According to Med Library, A.T. Still University is the oldest osteopathic medical school in the world. Although the main campus is in Kirksville, Mo., students can take classes at the Mesa, Ariz., campus to become physician assistants. The school offers an entry-level program that lets students earn a Master of Science degree after 26 months of full time enrollment. While the first half is based on academic study, the second half has clinical rotations in different medical disciplines. Students are required to finish a capstone project that shows their analytical and independent thinking skills.
A.T. Still University
Arizona School of Health Sciences
5850 E. Still Circle
Mesa, AZ 85206
480-219-6000
atsu.edu
South College is a private, for-profit institute of higher learning that has a training program to teach students to become physician assistants. They can enroll in the program for a Masters of Health Science in Physician Assistant Studies. The program was accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. in 2009. Students learn crucial skills, including helping patients in life-threatening situations if a physician is not present. Prospective applicants should ideally have experience working in medical settings and should try to provide admissions counselors with letters of recommendations from health professionals.
South College
3904 Lonas Drive
Knoxville, TN 37909
865-251-1800
southcollegetn.edu
Philadelphia University offers students of different educational backgrounds the opportunity to pursue training to become physician assistants. Undergraduate students can enter a five-year program that combines a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. Graduate students can enroll in the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, which prepares them to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination. They can also opt to enroll in the dual Masters program, which combines the Master of Business Administration and the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. The dual program makes graduates increasingly attractive to potential employers.
Philadelphia University
4201 Henry Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19144-5497
215-951-2700
philau.edu