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Physician Assistant Studies

The UAB Physician Assistant Studies program was founded in 1967. It is the second oldest PA program in the nation and was established only two years after the birth of the PA profession. The UAB PA program is a surgically focused program that is ranked No. 8 position in the 2023 U.S. News & World Report "Best Physician Assistant Programs" rankings.

The program provides intense didactic and clinical experiences in primary care, medicine, and surgery. It is one of few programs that offers both a cadaveric dissection experience to supplement anatomy, and a live pig lab to provide a practical, hands-on experience to strengthen the surgical component of the curriculum.

The PA program and UAB are dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, and community service. Students have an opportunity to study within the UAB Hospital system, noted to be one of the top medical centers in the U.S. Our students have opportunities to complete clinical rotations in emergency medicine, primary care, trauma, critical care, and surgery, at clinical sites located within and surrounding the Birmingham area. Graduates of our 27-month program earn a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) degree.

View information about the coordinated Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and Master in Public Health (MSPAS/MPH) dual degree program.

View our NCCPA PANCE Performance Summary Report and Student Attrition Table for the program.

For more information about the Physician Assistant Studies program, call us at 205-975-4237 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Physician Assistant Studies Program sponsored by University of Alabama at Birmingham. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.

Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be March 2034. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy.

The program's accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at http://www.Arc-pa.Org/accreditation-history-university-of-alabama-at-birmingham/.

The UAB Physician Assistant Studies Program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that will prepare them for professional certification through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). While there is a national certification exam that is offered by NCCPA, board certification does not confer state licensure. Specific licensure requirements vary by state. Please visit the Professional Licensure and Certification General Disclosures webpage for more information on state licensure requirements.

PA Ranked #8 in U.S.

Oliveira Provost Award

BMD Gilman Scholars

Physician Assistant BS/M Bachelor Of Science Degree

Course Sem. Cr. Hrs. First Year (Pre-professional) BIOL-101

General Biology I (General Education)

This course serves as an introduction to cellular, molecular, and evolutionary biology. Topics will include: a study of the basic principles of modern cellular biology, including cell structure and function; the chemical basis and functions of life, including enzyme systems and gene expression; and the origin of life and evolutionary patterns of organism development on Earth. Lecture 3 (Fall, Summer).

3 BIOL-102

General Biology II (General Education)

This course serves as an introduction to animal and plant anatomy and physiology, in addition to the fundamentals of ecology. Topics will include: animal development; animal body systems; plant development; unique plant systems; Earth's terrestrial and aquatic environments; population and community ecology; animal behavior; and conservation biology. Lecture 3 (Spring, Summer).

3 BIOL-103

General Biology I Lab (General Education)

This course provides laboratory work to complement the lecture material of General Biology I. The experiments are designed to illustrate concepts of basic cellular and molecular biology, develop laboratory skills and techniques for microscopy, and improve ability to make, record and interpret observations. (Co-requisites: BIOL-101 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Fall, Summer).

1 BIOL-104

General Biology II Lab (General Education)

This course provides laboratory work to complement the material of General Biology II. The experiments are designed to illustrate concepts of animal and plant anatomy and physiology, develop laboratory skills and techniques for experimenting with live organisms, and improve ability to make, record, and interpret observations. (Co-requisites: BIOL-102 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Spring, Summer).

1 CHMG-141

General & Analytical Chemistry I (General Education – Natural Science Inquiry Perspective)

This is a general chemistry course for students in the life and physical sciences. College chemistry is presented as a science based on empirical evidence that is placed into the context of conceptual, visual, and mathematical models. Students will learn the concepts, symbolism, and fundamental tools of chemistry necessary to carry on a discourse in the language of chemistry. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship between atomic structure, chemical bonds, and the transformation of these bonds through chemical reactions. The fundamentals of organic chemistry are introduced throughout the course to emphasize the connection between chemistry and the other sciences. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).

3 CHMG-142

General & Analytical Chemistry II (General Education – Scientific Principles Perspective)

The course covers the thermodynamics and kinetics of chemical reactions. The relationship between energy and entropy change as the driving force of chemical processes is emphasized through the study of aqueous solutions. Specifically, the course takes a quantitative look at: 1) solubility equilibrium, 2) acid-base equilibrium, 3) oxidation-reduction reactions and 4) chemical kinetics. (Prerequisites: CHMG-141 or CHMG-131 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).

