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Physician Assistant Education in South Dakota - SD
By Joanna Pelletier, allied health world contributing writer
Published: January 7th, 2010
Physician Assistants in South Dakota usually hold a graduate degree or higher, which means that anyone who plans on going into the field should graduate from high school and look forward to going to college. Aspiring Physician Assistants should have a strong understanding of human anatomy and biology, and should focus on developing effective analytical, scientific reasoning, communication, and English language skills. When students plan their courses, they should combine their general curriculum with classes in health, communications, and the sciences.
- Complete a Bachelor's degree program
Graduate programs offered by Physician Assistant schools in South Dakota usually require students to take prerequisite courses in human anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, abnormal psychology, immunology, microbiology, organic chemistry, and general psychology before they begin their graduate study, so it may be beneficial for students to major in nursing, organic chemistry, psychology, sociology, or a related field.
- Get a Master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies
Physician Assistant candidates in South Dakota should go through a program that is approved both by the American Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant and American Medical Association. This is a basic requirement for anyone who plans to take PANCE, the national certifying exam for Physician Assistants.
AMA and ARC-PA-accredited programs offered by Physician Assistant schools in South Dakota are divided into two phases (didactic and clinical). The didactic phase focuses on introducing students to the profession, teaching them about the various organ systems and aspects of pharmacology, and instructing them on the various research methods in medicine. Students go through four rotations during their clinical phase, which all focus on a different aspect of the medical field.
Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Physician Assistants in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen and Watertown, South Dakota may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the Sanford USD Medical Center, Rapid City Regional Hospital, Avera Saint Luke's Hospital and Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center.