UAB Physician Assistant Program
Goals and Outcomes Report 2007-2014
UAB PA Program Goals and Outcomes
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Physician Assistant Program Mission: The mission of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Physician Assistant (PA) Program is to provide qualified individuals the knowledge, skills, and judgment needed to assist physicians in the care of patients in and medical settings. Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on
Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) The University of Alabama at Birmingham is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award baccalaureate, masters and doctoral degrees.
Degree Conferred: Diploma- The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) degree is awarded by the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
U.S. News and World Report ranks the UAB Physician Assistant Program among the top Physician Assistant programs in its annual "Best Graduate Schools" edition.
Organization of the Program
The Physician Assistant Program is an entry-level physician assistant educational program. It is a Master’s of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program within the UAB Graduate School. The program is housed within the Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Health Professions, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
School of Health Professions Dean: Harold P. Jones, Ph.D.
Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences Chair: Janelle M. Chiasera, Ph.D.
Physician Assistant Program
Program Director: James R Kilgore, Ph.D., PA-C Medical Director: Donald Reiff, M.D. Associate Medical Director: John Baddley, MD
Goals and Desired Outcomes
The UAB PA program faculty has established performance indicators, outcome objectives and goals for the program. The program faculty regularly monitors and evaluates progress towards meeting its stated goals and objectives. Program faculty continually assess student's acquisition of knowledge, skills and professional behaviors. Student and graduate surveys are conducted to determine satisfaction with the following: admissions and orientation; student services and resources; policies and procedures; and the didactic and clinical curriculum. This report will present performance and related outcomes in these areas.
Goals of the UAB Physician Assistant Program
• Admissions: Applicants
o Goal: To attract and admit high quality applicants
• Admissions: Satisfaction
o Goal: Students will be satisfied with admissions and orientation information and procedures.
• Student Services and Academic Resources
o Goal: Students will be satisfied with the quality and availability of student services and academic resources.
• Program Completion Rates
o Goal: At least 90% of each entering class will complete the program and graduate on time.
o Goal: Fewer than 5% of attrition will be due to academic reasons.
• Student Satisfaction at Program Completion
o Goal: Students will indicate satisfaction with their quality of education at the end of the program.
o Goal: Students will feel prepared to become an entry-level clinical PA at the end of the program.
• PANCE Performance
o Goal: Graduates of the UAB PA program will demonstrate mastery of the knowledge needed for an entry-level physician assistant.
• Graduate Satisfaction
o Goal: Graduates will indicate satisfaction with their quality of education
• Graduate Ratings of Program Preparedness
o Goal: Graduates will report strong levels of preparation provided by the UAB PA program.
• Graduate Employment
o Goal: Graduates will report high levels of job satisfaction
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Admissions: Goals, Performance Indicators, and Results
• Goal: To attract and admit high quality applicants o Indicators
Average GPA of entering classes will be equal to or above 3.25
Average GRE scores of entering classes will be above 50th percentile o Results
o Findings
Average GPAs of the entering classes were above 3.25
Average GRE scores were at the 55th national percentile
• Goal: Students will be satisfied with admissions and orientation information and procedures.
o Indicators
Average ratings on admissions survey questions will be equal to or great than 4.0 (Agree) on a 5.0 (Strongly Agree) scale.
Average ratings on admissions surveys questions will be equal to or greater than 3.0 (Good) on a 4.0 (Excellent) scale.
o Results Class Cohort
Verbal GRE Percentile
Quant. GRE Percentile
Analyt. GRE Percentile
Science GPA
Overall GPA
2013-2015 60 56 50 3.50 3.57
2012-2014 63 59 45 3.54 3.61
2011-2013 56 52 45 3.61 3.62
2010-2012 63 54 45 3.52 3.55
2009-2011 63 56 n/a 3.55 3.58
2008-2010 57 52 n/a 3.53 3.56
2007-2009 63 55 45.0 3.51 3.46
2006-2008 58 47 n/a 3.53 3.45
Averages 60 54 46 3.54 3.55
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o Findings
Average ratings on admissions surveys questions since 2007 were equal to or greater than 3.0 (Good) on a 4.0 (Excellent) scale.
Average ratings on admissions survey questions were equal to or greater than 4.0 (Agree) on a 5.0 (Strongly Agree) scale.