3 CHMG-145

General & Analytical Chemistry I Lab (General Education – Natural Science Inquiry Perspective)

The course combines hands-on laboratory exercises with workshop-style problem sessions to complement the CHMG-141 lecture material. The course emphasizes laboratory techniques and data analysis skills. Topics include: gravimetric, volumetric, thermal, titration and spectrophotometric analyses, and the use of these techniques to analyze chemical reactions. (Corequisite: CHMG-141 or CHMG-131 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).

1 CHMG-146

General & Analytical Chemistry II Lab (General Education – Scientific Principles Perspective)

The course combines hands-on laboratory exercises with workshop-style problem sessions to complement the CHMG-142 lecture material. The course emphasizes the use of experiments as a tool for chemical analysis and the reporting of results in formal lab reports. Topics include the quantitative analysis of a multicomponent mixture using complexation and double endpoint titration, pH measurement, buffers and pH indicators, the kinetic study of a redox reaction, and the electrochemical analysis of oxidation reduction reactions. (Prerequisites: CHMG-131 or CHMG-141 or equivalent course. Corequisites: CHMG-142 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).

1 MATH-161

Applied Calculus (General Education – Mathematical Perspective A)

This course is an introduction to the study of differential and integral calculus, including the study of functions and graphs, limits, continuity, the derivative, derivative formulas, applications of derivatives, the definite integral, the fundamental theorem of calculus, basic techniques of integral approximation, exponential and logarithmic functions, basic techniques of integration, an introduction to differential equations, and geometric series. Applications in business, management sciences, and life sciences will be included with an emphasis on manipulative skills. (Prerequisite: C- or better in MATH-101, MATH-111, MATH-131, NMTH-260, NMTH-272 or NMTH-275 or Math Placement Exam score greater than or equal to 45.) Lecture 4 (Fall, Spring).

4 YOPS-10

RIT 365: RIT Connections

RIT 365 students participate in experiential learning opportunities designed to launch them into their career at RIT, support them in making multiple and varied connections across the university, and immerse them in processes of competency development. Students will plan for and reflect on their first-year experiences, receive feedback, and develop a personal plan for future action in order to develop foundational self-awareness and recognize broad-based professional competencies. (This class is restricted to incoming 1st year or global campus students.) Lecture 1 (Fall, Spring).

0  

General Education – First-Year Writing

3  

General Education – Elective

3  

General Education – Ethical Perspective

3  

General Education – Artistic Perspective

3  

General Education – Global Perspective

3 Second Year (Pre-professional) CHMB-240

Biochemistry for Health Sciences (General Education)

This course will focus on the application of biochemical knowledge to the field of medicine. Students will learn the basic functions of water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids in humans, then explore implications of this knowledge in nutrition and metabolism and its relationship to health and disease. (Prerequisites: CHMG-142 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall).

3 MEDS-250

Human Anatomy and Physiology I (General Education)

This course is an integrated approach to the structure and function of the nervous, endocrine, integumentary, muscular and skeletal systems. Laboratory exercises include histological examination, actual and simulated anatomical dissections, and physiology experiments with human subjects. (Pre-requisite: (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124 and BIOL-125 and BIOL-126) or (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124) or (BIOL-101 and BIOL-102) or (BIOL-121 and BIOL-122) or MEDG-102 or equivalent course or NUTR-BS or NUTRSC-BS students.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Fall).

4 MEDS-251

Human Anatomy and Physiology II (General Education)

This course is an integrated approach to the structure and function of the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, immunological, respiratory, excretory, and reproductive systems with an emphasis on the maintenance of homeostasis. Laboratory exercises include histological examinations, anatomical dissections and physiological experiments using human subjects. (Pre-requisite: (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124 and BIOL-125 and BIOL-126) or (BIOL-123 and BIOL-124) or (BIOL-101 and BIOL-102) or (BIOL-121 and BIOL-122) or MEDG-102 or equivalent course or NUTR-BS or NUTRSC-BS students.) Lab 3, Lecture 3 (Spring).

4 MEDS-417

Clinical Microbiology

Clinical microbiology is a detailed study of the bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites relevant to human infectious diseases, including their historical significance and impact on society. This course will also focus on giving the student an appreciation and clear understanding of emerging/re-emerging infectious disease agents particularly those infectious disease agents commonly encountered in a hospital setting. (Prerequisites: (BIOL-123 and BIOL-125 and BIOL-124 and BIOL-126) or (BIOL-101 and BIOL-102 and BIOL-103 and BIOL-104) or (BIOL-121 and BIOL-122) or (MEDG-101 and MEDG-102 and MEDG-103 and MEDG-104) or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Spring).

