Expenses

Please be advised that due to its nature, students accepted into the Physician Assistant Program will incur higher tuition rates than other Graduate students.

Tuition rates are established by the SIUC Board of Trustees but still remain competitive with other PA programs.

Students accepted into the physician assistant program will have expenses in addition to the University’s tuition and fees. These expenses are listed below.

Annual Tuition and Fees 07/08 Update (not including housing)

· In-state – Approximately $20,000 per year

· Out-of-State – Approximately $40,000 (This figure is lower if residency is established. Talk with the Financial Aid Office at (618) 453-4334

· Distance Learning (Online) - $450 per credit hour

MSPA Additional Expenses (approximations)

• Intern Jackets (2) -- $100

• Diagnostic Kit -- $300-$450

• Stethoscope -- $200

• Reflex Hammer and Tuning Fork -- $20-$50

• Professional Association Dues (State and National) -- $200

• Textbooks – Up to $1,000

• Housing and Transportation -- varies by individual

• National Commission for Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) Examination Fee -- $450

• Vaccinations -- varies by individual

Also check the SIU Financial Aid website for a Physician Assistant Budget. Each school year a new Budget is calculated to reflect changes in tuition according to the Board of Trustee actions. http://www.siu.edu/~fao/costs/pa0607.pdf

Relocation Information

The first year, Phase I, is spent in Carbondale, on campus at SIUC. In the second year, Phase II, students complete their clinical rotations. Students are required to live in their hubsite location. Applicants must be aware that they may be required to relocate, depending on hubsite assignment, (other than the Carbondale Site), for Phase II, (for approximately 12 months of the Program). The hubsites in central and southern Illinois are: Carbondale/Delta, Decatur, Mattoon, Olney, Quincy, Peoria/Bloomington, Springfield, and Quincy. Phase III is an 8-week preceptorship that is arranged individually.

Application Information

Admission to the MSPA Program is a two-staged process.

Admission to the PA program is a two-stage process. The candidate must apply to SIUC Graduate School before a PA Program application can be considered.

Part I

1. Complete a generic graduate school application online to determine admissibility at www.siu.edu/gradschl.

2. After official transcripts are submitted the PA Program Academic Advisor, an application for entry may be obtained. See application time line below.

3. Completion of all required support courses as specified in the Curriculum Section of this web page is necessary prior to students’ consideration by the PA Program. GRE, MCAT or MAT scores must be submitted with the application.

4. Applicants can have only Medical Terminology and two (2) other courses to complete before matriculation.

Part II

Applicants must:

1. Acquire, complete and submit a MSPA program application packet.

2. Make sure the PA Program Academic Advisor has all official transcripts.

3. Have an earned cumulative (overall) Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.8 (A=4.0) or higher, as calculated by SIUC on your Bachelor’s degree.

4. Have an earned GPA of 3.0 or higher (A=4.0) on all PA Program prerequisites as calculated by SIUC.

5. Have evidence of significant health care experience.

“This program requires a $45.00 application fee that must be submitted with the application for admission to graduate study in the PA Program. Applicants can pay this fee by credit card if applying electronically. Applicants submitting a paper application must pay by personal check, cashier’s check or money order made out to SIUC and payable from a United States Bank.”

Important dates to consider:

• July 1 – Program application are available and the application process

opens.

• Early October – Interviews begin for selected applicants with completed

applications and whose evaluated transcripts are on file.

• December 1 – Deadline to submit PA application materials. The PA

Program utilizes a rolling admissions process. Therefore, applicants are

encouraged to apply early.

All applicants are notified of their application status in the Spring of each year.

The most academically and experientially qualified students are invited to participate in formal interview sessions. Selection of candidates for admission into the PA Program is made by a full committee review following applicants’ interviews. Preference is given to those applicants with a complete application packet, an evaluated transcript, healthcare experience in conjunction with shadowing a certified, licensed practicing PA, exceptional academic performance, and those from the rural areas. More information regarding the admissions process can be obtained by single-clicking the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) button or by contacting the Program Academic Advisor at (618) 453-5527 or go to pa_advisement@siumed.edu.

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