Admissions and Fair Practices CO 2011-2013 (n=43)
CO 2012-2014 (n=30) The information I received about the program’s admissions
requirements and procedures was accurate 4.47 4.72
UAB admissions personnel were helpful during the application process
prior to my interview 4.52 4.43
UAB admissions personnel were helpful during the application process
during interviews 4.56 4.62
UAB admissions personnel were helpful during the application process
after acceptance into the program and prior to the first day of class 4.51 4.14 The information I received about the program’s curriculum and
academic credit offered by the program was accurate 4.67 4.62
The information I received about the estimated costs related to the
program was accurate 4.23 4.07
The PA Program orientation provided me with valuable information
regarding program policies and procedures. 4.67 4.41
I was treated fairly during the admissions process 4.68
1= Poor, 2= Fair, 3= Good, 4= Excellent
Comments from Students Regarding the UAB PA Admissions and Orientation Process
• I thought the interview process was excellent. They made me feel comfortable and relaxed, which I really liked.
• The best part about the admissions and orientation process is how approachable and friendly everyone is. They truly care about our happiness and success in the program.
• The faculty are very nice and welcoming. I really liked that the president of the class above us came to talk and was available for questions. Also, the food was great!
• I feel as if everyone treated me with respect. I never felt like I was bothering anyone with questions, and everyone seemed glad to help.
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Student Services and Academic Resource: Goals and Outcomes
• Goal: Students will be satisfied with the quality and availability of student services and academic resources.
o Indicators
Average ratings on student survey questions will be equal to or greater than 4.0 (Agree) on a 5.0 (Strongly Agree) scale.
Average ratings on exit surveys questions will be equal to or greater than 3.0 (Good) on a 4.0 (Excellent) scale.
o Results
o Findings
Average ratings on student survey questions were equal to or greater than 4.0 (Agree) on a 5.0 (Strongly Agree) scale.
Average ratings on exit surveys questions were equal to or greater than 3.0 (Good) on a 4.0 (Excellent) scale.
Program Completion Rates: Goals, Performance Indicators and Results
• Goal: At least 90% of each entering class will complete the program and graduate on time.
o Indicator
On-time graduation rates >= 90%
• Goal: Fewer than 5% of attrition will be due to academic reasons. o Indicator
Academic attrition rates <= 5%
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o Findings
Beginning in 2008 on-time graduation rates were equal to or greater than 90%. Class cohorts of 2004-2006 & 2005-2007 were below 90%. These two cohorts were admitted prior to the development of the program’s admission goals.
Beginning in 2008 academic attrition rates were equal to or less than 5%. Class cohorts of 2004-2006 & 2005-2007 had academic attrition of 9% and 6% respectively. These two cohorts were admitted prior to the development of the program’s admission goals.
Student Satisfaction at Program Completion:
Goals, Performance Indicators, and Results
• Goal: Students will indicate satisfaction with their quality of education at the end of the program.
o Indicators
Average ratings of required clinical rotations will be equal to or greater than 3.0 (Good) on a 4.0 (Excellent) scale as indicated on exit surveys
At least 95% of graduates would choose UAB again as indicated on exit surveys
• Goal: Students will feel prepared to become an entry-level clinical PA at the end of the program.
o Indicators
Average ratings of student’s level of preparedness will be equal to or greater than 3.0 (Good) on a 4.0 (Excellent) scale as indicated on exit surveys.
o Results
Class Matriculated Academic Attrition
Academic
Attrition % Medical Leave Medical Leave
% Graduated Graduation %
2004-2006 32 3 9% 1 3% 28 88%
2005-2007 32 2 6% 2 6% 28 88%
2006-2008 33 1 3% 0 0% 32 97%
2007-2009 36 0 0% 1 3% 35 97%
2008-2010 34 2 6% 0 0% 32 94%
2009-2011 42 0 0% 0 0% 42 100%
2010-2012 46 1 2% 1 2% 44 96%
2011-2013 47 1 2% 1 2% 45 96%
2012-2014 57 0 0% 1 2%
Graduation Rates and Attrition
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• Findings
o With one exception in 2011, average ratings of required clinical rotations were equal to or greater than 3.0 (Good) on a 4.0 (Excellent) scale as indicated on exit surveys
o At least 95% of graduates would choose UAB again as indicated on exit surveys
0.00 1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00
Student Evaluation of Required Rotations (Exit Surveys)
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
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o Average ratings of student’s level of preparedness were equal to or greater than 3.0 (Good) on a 4.0 (Excellent) scale on exit surveys in most areas since 2008.