3 STAT-145

Introduction to Statistics I (General Education – Mathematical Perspective B)

This course introduces statistical methods of extracting meaning from data, and basic inferential statistics. Topics covered include data and data integrity, exploratory data analysis, data visualization, numeric summary measures, the normal distribution, sampling distributions, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing. The emphasis of the course is on statistical thinking rather than computation. Statistical software is used. (Prerequisites: Any 100 level MATH course, or NMTH-260 or NMTH-272 or NMTH-275 or (NMTH-250 with a C- or better) or a Math Placement Exam score of at least 35.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).

3  

Open Elective

3  

General Education – Social Perspective

3  

General Education – Immersions 1,2,3

9 Third Year (Professional) PHYA-401

History & Physical Diagnosis I

This is the first in a two-course sequence which introduces and develops the clinical psychosocial skills and anatomic/physiologic science involved in interviewing and examining patients. This course includes practical medical terminology, attitude development and values clarification strategies to aid students in adopting a humanistic approach, interviewing techniques used during patient interaction, comprehensive database development, demonstrated techniques for complete physical examination of all body systems and explanation/implementation of the Problem-Oriented Medical Record (POMR). The course involves weekly patient contact. (This course is restricted PHYA-BS students with at least 3rd year standing.) Lecture 6 (Fall).

4 PHYA-402

History & Physical Diagnosis II

This second of a two-course sequence introduces and develops the clinical psychosocial and anatomic/physiologic science involved in examining patients. The course includes performing and writing complete, accurate medical histories and physical examinations with small group instruction. Weekly patient contact. (Prerequisites: PHYA-401 or equivalent course.) Lecture 6 (Spring).

4 PHYA-405

Pathophysiology I

This introductory course in the Pathophysiology of Disease course sequence will present the physician assistant student with normal and abnormal function of cells in general, illustrating how these cellular abnormalities affect function of specific organ systems. The respiratory, renal, and cardiovascular organ systems will be highlighted and mechanisms of neoplasia will be introduced. The endocrine, and gastrointestinal organ systems will be highlighted. (This course is restricted PHYA-BS students with at least 3rd year standing.) Lecture 2 (Fall).

2 PHYA-406

Pathophysiology II

This second course is the second in a two-part sequence that introduces the physician assistant student to the normal and abnormal cellular and physiologic processes that underlie many human diseases. Hematologic, pulmonary, immune, and neurologic systems will be covered during this semester. Understanding of how these abnormalities affect clinical laboratory data will also be acquired. (This course is restricted PHYA-BS students with at least 3rd year standing.) Lecture 2 (Spring).

2 PHYA-415

Pharmacology I

This introductory course in the Clinical Pharmacology course sequence presents the physician assistant student with the necessary foundation of knowledge to safely and effectively prescribe medication for common and/or important disorders. The course will begin with a study of the mechanics of pharmacology: pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Following this introduction, an organ systems approach, paralleling the systems presented in Clinical Medicine I, is utilized to study medications relevant to gastrointestinal disease. (This course is restricted PHYA-BS students with at least 3rd year standing.) Lecture 1 (Fall).

1 PHYA-416

Pharmacology II

This is the second course in the Clinical Pharmacology course sequence that presents the physician assistant student with the necessary foundation of knowledge to safely and effectively prescribe medication for common and/or important disorders. Course content will complement material presented simultaneously in the Clinical Medicine II course including key concepts of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. These will be utilized to study medications relevant to treat human diseases. (Prerequisites: PHYA-415 or equivalent course.) Lecture 2 (Spring).

2 PHYA-419

Advanced Gross Anatomy

This is a course designed as a laboratory-intensive overview of normal structure in prosected (dissections performed ahead of time by staff) examples of cadaver anatomy. Special emphases will be placed on the anatomical correlates associated with upper/lower extremity, neck, and back muscle groups/joints/bones, peripheral nerve plexuses (including spinal and cranial nerves), major arterial/venous pathways, and body viscera in areas of the head/neck, thorax, abdomen, and pelvis. Where appropriate, evidence of pathologies will be discussed at the cadaver side. Additionally, students will participate in clinical case presentations that correspond to the particular dissection subject at-hand throughout the term. (This course is restricted PHYA-BS students with at least 3rd year standing.) Lec/Lab 2 (Fall).

