What is a Physician Assistant(PA)?

PAs are licensed health care 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.   High school students should apply by fall of their senior year.  The deadline for transfer students is March 15.

Can I obtain a Bachelor's degree in Physician Assistant Studies at USP?

You may obtain a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from USP after four years, and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) after five years.

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 the student a solid grounding in the natural and social sciences before they 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 the USP Pre-Professional PA Student, the student must meet the following 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 the student 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 financial aid available?

Contact the financial aid office at 215-596-8894.

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 health care 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 students 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.

We will be happy to answer specific questions.  Call the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at 215-596-8592.