Since 1971, Northeastern University has offered a 24-month full-time program in physician assistant studies. More than 90 percent of graduates pass the licensing exam on the first attempt. Admissions is competitive, as only 34 students are accepted into the program annually out of 100 who make it to the interview stage of the selection process. Applicants are admitted to Northeastern based on a review of their undergraduate grades, personal statements and prior health care experience, along with recommendations. The interview process includes a campus tour and meetings with PA faculty members. The curriculum includes courses in anatomy, pharmacology and diagnostic methods, along with classes that introduce students to medical specialties including psychiatry, orthopedics, surgery and pediatrics. Students spend the second year of the program completing a series of rotations at hospitals throughout the Boston area.
Northeastern University
360 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
617-373-2000
northeastern.edu
Emory University's PA program takes 28 months to complete. Emory's website notes that the program is divided into three phases. The didactic phase is made up of core courses in science, such as anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology, and introductory clinical courses in diagnostic methods and examination techniques. During the clinical phase, students complete rotations in primary care at a variety of health care facilities in the Atlanta area, as well as three outside the area. The final phase is the advanced didactic phase, in which students take courses in epidemiology, ethics, and community health leadership. Applicants to the program must have a bachelor's degree; competitive applicants have a GPA of at least 3.0. In addition, 2,000 hours of health care experience are also required, along with a personal interview.
Emory University
Physician Assistant Program
1462 Clifton Road, Suite 280
Atlanta, GA 30322
404-727-7825
emorypa.org
Applicants to the master's degree program in physician assistant studies at Butler University are awarded points for their undergraduate GPA, an interview and prior health care experience. The points are used to rank applicants to determine who is admitted into the PA program. Prospective applicants are encouraged to shadow a practicing physician assistant to get a sense of what the job entails. Admitted students complete science courses along with clinical rotations. Most rotations are within two hours of Butler's Indianapolis campus, at doctors' offices and hospitals. Rotations are available in specialties including surgery, pediatrics, mental health and emergency medicine.
Butler University
4600 Sunset Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46208
800-368-6852
butler.edu
The Arizona School of Health Sciences at A.T. Still University offers a 26-month physician assistant master's degree. Students spend 14 months completing required coursework and 12 months in clinical rotations. A final project is also required in order to graduate. Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75 and should have prior patient care experience. Interviews are conducted as part of the admissions process. Arizona School of Health Sciences also offers a Native American Physician Assistant (NAPA) Track. The goal of the program is to improve health care service in indigenous communities and to increase the number of Native American physician assistants who serve in these communities. Participants in the NAPA track complete their clinical rotations at tribal clinics and Indian Health Service hospitals.
Arizona School of Health Sciences
A.T. Still University
5850 East Still Circle
Mesa, AZ 85206
480-219-6000
atsu.edu