2 PHYA-420

PA Seminar

This course provides physician assistant students with an introduction to the PA profession. The course encompasses historical origins and early educational models. The course covers various professional entities; licensure, certification, accreditation, professional organizations, and medical ethics. (This course is restricted PHYA-BS students with at least 3rd year standing.) Lecture 1 (Fall).

1 PHYA-422

Clinical Medicine I

This is the first of the Clinical Medicine sequence of courses. The student will be presented with the necessary foundation of knowledge to begin to understand the patient's condition within a clinical context. An organ systems approach is utilized in this course to study diseases of the skin, ears, oral cavity, ophthalmology, upper respiratory tract, endocrine system, and gastrointestinal tract. Principles of preventive medicine will be woven throughout the curriculum. An introduction to disorders involving the cardiovascular system will complete the semester. (This course is restricted PHYA-BS students with at least 3rd year standing.) Lecture 10 (Fall).

5 PHYA-423

Clinical Medicine II

This is the second in the sequence of Clinical Medicine courses. The course will present the physician assistant student with the necessary knowledge to understand the patient within a clinical context. A body systems approach is utilized in this course to study diseases of the cardiovascular, selected endocrine topics, renal, men's health, heme/oncology, pulmonary, and nervous systems. Principles of preventive medicine will be woven throughout the curriculum. (Prerequisites: PHYA-422 or equivalent course.) Lecture 10 (Spring).

5 PHYA-430

Clinical Genetics

This course provides students with an introduction to medical genetics and relevant diseases, syndromes, and clinical disorders. Course focuses on major disorders as subgroups and provides relevant overviews of associated diseases and syndromes within each subgroup. Course also confronts current needs and comprehensive nature of genetic counseling, detailing various patient populations in which this is critical. (This course is restricted PHYA-BS students with at least 3rd year standing.) Lecture 2 (Spring).

2 Fourth Year (Professional) PHYA-409

Clinical Lab Medicine

This course will investigate the appropriate use and interpretation of commonly utilized laboratory tests. Students will be asked to predict results that would be expected to occur in the setting of various diseases. In addition, a significant component of this course will be to introduce the student to the principles of electrocardiogram (EKG) interpretation. By the end of the course, students should be able to interpret both normal 12 lead EKGs as well as commonly encountered abnormal EKGs, with an emphasis on ischemia and infarction. (This course is restricted PHYA-BS students with at least 3rd year standing.) Lec/Lab 1 (Spring).

1 PHYA-417

Pharmacology III

This is the final course in the Clinical Pharmacology course sequence that presents the physician assistant student with the necessary foundation of knowledge to safely and effectively prescribe medication for common and/or important disorders. Course content will complement material presented simultaneously in the Clinical Medicine III course including key concepts of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. These will be utilized to study medications relevant to treat diseases with a focus on the pediatric and geriatric populations. (Prerequisites: PHYA-416 or equivalent course.) Lecture 2 (Fall).

2 PHYA-421

Diagnostic Imaging

This course introduces the PA student to the most clinically relevant diagnostic imaging modalities, emphasizing the risks and benefits of different modalities, as well as the appropriate indications for obtaining a variety of radiographic studies. The student will be exposed to the most common plain radiographic diagnoses likely to be encountered in clinical practice as well as important life threatening diagnoses. At the conclusion of this course, the student will have foundational skills and competency to interpret plain radiographs demonstrating these important diagnoses. (This course is restricted to students in PHYA-BS with at least 4th year standing.) Lecture 2 (Fall).

2 PHYA-424

Clinical Medicine III

This is the final course in the Clinical Medicine sequence of courses and is designed to complete the introduction to human disease. The format will be primarily a population-based approach to presenting disease. The unique diseases and developmental issues encountered in pediatrics, geriatrics, and women's health will be addressed. An introduction to the important medical issues relevant to caring for surgical patients will be presented. Psychiatric illness, geriatrics, musculoskeletal and rheumatology will be presented. Special topics of trauma, burns, and emergency medicine will complete the course. The principles of preventive medicine will continue to be integrated throughout the curriculum. (Prerequisites: PHYA-423 or equivalent course.) Lecture 10 (Fall).

