Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Offered at Savannah and Tampa Campuses only.
Offered at South University Savannah and Tampa locations, Physician assis- tants perform many medical functions under the supervision of a licensed phy- sician, including, but not limited to, evaluation, monitoring, diagnostics, thera- peutics, counseling, and referral. The scope of the practice varies according to state laws, the medical setting, and the training of the physician assistant.
The objectives of the South University Physician Assistant Studies (PA) program are to recruit qualified students from all areas and provide fair and equitable admissions criteria; make available a variety of instructional models and resources to provide the PA student with the most effective learning ar- rangements and opportunities; provide appropriate cognitive psychomotor and affective learning opportunities for PA students to achieve the necessary competency and proficiency levels expected and required of the physician as- sistant; provide appropriate learning opportunities for PA students that will pre- pare them to perform their expected competencies in an ethical, legal, safe, and effective manner upon graduation; prepare PA students to communicate effectively; instill the importance and value of continued education and involve- ment in appropriate professional and community affairs after graduation; and encourage the PA students to recognize their own strengths and limitations and interpret for others the scope and function of a physician assistant.
The Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies is supported by a communitywide network of hospitals, clinics, health agencies, and pri- vate medical practices that serve as clinical settings.
PA Certification
Graduation from an accredited physician assistant program permits stu- dents to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE), administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, Inc. (NCCPA)*. The PANCE has been designed to assess essential knowledge and skills of PA’s in conducting a variety of health care functions normally encountered in practice.
The emphasis of this examination is on general function and those ex- tended core functions specific to either primary care or surgery. General functions have been identified as those that physician assistants should be skilled in performing irrespective of specialty training or practice. Pri- mary care and surgery extended core functions have been identified as those important to the appropriate extended core practice.
Successful completion of the PANCE allows PA’s to become eligible for licensure. Examinees will be awarded a certificate that certifies that the examinee passed the NCCPA exam and satisfied all requirements for initial NCCPA certification. Examinees must then apply for licensure in the state in which they plan to practice. Currently 50 states have enacted some type of regulatory requirement for PA’s. Eligibility for the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree at South University in- cludes the following:
A comprehensive summative evaluation of each student is conducted prior to program completion to assure students meet defined program expectations for knowledge and technical skills. The student must suc- cessfully complete all competency and summative examinations.
*South University does not guarantee third-party certification/licensure. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing ex- ams and are subject to change without notice to South University.
Comprehensive Exams
Successful completion of the didactic phase of the curriculum requires satisfactory completion of a formative evaluation. The formative evalua- tion, consisting of both written and performance objectives, is adminis- tered at the end of the didactic training period. This evaluation is used to identify individual weaknesses and qualification for advancement to the clinical phase of the program.
Successful completion of the program requires satisfactory comple- tion of a comprehensive summative evaluation. The summative evalua- tion consisting of both written and performance components is admin- istered at the end of the clinical training period. The test includes three components that evaluate the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective do- mains. This evaluation is used to identify individual weaknesses, compe- tence in program objectives, and eligibility for graduation.
Graduation Requirements
The faculty’s judgment of a student’s suitability and fitness for graduation is based upon more than scholastic achievement, and includes the applicant’s character, physical abilities, and interaction with patients, patients’ families, and other healthcare professionals. Eligibility for the Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree at South University includes the following:
To receive the Master of Science degree a student must satisfy the following requirements:
• The student normally must complete the course requirements de- scribed in the catalog in effect when the student enrolled. Students who leave South University longer than 3 quarters will be required to meet catalog requirements in effect at the time of their return. • The student must receive a minimum grade of “C” or better in
all courses.
• The student must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher for all course work taken while in the SUPAP.
• The student must take the SUPAP summative evaluation prior to grad- uation. A summary evaluation of each student is conducted 68 weeks prior to program completion to assure students meet defined program expectations for knowledge and technical skills. The student must suc- cessfully complete all competency and summative examinations. • Complete the final Master’s professional research project. It is the responsibility of each potential graduate to complete an ap- plication for graduation. The application should be submitted during pre- registration for the last quarter in which the student will be enrolled at South University.
Conduct
The South University Student Handbook defines a Code of Conduct that must be followed by all students. Failure to comply with general Univer- sity policies may result in dismissal from the program and the University according to defined disciplinary procedures enforced by the Dean of Student Affairs. All disciplinary actions will be reported to the Progress
and Promotions Committee and will be considered relative to the student’s suitability for continued participation in the program and entry into the PA pro- fession. Each student shall be attired appropriately whenever he/she is in a clinical (patient care) environment. Failure to adhere to appropriate guidelines for attire can result in dismissal from clinical activity with a resulting penalty applied for absence. In the belief that physicians and PA’s are called to the highest standards of honor and professional conduct and understanding that this responsibility begins at the inception of one’s medical education rather than upon receipt of a degree, the students of the South University Physician Assistant Studies Degree Program must uphold the following standards that serve as an embodiment of the conduct and integrity to which they aspire. These standards are intended to promote an atmosphere of honesty, trust, and cooperation among the students, the faculty, their patients, and society. Students in the South University Physician Assistant Studies Degree Program are expected to demonstrate behavior that is considered appropriate for a ca- reer in medicine. Appropriate behavior includes, but is not in any way limited to honesty, trustworthiness, professional demeanor, respect for the rights of others, personal accountability, and concern for the welfare of patients – all of which are outlined below. Violations of these Standards of Professionalism may result in disciplinary proceedings.
