Physician Assistant Studies Program Phases
Pre-Professional Phase
You will spend the first three years of the Physician Assistant Studies program at USP, where you will:
- Gain a solid foundation in the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities
- Focus on anatomy, physiology and biology
- Learn medical terminology, pathophysiology and taking patient histories and physical examinations
- Explore the role of the PA in today’s healthcare system and gain an appreciation for the history of the profession
- Complete a minimum of 200 hours of patient contact, including 20 hours prior to the start of your first-year classes
- Maintain a minimum science and overall GPA
- Participate in an interview with Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine to be considered for progression into the professional phase of the program at PCOM
Professional Phase
In your fourth and fifth years, you will enter the professional phase of the program at PCOM.
- Your coursework will be combined with extensive clinical experience in a variety of settings and specialties.
- Rotations offer opportunities for mastering clinical skills. Students are assigned rotation sites in all 50 states.