5 PHYA-440

Society and Behavioral Medicine

This course is the introduction to professionalism, professional behaviors for the PA, and behavior science for the PA student. We will explore stereotypes and providers' inappropriate (or lack of) knowledge and how this might influence access to care. The focus is non-somatic medical skills and knowledge needed to become a clinician who manages these issues with insight into human behavior. Topics will include issues related to age, socioeconomic status, cultural, racial, religious, ethnic and family diversity etc. We will seek out and develop tools to recognize facets (including risk factors for and signs/symptoms) of the above issues and of abuse issues. Setting this foundation in basic psychopathology and its relationship to understanding human illness is core to the PA student's developing professionalism. (This course is restricted to students in PHYA-BS with at least 4th year standing.) Lecture 3 (Fall).

3 PHYA-510

Hospital Practice

The student will begin working with hospitalized patients prior to their clinical year of rotations in small group lead instruction. This course engages the student in the critical thinking process used in the daily care and management of a patient. Student-generated patient cases (from hospital work) will be utilized to work through the critical thinking process that is employed in the day-to-day management of a patient. Enhancement of the development of differential diagnosis, assessment and the treatment plans will be emphasized. Order writing, daily progress notes and clinical procedures for each case will be thoroughly explored. (This course is restricted to students in PHYA-BS with at least 4th year standing.) Lecture 6 (Fall).

4 PHYA-520

Clinical Integration

This course builds upon the foundation developed during the professional didactic phase of the physician assistant program. Drawing upon this foundation, students will analyze simple and complex case-based patient scenarios. Working individually and in groups, and using computer-assisted patient simulators when possible, the students will be asked to gather data from physical examination, and EKG and laboratory data. Based on the data gathered, the student will recommend further diagnostic evaluations, suggest appropriate treatment, and develop follow-up plans based on the scenario presented. The development of thorough and relevant differential diagnoses for each case study will be an integral part of this process. The case studies will be drawn from a broad variety of clinical disciplines. In addition, students will be required to work in small groups to develop their own "teaching case" and will lead the remainder of the class through a learning exercise based on the case they have created. (This course is restricted to students in PHYA-BS with at least 4th year standing.) Lecture 8 (Spring).

4 PHYA-530

Clinical Research Methods (WI-PR)

This course provides students with an overview of clinical epidemiological concepts from which infectious and non-infectious diseases manifest in acute and chronic settings. This course will also build on the knowledge of statistics and provide students with an introduction to research methodology and design. The course design will enable the PA student to read and interpret medical literature and evaluate the findings. The course will introduce different research methods and outcomes assessment of Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM). The course will require the physician assistant student to create a formal written graduate research proposal, which will culminate with a graduate project in the fifth year of the PA Program. Projects may be in the form of: clinical practice essay, PA curriculum development, medically-related community service project, in-depth medical case review, meta-analysis of specific disease/syndrome, or original medical research (This course is restricted to students in PHYA-BS with at least 4th year standing or those students with graduate standing in PHYA-MS.) Lecture 2 (Spring).

2 PHYA-550

Procedural Clinical Skills

This course provides the PA student with the requisite skills for professional courses and internships. Emphasis is on developing competence in basic skills in conjunction with patient care. Current hepatitis B immunization status highly recommended. (This course is restricted to students in PHYA-BS with at least 4th year standing.) Lecture 4 (Spring).

3 PHYA-560

Healthcare Policy & Law

This course will provide an overview of health care law, principles and ethics as it relates to the health care provider. Lecture topics will cover an introduction to law, criminal aspects of health care, patient consent issues, legal reporting obligations, contracts and antitrust, information management and health care records, HIPAA regulations, legal risk to the health care provider, patient safety and quality assurance, The Affordable Health Care Act, end of life issues, job negotiations and malpractice insurance issues. (This course is restricted to students in PHYA-BS with at least 4th year standing.) Lecture 2 (Spring).

2 PHYA-710

Graduate Project I (WI-PR)

This is the first of a two-course sequence which will provide the physician assistant student with opportunities to prepare a formal graduate capstone project/paper. Projects may be in the form of: clinical practice essay, PA curriculum development, medically-related community service project, in-depth medical case review, meta-analysis of specific disease / syndrome, or original medical research. This capstone project/paper will build on clinical training and enable students to build skills for life-long learning as problem solvers and critical evaluators of medical and scientific literature. (This course is restricted to students in PHYA-BS with at least 4th year standing or those students with graduate standing in PHYA-MS.) Ind Study 2 (Summer).

