Program Overview
Physician Assistants are skilled, dependent health practitioners who are academically and clinically prepared to provide patient care services under the supervision of a physician. Their specific tasks vary widely due to differences among state laws, hospital policies and utilization preferences of supervising physicians.
Generally, PAs are qualified to obtain patient histories, perform comprehensive physical examinations, order and interpret diagnostic laboratory tests, prepare a diagnosis, implement a treatment plan for common illnesses, deliver patient education and counseling, perform certain surgical procedures, and provide emergency care. PAs may assist in surgery and deliver pre-operative and post-operative care. Physician Assistants may deliver patient care in any setting in which the physician works.
The Physician Assistant Department offers a Master of Physician Assistant Science degree available through either a five-year undergraduate admission program or a post baccalaureate curriculum. The curriculum is predominantly clinical during the final year of the program. Adjunct regional medical faculty, in conjunction with various health care institutions, introduce the students to professional physician assistant training. Clinical sites are offered primarily in northwestern Pennsylvania, Ohio, and western New York, as well as some locations farther a field. Students are responsible for their own housing and transportation to and from clinical sites.
Program Options
- Master of Physician Assistant Science (Post-baccalaureate program not currently accepting applications due to seat limitations)
- Five-Year Bachelor/Master of Physician Assistant Science
Curriculum and Course Descriptions
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