Physician Assistant Studies Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Physician Assistant (PA)?
PAs are licensed healthcare professionals who practice medicine with physician supervision. PAs deliver a broad range of medical and surgical services to diverse populations in both urban and rural settings. Their main focus is patient care, but their duties may include education, research and administrative activities.
How and when should I apply to the PA program?
Application packets may be obtained from the Admissions Office or you can apply on line. High school students should apply by fall of their senior year. The priority application date for transfer students is March 15. USP is only able to take transfer students into the second year of the pre-professional program.
Can I obtain a bachelor's degree in Physician Assistant Studies at USP?
Entering as a first year student, you may obtain a bachelor of science in health science from USP after four years. Once you complete your fifth year at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) you will receive a master of science degree in Physician Assistant Studies.
What does "pre-professional" mean?
Pre-professional refers to the curriculum prior to the professional phase of the program. It takes part within the first three years of the program and includes classroom and laboratory work as well as shadowing. It is designed to offer you a solid grounding in the natural and social sciences before you enter the professional phase. The professional phase of the curriculum takes place at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM).
If accepted to USP PA Studies Program, will I automatically be accepted to PCOM?
While a space is available at PCOM for USP Pre-Professional PA students, you must meet the USP/PCOM Agreement criteria and meet all the USP requirements for graduation.
Would it be useful for me to shadow a PA within a clinical setting prior to applying?
Shadowing, which involves observing a PA in his or her daily clinical practice, offers you the opportunity to understand the role and responsibility of the PA. This experience is extremely useful and should be obtained if possible. This experience should be documented and included in your application.
Is the Physician Assistant Program accredited?
The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Physician Assistant Program has received accreditation from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). The Physician Assistant Program provides students with the academic and clinical training necessary to practice as competent, reliable healthcare practitioners and to obtain professional certification. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination. This National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants NCCPA certification is required by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and most states to practice as a physician assistant.
Why is volunteer/observation experience required?
Having a minimum of 200 hours volunteer/observation experience prior to the professional phase of the program provides you with direct patient contact in various areas of medicine. We want to be assured that you have adequately explored the field of physician assistant and are certain of your career choice.