2 PHYA-750

Pediatrics

This mandatory rotation in the field of pediatric medicine provides hands-on clinical exposure and experiences. This builds on solid basic medical knowledge and competencies acquired in the didactic, pre-clinical coursework. (This class is restricted to students in PHYA-BS with at least 4th year standing or PHYAST-BS or those students with graduate standing in PHYA-MS.) Clinical 15 (Fall, Spring, Summer).

4 PHYA-751

Internal Medicine

This mandatory rotation in the field of general medicine provides hands-on clinical exposure and experiences. This builds on solid basic medical knowledge and competencies acquired in the didactic, pre-clinical coursework. (This class is restricted to students in PHYA-BS with at least 4th year standing or those students with graduate standing in PHYA-MS.) Clinical 15 (Fall, Spring, Summer).

4 PHYA-752

Women's Health

This mandatory rotation in the field of obstetrics and gynecologic medicine provides hands-on clinical exposure and experiences. This builds on solid basic medical knowledge and competencies acquired in the didactic, pre-clinical coursework. (This class is restricted to students in PHYA-BS with at least 4th year standing or those students with graduate standing in PHYA-MS.) Clinical 15 (Fall, Spring, Summer).

4 PHYA-761

Professional Practice I

This is the first in a sequence of courses designed for the physician assistant student in the clinical setting. The course will cover discipline specific areas including a pulmonary workshop and lectures on topics such as working with a pharmaceutical company, professionalism, and rehabilitative medicine. The course will also include an ongoing Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) series and physician assistant national certification exam board review. (This class is restricted to students in PHYA-BS with at least 4th year standing or PHYAST-BS or those students with graduate standing in PHYA-MS.) Lecture 3 (Summer).

2  

Open Electives

6 Fifth Year (Professional) PHYA-720

Graduate Project II

This course will provide the physician assistant student with continued preparation of a formal graduate project for the PA Program. Projects may be in the form of: clinical practice essay, PA curriculum development, medically-related community service project, in-depth medical case review, meta-analysis of specific disease/syndrome, or original medical research. This course will culminate with the completion of the capstone project/paper which is founded in clinical experience and enables students to build skills for life-long learning as problem solvers and critical evaluators of medical and scientific literature. (This course is restricted to students in PHYA-BS with at least 4th year standing or those students with graduate standing in PHYA-MS.) Ind Study 2 (Fall).

2 PHYA-753

Emergency Medicine

This mandatory rotation in the field of emergency medicine provides hands-on clinical exposure and experiences. This builds on solid basic medical knowledge and competencies acquired in the didactic, pre-clinical coursework. (This class is restricted to students in PHYA-BS with at least 4th year standing or PHYAST-BS or those students with graduate standing in PHYA-MS.) Clinical 15 (Fall, Spring, Summer).

4  PHYA-754

Surgery

This mandatory rotation in the field of surgery provides hands-on clinical exposure and experiences. This builds on solid basic medical knowledge and competencies acquired in the didactic, pre-clinical coursework. (This class is restricted to students in PHYA-BS with at least 4th year standing or PHYAST-BS or those students with graduate standing in PHYA-MS.) Clinical 15 (Fall, Spring, Summer).

4 PHYA-755

Orthopedics

This mandatory rotation in the field of orthopedic medicine provides hands-on clinical exposure and experiences. This builds on solid basic medical knowledge and competencies acquired in the didactic, pre-clinical coursework. (This class is restricted to students in PHYA-BS with at least 4th year standing or PHYAST-BS or those students with graduate standing in PHYA-MS.) Clinical 15 (Fall, Spring, Summer).

4 PHYA-757

Behavioral Health

This mandatory rotation in the field of psychiatric medicine provides hands-on clinical exposure and experiences. This builds on solid basic medical knowledge and competencies acquired in the didactic, pre-clinical coursework. (Matriculation into the fifth year of the PA Program) (This class is restricted to students in PHYA-BS with at least 4th year standing or those students with graduate standing in PHYA-MS.) Clinical 15 (Fall, Spring, Summer).

4 PHYA-758

Family Medicine

This mandatory rotation in the field of family medicine provides hands-on clinical exposure and experiences. This builds on solid basic medical knowledge and competencies acquired in the didactic, pre-clinical coursework. (This class is restricted to students in PHYA-BS with at least 4th year standing or those students with graduate standing in PHYA-MS.) Clinical 15 (Fall, Spring, Summer).