For more information on policies and expectations on PA student conduct see the PA program Student Handbook.
Grading
The following letter grades, their indication of performance, and assigned quality points are used in the program:
A excellent 4
B above average 3
C average 2
D below average 1
(This is a marginal grade for which the student may be required to perform remedial work or repeat the course at the discretion of the Progress and Promotions Committee)
F Failing 0
(no course credit or residence credit) WF Withdrawal while failing 0
(no course credit or residence credit) WX Registered,
Never attended 0
(no course credit or residence credit)
P Pass credit no quality points 0
(restricted to certain courses) I Incomplete
The notation “P” indicates a passing score in a course designated as Pass/Fail (P/F). A student receives credit hours for a P/F course, but there are no quality points assigned and a passing grade does not contribute to the student’s grade point average. The notation “I” for incomplete will be submitted when assigned work has not been completed. If the work is not completed by the end of the sec- ond week of the subsequent academic quarter, a final grade of F will be assigned.
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Prerequisite Courses
Applicants to the South University PA master’s degree program must have an earned bachelor’s degree with an overall minimum cumulative GPA of 2.60 (on a 4.00 scale) and a recommended science GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale). The courses listed below are collegiate level prerequi- sites and must be completed prior to acceptance into the program. All prerequisites must have been taken at a regionally accredited college or university. No grade below a C will be accepted for any course. Physician Assistant Undergraduate Prerequisite Courses*
Semesters or Quarters Human Anatomy *1 Human Physiology *1 General Biology +2 General Chemistry +2 Organic Chemistry +1
*Human Anatomy and Physiology may be taken as standalone courses or as part of a sequence. In the event that the courses are taken as part of a sequence, only a completed sequence of A&P I and II will be accepted. +Basic science courses should be those for science majors. Only courses with an associated lab will be given credit for fulfilling prerequisite requirements.
Clinical Experience
Clinical experience that includes direct patient care is strongly recommended for application and selection into the program; however, there is no requirement for a predetermined number of hours (or months) of health care experience to be earned by an applicant. Clinical experiences should provide the applicant with a knowledge of and orientation to the presentation, signs, and symptoms of a vari- ety of ill or injured patients. Such experiences are evaluated on an individual basis with regard to time spent with PAs or physicians observing or caring for patients. Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree
Didactic Curriculum 102 Credit Hours
Didactic Phase
Physician Assistant Course Sequence
1st Quarter 17 Credit Hours
PAS5102 Medical Interviewing and Documentation 3
PAS5110 Physical Assessment I 3
PAS5210 Physical Assessment I lab (sections 1-8) 1
PAS5125 Med. Anatomy & Physiology I 4
PAS5225 Med. Anatomy & Physiology I lab (sects 1-8) 1
PAS5124 Essentials of Behavioral Medicine 3
PAS5172 Professional Seminar I 2
2nd Quarter 21 Credit Hours
PAS5111 Physical Assessment II 3
PAS5211 Physical Assessment II lab 1
PAS5126 Med. Anatomy & Physiology II 4
PAS5226 Med. Anatomy & Physiology II lab (sects 1-8) 1 PAS5180 Clinical Medicine & Pharmaco-therapeutics I 8 PAS5280 Clinical Medicine & Pharmaco-therapeutics I Lab (sections 1-8) 1
PAS5175 Issues in Contemporary Medicine 2
PAS5291 Applied Learning Experience I (physical exams) 1
3rd Quarter 21 Credit Hours
PAS5181 Clinical Medicine & Pharmaco-therapeutics 8 PAS5281 Clinical Medicine & Pharmaco-therapeutics II
Lab (sections 1-8) 1
PAS5147 Clinical Procedures 2
PAS5135 Laboratory Diagnostics 3