What Current Students Say Are the Strengths of the Program
• The surgical aspect of the program is its greatest strength and most unique factor, but that would mean nothing without the strong and successful incorporation of medicine and medical treatment. The program has something to offer every student, and all of the faculty are very helpful with any issue.
• This is a well amazing program that is very well structured to maximize our learning process. I truly feel like this program could very easily be the top PA school in the country.
• Program faculty and staff are more than willing to help us and be there for us in our times of stress and need.
• Knowledgeable, experienced, enthusiastic and passionate faculty and instructors. Utilization of guest lecturers who are experts and actively practicing medicine. Affiliation with UAB Hospital, VA Hospital, which are in close proximity, and being able to complete H&P's on real patients.
• The great professors & guest lecturers. The availability of cadaver lab & pig lab. Opportunities for experiences like shadowing the in HIV dental clinic
• The faculty takes a personal interest in each student and their success.
• The entire faculty is always willing to answer questions and help students regardless of the situation. If a professor is not in his or her office and another faculty member sees us, they will offer to help in any way they can. I know their schedules are very busy with clinic, research, teaching, and personal life, but they are never too busy to take time to answer questions their students may have. They truly care about each one of us.
• I believe our program has faculty that are at the top of their profession.
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PANCE Scores: Goals, Performance Indicators, and Results
• Goal: Graduates of the UAB PA program will demonstrate mastery of the knowledge needed for an entry-level physician assistant.
o Indicators
100% of UAB PA program graduates will pass the PANCE on the first attempt.
UAB PA program PANCE scores will be equal to or greater than 95% of the national average in each of the 13 content areas
UAB PA program PANCE scores will be equal to or greater than 95% of the national average in each of the 7 task areas.
o Results
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• Findings
o 100% of UAB PA program graduates in the years of 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2012 passed the PANCE on the first attempt. In 2009, 97% of graduates passed the 1st time. The other individual was successful on the second attempt. o UAB PA program PANCE scores are greater than 95% of the national average in
each of the 13 content areas since 2009.
o UAB PA program PANCE scores are equal to or greater than 95% of the national average in each of the 7 task areas.
Graduate Satisfaction at One Year Follow-Up:
Goals, Performance Indicators, and Results
• Goal: Graduates will indicate satisfaction with their quality of education o Indicators
At least 95% of graduates would choose UAB again as indicated on graduate follow-up surveys.
• Goal: Graduates will report strong levels of preparation provided by the UAB PA program.
o Indicators
Our Nat % Nat Our Nat % Nat Our Nat % Nat Our Nat % Nat Our Nat % Nat Our Nat % Nat OVERALL
Mean Scores
All First Takers 520 528 98.48% 544 535 101.68% 585 558 104.84% 575 574 100.17% 541 501 107.98% 460 All Examinations 511 506 100.99% 539 509 105.89% 580 528 109.85% 560 544 102.94% 541 476 113.66%
CONTENT AREA* Our Nat % Nat Our Nat % Nat Our Nat % Nat Our Nat % Nat Our Nat % Nat Our Nat % Nat Cardiovascular 76 75 101.33% 78 76 102.63% 76 73 104.11% 75 74 101.35% 78 75 104.00% 74 75 98.67%
