Pacific University
Pre-Physician Assistant 2011-2012
Degree: Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
American Academy of Physician Assistants
Required Courses
| University Requirement | PCC Equivalent | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Biological Sciences: Must include complete Anatomy & Physiology sequence w/lab, (within 7 years) and Microbiology or Bacteriology (lab not required) |
BI 231, 232, & 233 Anatomy and Physiology (Must be completed within 7 years of matriculation date) AND BI 234 Microbiology |
17 |
| Chemistry: Must include Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry (lab not required) and two additional general chemistry or other chemistry w/labs |
CH 241 Organic Chemistry or CH 211 Introduction to Biochemistry AND CH 221, 222, & 223 General Chemistry |
20 |
| Statistics: Must include a course taken in a department of Psychology, Sociology, Statistics, or Math | MTH 243 Statistics | 4 |
| Psychology or Sociology: Any course in Psychology or Sociology | PSY or SOC classes | 8 |
Additional Requirements or Recommendations:
Recommended course work: Pharmacology, Medical Terminology, Spanish, Abnormal Psychology, Development Psychology, Aging and Disabilities, Public Health, Technical Writing, Communications.
- Current CPR certification at the time you start the program.
- Students should have a minimum of 1000 hours of patient contact before applying
Bachelor degree and all prerequisites must be completed by May 1st of the year of entry.
Admissions Criteria: Admission is highly selective and enrollment in the PA program is limited to 44 students. To be eligible for admission, students must have earned a bachelor's degree by May 1st of the year of entry.
The Physician Assistant Program Admissions Committee considers the following factors in the selection process:
- Strength and breadth of academic record
- Type and depth of prior health care experience (see below)
- Strength of professional letters of evaluation
- Content of application forms and care with which they have been completed
- Quality of writing ability as demonstrated by personal narrative
- Understanding of physician assistant profession
- Strength of on-campus personal interview
- Type of community activities
Based on the review of the application by the Physician Assistant Admissions Committee, applicants are invited for on-campus personal interviews. The interview is required and is a strong contributing factor in the admission decision. It allows the Admissions Committee to assess essential skills and factors which may not be reflected in the application. In the interview, consideration is given to knowledge of the profession, motivation toward a career as a physician assistant, ability to think clearly and logically, self-confidence, and verbal expression of ideas.
The Pacific University Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program is a 27 month continuous program, beginning in May every year.
Pacific does not require the GRE or the MCAT for admission into the program.
Applications are due September 1. They require the CASPA online application (www.caspaonline.org) and September 15th for the Pacific University Supplemental Application (http://www.pacificu.edu/admissions/applications/index.cfm).
Applicants must demonstrate a minimum of 1,000 hours of direct clinical patient care experience within a health-care setting. The method to document this experience is through the CASPA online application (www.caspaonline.org). Please note: The Admissions Committee will consider the total number of hours accumulated, "at the time" you submit your CASPA application. No consideration will be given to hours projected for the future. Shadow experience with a Physician Assistant will count towards the requirement, but will not fulfill the requirement completely. Hours earned to obtain a degree or certification may not be counted.
This is a Graduate Degree. In addition to the departmental requirements listed above, students must also complete coursework for university admission, general education requirements, and BA/BS requirements. Meet with a PCC Academic Advisor to develop an effective transfer plan that will meet your individual needs.
PCC endeavors to create accurate transfer guides for students; however, requirements may change without notice. Students are responsible for working with PCC advisors and their transfer institution to ensure that their academic plan will meet requirements and timelines.
Last updated: December 2011