Penn State University's Physician Assistant (PA) program is one of the most prestigious and competitive programs in the United States. The program, which is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), aims to provide students with a comprehensive education in the medical sciences and clinical practice. With a strong emphasis on primary care and rural medicine, the program prepares students to work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
Program Overview
The Penn State University PA program is a 24-month program that leads to a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the medical sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology. Students also receive extensive training in clinical skills, including history taking, physical examination, and diagnostic testing. The program’s curriculum is divided into two phases: the didactic phase, which includes classroom instruction and laboratory training, and the clinical phase, which includes rotations in various healthcare settings.
Admissions Requirements
Admission to the Penn State University PA program is highly competitive, with an average acceptance rate of around 10%. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Additionally, applicants must have completed prerequisite courses in science and mathematics, including biology, chemistry, and physics. The program also requires applicants to have a minimum of 1,000 hours of direct patient care experience, which can be gained through volunteering, internships, or paid work experience. The program uses a holistic admissions process, which considers factors such as academic performance, patient care experience, and personal statement.
| Prerequisite Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Biology | 8-10 |
| Chemistry | 8-10 |
| Physics | 4-6 |
| Mathematics | 6-8 |
| Psychology | 3-4 |
| Statistics | 3-4 |
Curriculum
The Penn State University PA program curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the medical sciences and clinical practice. The curriculum includes courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology, as well as clinical skills training in history taking, physical examination, and diagnostic testing. Students also participate in rotations in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. The program’s curriculum is divided into two phases: the didactic phase, which includes classroom instruction and laboratory training, and the clinical phase, which includes rotations in various healthcare settings.
Clinical Rotations
The clinical phase of the program includes rotations in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Students participate in rotations in internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and family medicine, among others. The program’s clinical rotations are designed to provide students with hands-on experience in patient care and to help them develop the skills and knowledge needed to practice as a PA.
Graduate Outcomes
Graduates of the Penn State University PA program have an excellent job placement rate, with over 95% of graduates finding employment within six months of graduation. The program’s graduates have also achieved a high pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE), with an average pass rate of over 95%. The program’s graduates are qualified to work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices, and are eligible to take the PANCE and become certified as a PA.
The following are some of the key statistics related to the program's graduate outcomes:
- Job placement rate: 95%
- PANCE pass rate: 95%
- Graduate satisfaction rate: 90%
- Employer satisfaction rate: 90%
Faculty and Staff
The Penn State University PA program faculty and staff are experienced and dedicated professionals who are committed to providing students with a high-quality education. The program’s faculty includes physicians, PAs, and other healthcare professionals who have expertise in a variety of clinical specialties. The program’s staff includes administrative personnel who are responsible for managing the program’s operations and providing support to students.
Accreditation
The Penn State University PA program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), which ensures that the program meets the highest standards of quality and excellence. The program is also approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine and the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA).
What are the prerequisites for admission to the Penn State University PA program?
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The prerequisites for admission to the Penn State University PA program include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and completion of prerequisite courses in science and mathematics, including biology, chemistry, and physics. Additionally, applicants must have a minimum of 1,000 hours of direct patient care experience.
What is the duration of the Penn State University PA program?
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The Penn State University PA program is a 24-month program that leads to a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree.
What are the career opportunities for graduates of the Penn State University PA program?
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Graduates of the Penn State University PA program are qualified to work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They are also eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) and become certified as a PA.