PAS5166 Musculoskeletal Care 5
PAS5292 Applied Learning Experience II 2
4th Quarter 21 Credit Hours
PAS5182 Clinical Medicine & Pharmaco-therapeutics 8 PAS5282 Clinical Medicine & Pharmaco-therapeutics II
(sections 1-8) 1
PAS5138 Fundamentals of Surgery 4
PAS5105 Epidemiology and Biostatistics 3
PAS5130 Diagnostic Methods 4
PAS5293 Applied Learning Experience III 1
5th Quarter 22 Credit Hours
PAS5132 Essentials of Clinical Geriatrics 4
PAS5183 Clinical Medicine & Pharmaco-therapeutics IV 8 PAS5283 Clinical Medicine & Pharmaco-therapeutics IV lab (1-8) 1
PAS5190 Essentials of Emergency Med. 4
PAS6152 Medical Literature in Clinical Practice 1
PAS5171 Professional Seminar II 3
PAS5294 Applied Learning Experience IV 1
Clinical Phase
PAS6200 Clinical Rotation I 8
PAS6205 Clinical Rotation II 8
PAS6210 Clinical Rotation III 8
PAS6215 Clinical Rotation IV 8
PAS6220 Clinical Rotation V 8
PAS6225 Clinical Rotation VI 8
PAS6230 Clinical Rotation VII 8
PAS6235 Clinical Rotation VIII 8
PAS6170 Professional Seminar III 2
Total Clinical year credits 66
Required Program total credit hours 168
The courses below are offered on an as needed basis
PAS5199 Independent Learning Seminar I 8
PAS5299 Independent Learning Seminar II 8
Physician Assistant Program – Tampa 1st Quarter
PAS5102 Medical Interviewing & Documentation 3
PAS5110 Physical Assessment I 3
PAS5125 Medical Anatomy & Physiology I 4
PAS5172 Professional Seminar I 2
PAS5210 Physical Assessment 1 Lab 1
PAS5225 Medical Anatomy & Physiology I Lab 1
Total quarter hours: 17
2nd Quarter
PAS5111 Physical Assessment II 3
PAS5126 Medical Anatomy & Physiology II 4
PAS5175 Contemporary Medicine 2
PAS5180 Clinical Medicine & Pharmacotherapeutics I 8
PAS5211 Physical Assessment II Lab 1
PAS5226 Medical Anatomy & Physiology II Lab 1
PAS5280 Clinical Medicine & Pharmacotherapeutics I Lab 1
PAS5291 Applied Learning Experience I 1
Total quarter hours: 21
3rd Quarter
PAS5130 Diagnostic Methods 4
PAS5166 Musculoskeletal Care 5
PAS5181 Clinical Medicine & Pharmacotherapeutics II 8 PAS5281 Clinical Medicine & Pharmacotherapeutics II Lab 1
PAS5292 Applied Learning Experience II 2
Total quarter hours: 20
4th Quarter
PAS5105 Epidemiology and Biostatistics 3
PAS5124 Essentials of Behavioral Medicine 3
PAS5138 Fundamentals of Surgery 4
PAS5182 Clinical Medicine & Pharmacotherapeutics III 8 PAS5282 Clinical Medicine & Pharmacotherapeutics III Lab 1
PAS5293 Applied Learning Experience III 1
Total quarter hours: 20
5th Quarter
PAS5132 Essentials of Clinical Geriatrics 4
PAS5147 Clinical Procedures 2
PAS5171 Professional Seminar II 3
PAS5183 Clinical Medicine & Pharmacotherapeutics IV 8
PAS5190 Essentials of Emergency Medicine 4
PAS5283 Clinical Medicine & Pharmacotherapeutics IV Lab 1
PAS5294 Applied Learning Experience IV 1
PAS6152 Medical Literature in Clinical Practice 1
Total quarter hours: 24
6th Quarter
PAS 5199 Independent Learning Seminar I (if required) 8 PAS 5299 Independent Learning Seminar II (if required) 8
Total quarter hours: 16
Clinical Phase
PAS 6200 Clinical Rotation I 8
PAS 6205 Clinical Rotation II 8
PAS 6320 Special Topics in Clinical Practice 1 2
PAS 6210 Clinical Rotation III 8
PAS 6215 Clinical Rotation IV 8
PAS 6330 Special Topics in Clinical Practice 2 2
PAS 6220 Clinical Rotation V 8
PAS 6225 Clinical Rotation VI 8
PAS 6340 Special Topics in Clinical Practice 3 2
PAS 6230 Clinical Rotation VII 8
PAS 6235 Clinical Rotation VIII 8
PAS 6350 Senior Seminar 4
Total quarter hours: 74
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree
Clinical Curriculum 66 Credit Hours
PAS6200 Clinical Rotation I 8
PAS6205 Clinical Rotation II 8
PAS6210 Clinical Rotation III 8
PAS6215 Clinical Rotation IV 8
PAS6220 Clinical Rotation V 8
PAS6225 Clinical Rotation VI 8
PAS6230 Clinical Rotation VII 8
PAS6235 Clinical Rotation VIII 8
PAS6170 Adv. Prof. Dev. Seminar 2 2
No physician assistant credits from another institution may transfer into the didactic or clinical year. MSPA students must complete the entire 27 month program (171 credit hours) at South University.