Dermatologic 73 78 93.59% 74 78 94.27% 77 75 102.67% 72 75 96.00% 75 76 98.68% 77 76 101.32% EENT 76 76 100.00% 72 77 93.06% 78 73 106.85% 69 72 95.83% 69 72 95.83% 69 72 95.83% Endocrine 74 75 98.67% 78 77 100.85% 80 74 108.11% 72 74 97.30% 78 75 104.00% 77 75 102.67% Gastrointestinal/Nutritional 77 74 104.05% 76 75 101.33% 77 72 106.94% 71 73 97.26% 74 73 101.37% 72 73 98.63% Genitourinary-Urinary/Renal 74 77 96.10% 75 77 97.73% 78 73 106.85% 72 73 98.63% 74 74 100.00% 72 74 97.30% Hematologic 75 76 98.68% 79 77 102.39% 83 75 110.67% 76 73 104.11% 77 72 106.94% 77 72 106.94% Infection Disease 70 74 94.59% 70 76 92.11% 80 74 108.11% 78 73 106.85% 72 75 96.00% 74 75 98.67% Musculoskeletal 79 77 102.60% 81 76 106.58% 80 73 109.59% 73 73 100.00% 77 74 104.05% 76 74 102.70% Neurologoic 75 73 102.74% 77 74 104.05% 76 72 105.56% 72 73 98.63% 73 73 100.00% 71 73 97.26% Psychiatric/Beh. Med. 74 78 94.87% 81 76 106.58% 80 74 108.11% 75 73 102.74% 75 74 101.35% 76 74 102.70% Pulmonary 75 76 98.68% 79 75 105.88% 77 74 104.05% 73 73 100.00% 74 74 100.00% 72 74 97.30% Reproductive 78 77 101.30% 78 77 101.30% 79 73 108.22% 75 73 102.74% 73 71 102.82% 71 71 100.00%
TASKS* Our Nat % Nat Our Nat % Nat Our Nat % Nat Our Nat % Nat Our Nat % Nat Our Nat % Nat Applying Scientific Concepts 77 75 102.67% 77 76 101.32% 77 71 108.45% 72 71 101.41% 73 72 101.39% 73 72 101.39%
Clinical Intervention 78 75 104.00% 76 75 101.33% 76 72 105.56% 71 70 101.43% 72 71 101.41% 72 71 101.41% Formulating Most Likely 75 77 97.40% 79 77 102.64% 80 74 108.11% 76 75 101.33% 78 75 104.00% 76 75 101.33% Health Maintenance 74 76 97.37% 77 77 100.00% 77 76 101.32% 72 73 98.63% 72 72 100.00% 70 72 97.22% History Taking Physical Exams 78 78 100.00% 79 78 100.88% 79 76 103.95% 79 75 105.33% 80 76 105.26% 78 76 102.63% Pharmaceutical Therapeutics 74 74 100.00% 76 74 102.20% 76 72 105.56% 68 72 94.44% 70 73 95.89% 69 73 94.52% Using Lab and Diagnostic 74 75 98.67% 76 76 100.21% 77 73 105.48% 74 74 100.00% 76 74 102.70% 74 74 100.00%
* Comparisions to First Time Test Takers
2011 (CO 2010) 2012 (CO 2011) 2010 (CO 2009)
2008 (CO 2007) 2009 (CO 2008)
University of Alabama at Birmingham Surgical Physician Assistant Program Performance on Physican Assistant Nat Certifying Examination (PANCE) Summary
2013 (CO 2012)
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Average ratings of graduates’ level of preparedness will be equal to or greater than 3.0 (Good) on a 4.0 (Excellent) scale as indicated on graduate follow-up surveys.
o Results
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o Findings
Most graduates would choose UAB again as indicated on graduate follow- up surveys.
The average ratings of graduates’ level of preparedness were equal to or greater than 3.0 (Good) on a 4.0 (Excellent) scale as indicated on
graduate follow-up surveys with two exceptions noted in 2007 and 2008.
• Goal: Graduates will indicate satisfaction in their careers as PAs. o Indicators
Average rating of 3.0 (Satisfied) on a 4.0 (Very Satisfied) scale in response to the question: “How satisfied are you in your current position?”
o Results
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o Findings
Graduates of the UAB PA program expressed overall satisfaction with their careers as PAs as indicated on the graduate follow-up survey.
Other Graduate Outcomes
Types of Physician Assistant Work as Reported by Graduates of the UAB PA Program
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What our Graduates say about the UAB PA Program
• I absolutely believe the UAB PA program prepared me to enter the work force immediately.
• The professors were knowledgeable and the clinical rotation sites were great.
• UAB provided excellent educational tools such as H&P lab and surgical pig lab. These were beneficial for preparation in the OR and clinical settings.
• I was prepared to dive right into a busy urban academic medical center ICU.
• UAB educational program prepared me far better for high paced critical care environment when compared to others I have come in contact with who graduated from other programs.
• UAB provides excellent preparation to perform comprehensive H&Ps and also for passing the PANCE
• Surgical experience and preparedness far exceeds students from other programs.
• UAB provided a great knowledge base. Surgical skills WAY surpass counterparts from other PA programs.
• I was extremely prepared for my job in CV surgery which put me at a great advantage!
• The program provides excellent for PANCE preparation.
• UAB is connected with a great medical community.
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