The 5-Year Accelerated Degree Program will give you solid science and clinical backgrounds to practice as a Physician Assistant.

During your five years you’ll learn how to:

• Diagnose and treat patients under the supervision of a physician
• Take comprehensive and directed histories and perform physical exams
• Perform many routine medical procedures
• Order and interpret laboratory tests
• Advise and counsel patients on their medical conditions
• Prescribe medications and counsel patients on their effects and interactions

The program is divided into two phases:

The Pre-Professional Phase

In the first three years you’ll receive a solid foundation in science, social sciences and the humanities at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. Course emphasis will be placed on anatomy, physiology, immunology, hematology and pathophysiology. Clinical techniques will be integrated into the classroom experience including how to complete a physical examination and take a patient history.

Your admission to the Pre-Professional Phase (years 1, 2 or 3) at USP also reserves a seat for you in the Professional Phase (years 4 and 5) at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). In order to progress, however, students must fulfill the following academic and non-academic requirements:

Academic Requirements

• Successful completion of the pre-professional coursework with a cumulative GPA no less than 2.75 and a 2.50 minimum GPA in the natural sciences with no grades below C-
• Successful completion of USP’s Writing Proficiency Exam and Computer Proficiency course

Non-Academic Requirements

• Documented completion of 200 hours of shadowing, volunteer or paid experience with an appropriate health or medical professional
• Recommendation letters from three health/medical professionals including at least one from an MD/DO or PA
• A narrative statement about your career aspirations
• Successful completion of the PCOM entrance interview

At the beginning of the third year at USP, students are encouraged to submit their required application for entrance into the professional phase to CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants). USP students will receive assistance throughout the entire professional phase admission process.

View the Pre-Professional Phase curriculum to see the courses offered.

The Professional Phase

Years four and five—the professional phase of the program—are completed at PCOM. During this 26-month educational experience, didactic and clinical work will prepare you for your career in practice through:

• Formal lectures
• Practical laboratory classes
• Clinical education and clinical research
• Development of patient communication skills
• The acquisition of proficiency in patient care techniques

During your education at PCOM you will learn to:

• Apply biological, physical, social and behavioral knowledge and skills to care for patients under the supervision of a licensed DO/MD
• Apply effective clinical skills
• Understand the team approach to providing quality health care
• Recognize the need for a referral when a specific problem requires the in-depth professional attention of another health care provider
• Communicate effectively, in both spoken and written form, with patients, other health care professionals and family members
• Display professional competency and ethics
• Appreciate the dignity of individuals and each individual’s right to a quality life
• Continue professional growth through research, study and participation in lifelong learning activities
• Promote the Physician Assistant profession on an ongoing basis
• Understand the changing attitudes and awareness of health care issues that affect health care practitioners

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).

After completing the program, you’ll be eligible to sit for the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants Examination.

For more information on the Professional Phase, go to www.pcom.edu.