Physician Associate Program: Bio-PA (3+2) accelerated track

Program Overview

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This program offers a comprehensive curriculum in Physician Associate Studies, preparing students for a career in healthcare. The program includes both didactic and clinical phases, providing a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Graduates will be equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medication, and provide preventive care. The program is designed to meet the growing demand for physician associates in the healthcare industry.

Program Outline

Outline:

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Summer MOD 6 prior to Freshman Fall

• MAT 131 (if needed): 3 credits

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Semester 1:

15 credits, 6 SEARCH credits

• Core (COM 101 Recommended): 3 credits
• SHR 101: 3 credits
• BIO 103: Principles of Biology I w/ Lab: 4 credits
• CHE 104: General Chemistry I: 3 credits
• CHE 110: General Chemistry Lab I: 1 credit
• CHE 107: Laboratory Safety: 1 credit

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Semester 2:

18 credits, 6 SEARCH credits

• PHI 105/THE 105: 3 credits
• PSY 101 (core): 3 credits
• BIO 104: Principles of Biology II w/ Lab: 4 credits
• CHE 105: General Chemistry II: 3 credits
• CHE 111: General Chemistry Lab II: 1 credit
• MAT 230 Calculus I: 4 credits

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Semester 3:

18 credits, 6 SEARCH credits

• PHI 105/THE 105: 3 credits
• CORE: 3 credits
• CHE 201: Organic Chemistry I: 3 credits
• CHE 210: Organic Chemistry Lab I: 1 credit
• MAT 209: Probability and Statistics: 3 credits
• MAT 220: Math/Statistics Computer Lab: 1 credit
• BIO 107 Human Anatomy & Physiology I: 3 credits
• BIO 117 Human Anatomy & Physiology I Lab: 1 credit

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Semester 4:

18 credits, 6 SEARCH credits

• CORE: 3 credits
• CORE: 3 credits
• CHE 202: Organic Chemistry II: 3 credits
• CHE 211: Organic Chemistry Lab II: 1 credit
• BIO 221: General Microbiology w/ lab: 4 credits
• BIO 108 Human Anatomy & Physiology II: 3 credits
• BIO 118 Human Anatomy & Physiology II Lab: 1 credit

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Semester 5:

18 credits, 6 SEARCH credits

• CORE (Diversity): 3 credits
• CORE: 3 credits
• BIO 303: Genetics w/ Lab: 4 credits
• BIO 320: Ecology: 4 credits
• PHY 200: Physics I w/ Lab: 4 credits

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Semester 6:

17 credits, 9 SEARCH credits

• CORE: 3 credits
• CORE: 3 credits
• CORE: 3 credits
• BIO 304: Cell Biology: 3 credits
• BIO 311: Cell Biology Lab: 1 credit
• PHY 201: Physics II w/ Lab: 4 credits

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PA Curriculum

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Didactic Phase: Fall Semester

(19 credits)

• PA 505: Fundamentals of Disease States: 5 credits
• PA 510: Professional Practice I: 2 credits
• PA 515: Professional Practice II: 1 credit
• PA 520: Fundamentals of Dermatology: 4 credits
• PA 525: Fundamentals of Hematology: 3 credits
• PA 530: Fundamentals of Neurology: 4 credits

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Didactic Phase: Spring Semester

(23 credits)

• PA 535: Fundamentals of Eyes, Ears, Nose, Mouth, Neck and Throat: 4 credits
• PA 540: Fundamentals of Pulmonology: 5 credits
• PA 545: Fundamentals of the Cardiovascular System: 5 credits
• PA 550: Fundamentals of Gastroenterology and Nutrition: 4 credits
• PA 555: Fundamentals of Endocrinology: 3 credits
• PA 560: Professional Practice III: 2 credits

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Didactic Phase: Summer Semester

(19 credits)

• PA 565: Fundamentals of Nephrology: 3 credits
• PA 570: Fundamentals of the Genitourinary System: 3 credits
• PA 575: Fundamentals of Reproductive Health: 4 credits
• PA 580: Fundamentals of Behavioral & Mental Health: 4 credits
• PA 585: Fundamentals of the Musculoskeletal System: 3 credits
• PA 595: Professional Practice IV: 2 credits

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Clinical Phase: Fall Semester

(14 credits)

• PA 605: Behavioral & Mental Health Rotation: 4 credits
• PA 610: Emergency Medicine Rotation: 4 credits
• PA 615: Family Medicine Rotation: 4 credits
• PA 620: Professional Practice V: 1 credit
• PA 625: Ethics and Moral Leadership I: 1 credit

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Clinical Phase: Spring Semester

(14 credits)

• PA 630: Pediatric Rotation: 4 credits
• PA 635: Reproductive Health Rotation: 4 credits
• PA 640: Surgery Rotation: 4 credits
• PA 645: Professional Practice VI: 1 credit
• PA 650: Ethics and Moral Leadership II: 1 credit

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Clinical Phase: Summer Semester

(11 credits)

• PA 655: Internal Medicine Rotation: 4 credits
• PA 660: Elective Rotation: 4 credits
• PA 665: Professional Practice VII: 2 credits

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Careers:

The PA profession is one of the fastest growing in the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected job growth rate for 2021-2031 is 28%, which is much higher than the average growth rate of 5% for all professions. The median annual wage for physician associates was $121,530 in 2021. Obtaining a Master of Medical Science in Physician Associate Studies will allow graduates to:

• Take medical histories
• Conduct physical exams
• Diagnose and treat illness
• Order and interpret tests
• Develop treatment plans
• Prescribe medication
• Counsel on preventive care
• Perform procedures
• Assist in surgery
• Make rounds in hospitals and nursing homes
• Do clinical research