4 PHYA-759

Elective Rotation

This mandatory rotation in an elective field of medicine provides additional hands-on clinical exposure and experiences. This builds on solid basic medical knowledge and competencies acquired in the didactic, pre-clinical coursework. (This class is restricted to students in PHYA-BS with at least 4th year standing or those students with graduate standing in PHYA-MS.) Clinical 15 (Fall, Spring, Summer).

8 PHYA-762

Professional Practice II

This is the second in a sequence of courses designed for the physician assistant student in the clinical setting. The course will cover discipline specific areas including complementary medicine lectures and professionalism. The course will also include an ongoing Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) series and physician assistant national certification exam board review. (Prerequisites: PHYA-761 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall).

2 PHYA-763

Professional Practice III

This is the last in a sequence of courses designed for the physician assistant student in the clinical setting. The course will cover discipline specific areas including lectures regarding PA workforce issues, coding and billing, social service work and a resume writing workshop. The course will also include an ongoing Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) series and physician assistant national certification exam board review. (Prerequisites: PHYA-762 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring).

2 Total Semester Credit Hours

181

Pre-Physician Assistant Preparation

Physician assistants (PAs) are able to examine, diagnose, and treat patients under a doctor's supervision. They practice medicine as part of a team that includes physicians, surgeons, and other health-care professionals.

Physician assistants work in all areas of medicine. You can choose a primary care setting or specialize in another area, such as emergency medicine. In some cases, PAs serve as primary care providers. They must still collaborate with a physician on patient treatment. Most PAs work full time—about 40 hours per week. They might work at night, on weekends, and during holidays.

Job Outlook

27%

 growth in employment 2022-32 according to BLS

$130,490

mean annual wage, May 2023 according to BLS

#2

in Best Health Care Jobs in August 2024 according to U.S. News & World Report

How to Apply

Physician assistant schools are highly competitive. Most applicants have a bachelor's degree. Most PA schools require applicants to have experience with direct patient care, such as working as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) or Emergency Medical Technician. In PA school, students earn a master's degree; this usually takes at least two years to complete. After earning a master's, PAs must be licensed in order to practice, passing a national exam and meeting state requirements.

Course Requirements

Here's a guide for recommended courses that students can take at Michigan Tech in preparation for Physician Assistant school. This is not an exhaustive list. You are responsible to check with the schools you wish to apply to for specific requirements. Students must check with the individual schools if they intend to use AP or community college credits to ensure those credits are accepted.

It is important to look up specific PA course requirements on the specific university admissions pages. You can also use the PAEA Program Directory or PA school finder to look up PA requirements. Many students do. But looking at your chosen university site is the only way to be sure you are taking all the required classes.

Entrance Exam

Most Physician Assistant Schools require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as the entrance exam for their programs. Competitive GRE scores average around 300-310 or above. Students should aim to be above the 50th percentile. 

The GRE is offered as a computer-based test year-round. On average, students should spend anywhere from 50 to 200 hours preparing for the GRE. This largely depends on how efficiently you study. The more time you spend the more confident you will be!

Some physician assistant schools may also require the online CASPer test. This is a situational judgment test that can be taken on any computer with internet and a webcam. This test evaluates elements of social intelligence and professionalism, such as empathy and problem solving. Learn more about CASPer here. It is important to check program requirements to see if any program you are applying for requires this additional test.

Kaplan Test Prep Discounts

Additional Requirements

Many PA programs have a minimum cumulative GPA requirement as well as a minimum GPA requirement for each pre-requisite course that they require. Most programs require at least a 3.0 GPA or above to apply to their program. However, on average, students who get into PA school have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

In addition to your GPA and GRE score, most PA schools require a minimum of three letters of recommendation, a written personal statement or essay, and if you are selected, an in-person interview. 

More PA schools require or recommend direct patient care experience. The amount and criteria for hours vary, based on the school. Some accept volunteer or clinical observation hours, but most require or prefer paid hours of experience. Some examples include working as an EMT, Registered Nurse, Emergency Room Technician, Certified Nurse Assistant, Medical Assistant, or Hospice Aide. Students should check with the schools they wish to apply to ensure they meet the patient care experience requirement.

In Michigan

Meet the Students

Bella Menzel-Smith

Pre-Physician Assistant, Human Biology, Michigan Technological University

Physician-Assistant Program, Marquette University

Tessa Sprague

Pre-Physician Assistant, Exercise Science, Michigan Technological University

Physician Assistant Program, Central Michigan University

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