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Director: Michele Roth-Kauffman,J.D.,PA-C
Phone: (814) 871-5643
Email: rothkauf001@gannon.edu

Introduction

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, Physician Assistants 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. Physician Assistants may assist in surgery and deliver preoperative and postoperative care. Physician Assistants may deliver patient care in any setting in which the physician works.

Objectives

Upon completion of the Physician Assistant Program the student will be able to:

• Perform a complete and accurate history and physical examination; identify abnormal findings and develop an appropriate differential diagnosis.
• Develop a plan of evaluation in support of the differential diagnosis, including hematology, chemistry, imaging, and pathologic modalities.
• Develop a treatment plan consisting of surgical and medical interventions through analysis of the clinical and laboratory data.
• Accurately relate the clinical data to the other members of the health care team, forming a collaborative effort to assure maximal patient benefit through a multiple disciplinary approach.
• Show proficiency in performing clinical skills.
• Identify limits to professional conduct as delineated by the State of Pennsylvania Rules and Regulations Governing Physician Assistants.
• Synthesize theory and research in order to provide advanced care to patients.

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. A minimum grade point average of a 3.0 is required from previous professional education and prerequisites must have been completed within the last five years. A grade of “B” or better is required in Human Anatomy and Physiology in order to fulfill the prerequisite. Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation from three evaluators and complete a personal interview. Applicants must submit official transcripts, curriculum vitae, evidence of computer literacy, statement of goals, and 30 hours of documented volunteer/paid medical experience or 30 hours of shadowing a Physician Assistant. All international students must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and Test of Spoken English (TSE) exams. A minimum TOEFL score of 600 (paper test) or 250 (computer-based test) and a minimum TSE score of 50 are required of each applicant.