Physician Assistant Program
Program Overview
Physician Assistant Program
The Physician Assistant Program is designed to provide students with the necessary education and training to become competent physician assistants.
About the Program
The program is committed to excellence, innovation, and leadership in healthcare, education, and research. The mission and goals of the program are centered around providing high-quality education and training to students.
Admissions
To be eligible for admission, applicants must meet certain requirements, including:
- Being a US citizen, permanent resident, or having a legal status that permits them to study in the US
- Having a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Completing prerequisite coursework with a grade of C (2.0) or better
- Providing proof of eligibility to enter and complete the program
Requirements
The program has several requirements, including:
- Prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and other related fields
- A minimum GPA equivalent to a US 3.0
- Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Evaluation of academic credentials by an international credentialing agency for international students
International Applicants
International applicants must meet additional requirements, including:
- Taking specific prerequisites in the US
- Providing an evaluation of their academic credentials prepared by an international credentialing agency
- Submitting TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate English proficiency
- Meeting the minimum overall score and section scores for TOEFL or IELTS
Language Proficiency Requirements
The program requires international applicants to demonstrate English proficiency by taking the TOEFL or IELTS exam. The minimum scores required are:
- TOEFL: 95 overall, with minimum section scores of 24 (reading), 25 (listening), 25 (speaking), and 24 (writing)
- IELTS: 8 overall
Prerequisite Coursework
The program requires applicants to complete specific prerequisite coursework, including:
- Human anatomy and physiology with labs
- Microbiology with lab
- Biology
- Chemistry
- General or developmental psychology
- Statistics or biostatistics
- English (reading and writing courses)
Health Care Experience
International health care experience within 10 years of the application date can be counted towards the minimum 2,000 hour expectation. However, it is highly recommended that applicants also obtain some clinically-based direct patient care in the US prior to applying to the program.
Academic Credentials
International students must provide an evaluation of their academic credentials prepared by an international credentialing agency. The agency must be accepted by the program.
Degree Equivalent to US Bachelor's Degree
International applicants must have a degree equivalent to a US bachelor's degree, with a minimum GPA equivalent to a US 3.0. The degree must be complete by the end of the fall term prior to matriculation.
Total BCP Credits
Applicants must have a minimum of 30 semester credit hours or 40 quarter credit hours of coursework in biology, chemistry, and physics. At least 20 semester credit hours or 30 quarter credit hours must be taken at a regionally accredited US or Canadian institution.
Human Anatomy and Physiology with Labs
Applicants must complete 2 semester courses or 3 quarter courses of combined anatomy and physiology with labs, or 1 semester anatomy with lab and 1 semester physiology with lab. This requirement must be taken at a regionally accredited US or Canadian institution and completed within 5 years of planned PA program matriculation.
Microbiology with Lab
Applicants must complete 1 course with lab, minimum of 3 credits, in microbiology. This requirement must be taken at a regionally accredited US or Canadian institution.
Biology
Applicants must complete 2 courses, minimum 3 credits each, in biology. The courses can be fulfilled through a combination of general biology, cell or molecular biology, genetics, and other related fields.
Chemistry
Applicants must complete 2 courses, minimum 3 credits each, in chemistry. The courses can be fulfilled through a combination of general chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and other related fields.
General or Developmental Psychology
Applicants must complete 1 course, minimum 3 credits, in general or developmental psychology.
Statistics or Biostatistics
Applicants must complete 1 course, minimum 3 credits, in statistics or biostatistics.
English (Reading and Writing Courses)
Applicants must complete 6 semester credits or 9 quarter credits in English (reading and writing courses). This requirement may be waived if coursework or education was taken at an English-speaking institution.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Information on tuition and financial aid is available through the program's office of financial aid. Scholarships and loan repayment options are also available to eligible students.
Policies and Standards
The program has technical and academic standards that applicants must meet to be eligible for admission. These standards include requirements for technical skills, communication, and academic performance.
Accreditation
The program is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency, ensuring that the program meets high standards of quality and excellence.
Faculty and Staff
The program has a diverse and experienced faculty and staff, committed to providing high-quality education and training to students.
News and Spotlight
The program regularly publishes news and spotlight articles, highlighting the achievements and successes of students, faculty, and alumni.
Alumni
The program has a strong alumni network, with graduates working in a variety of healthcare settings and specialties.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The program is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, faculty, and staff.
Employment
The program provides resources and support for students and alumni seeking employment in the healthcare field, including job listings, career counseling, and professional development opportunities.
