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Physician Assistant Program
By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February 4th, 2010
What are the prerequisites for physician assistant programs?
Physician assistant programs are two-year graduate programs open to those individuals who have graduated from approved Bachelor of Science programs. More often than not, students pursue a BS with the knowledge that it will be precursory to the Master of Science program in physician assisting that they will ultimately pursue. As such, the BS PA (Physician Assistant Bachelor of Science) programs are designed to prepare graduates for master’s level programs as opposed to being just a general or undesignated Bachelor of Science degree. However, a general BS can in fact be a prerequisite to graduate-level study given that the program satisfies all the course requirements set by a given master’s program.It is best to consult directly with the admissions offices of the physician assistant schools you are interested in attending. Admissions requirements can vary considerably among institutions. In some cases existing work experience in a related field of
medicine can be considered in lieu of some formal education.
What can I expect from physician assistant programs?
Preparing to be a physician assistant will involve advanced medical training that will provide graduates enough core knowledge of applied medicine to work autonomously under a resident physician. These training programs consist of classroom and laboratory components, as well as advanced clinical training. Those pursuing a career as a physician assistant can expect medical training that is categorically comprehensive, and challenging enough to keep the most ardent student of applied medicine interested.Physician assistant programs are designed around the understanding that the training these professionals receive must be complimentary, not just adjunct, to the routine and specialized medical care provided by attending physicians. Physician assistant programs provide training that deals largely with the allopathic process of symptom evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. The training follows a medical model that helps prepare graduates to operate effectively and cohesively within the clinical or hospital setting and provide diagnosis and treatment consistent with and complimentary to that of the resident physician with whom the physician assistant works.
What courses can I expect from physician assistant programs?
Courses offered through physician assistant training programs are largely variant depending on the level of degree being pursued and the specialty selected. All programs; however, will consist of a standard classroom component, a laboratory component, and a clinical component designed to hone applied skills. The courses that can be expected from the three respective components of physician assistant programs are as follows:
Classroom Component:
- Physiology
- Pathology
- Biochemistry
- Human Anatomy
- Medical Ethics
Laboratory Component:
- Physical Diagnosis
- Clinical Medicine
- Clinical Pharmacology
Clinical Component:
- Internal Medicine
- Geriatrics
- Pediatrics
- Family Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
- Prenatal Care
- Gynecology Are