and the care team. Competencies Required:
- Interpersonal Skills
SLO 7 Collaborative Practice
Learners will understand and participate in the interdisciplinary prevention and management of illness and injury. Competencies Required:
- Interpersonal Skills
SLO 8 Practice-based Learning
Use analytical and counseling skills to select, implement, and sustain effective solutions for illness prevention through disease stabilization. Competencies Required:
- Medical Knowledge
- Interpersonal Skills
SLO 9 Information-Systems
Learners will use clinical data systems to support care decisions and the provision of effective, efficient care. Competencies Required:
- None
SLO 10 Systems-based practice
Learners will analyze epidemiological, environmental, and other appropriate scientific data related to the health of individuals and target populations. Competencies Required:
- Medical Knowledge
- Clinical Reasoning and Problem Solving
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-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.
Program Attrition
The program's attrition rates are as follows:
- Class of 2022: 0.048
- Class of 2023: 0.20
- Class of 2024: 0.20 The graduation rates are as follows:
- Class of 2022: 0.952
- Class of 2023: 0.80
- Class of 2024: 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.