What degree does your program offer?

            We offer a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPA) as well as a Master’s Completion Program (MCP) via distance learning.  Both are awarded the MSPA degree.

How long is the program?

            MSPA  -  26 months

            MCP  -  12 months

How many students do you accept each year?

            MSPA – 24 students/year

When do students start the program?

            MSPA  -  The first Friday in June each year only.

            MCP  -  Fall Semester each year unless arranged with the program.

Can I start at a later date?

            For the MSPA, no.  All students begin the program on the same date.

            For the MCP, by arrangement of the PA Program.

What qualities are you looking for in applicants?

            For the MSPA, the most academically and experientially qualified students will be invited to participate in formal interview sessions. Preference is given to those applicants who have health care experience, exceptional academic performance and references, have shadowed a PA, and those from rural areas. Applicants need to be able to handle responsibility, make medical decisions, have good character, and be reliable. Good problem-solving skills are essential in PAs, as well as the ability to analyze and synthesize information. Selection of candidates for admission to the PA program will be made by a full committee review following the applicants’ interviews. More information regarding the admissions process can be obtained by single-clicking the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) button.

For the MCP, an applicant must be NCCPA certified, working in a clinical position and hold a Bachelor’s degree, and have graduated from an accredited Physician Assistant Program.

What type of health care experience are you looking for in an MSPA applicant?

            We prefer applicants who have at least 2,000 hours of direct patient care experience in a variety of settings and those who have shadowed a PA.  Additionally, if the experience includes contact with physician assistants, it provides you with greater insight into the role of the PA.  In the past, the average prior medical experience has been approximately 3-5 years.  However, some PA students have less, and some have more than 20 years experience.

            For the MCP, see info above.

Will volunteer health care experience be considered for the MSPA?

            The admissions committee considers all health care experience.

What degree/field of study should I have for my Bachelor’s Degree?

Students may want to consider the disciplines of Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, Radiological Sciences, Psychology, Nursing, or other health related undergraduate majors if they are still working on a degree.  However, applicants with any Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution will be considered.

What are the prerequisite courses for the MSPA?

            To enter the program you must complete both a Bachelor’s Degree as well as the designated prerequisite/support courses listed below: 

à        English Composition – 3 hours

à        Speech – 3 hours

à        Medical Terminology – 2 hours

à        Survey of Human Anatomy (cadaver) – 3 hours

à        Human Physiology – 4-5 hours

à        Chemistry (7-8 hrs; or 1 semester of this sequence may be organic or biochemistry)

à        Microbiology with lab – 4 hours

à        Intro to Psychology (or Child Psychology or Psychobiology)           – 3 hours

à        Basic Statistics – 3 hours

à        Zoology or General Biology for Science Majors – 3 hours

à        Basic Cardiac Life Support, or Certification in CPR (can be taken at a community college or area hospital).

Check with the advisor or elsewhere on this website for specific prerequisite course numbers at SIUC.

Additionally, courses in Physiology should be completed recently, at least within the past five years.  Pharmacology is highly recommended before matriculation. 

Do you accept transfer credits for the MSPA?

            Transfer credits may be accepted.  No PA program credit is given for experiential learning or if you are a foreign medical graduate.  No advanced placement is awarded toward the completion of either PA degree program.

I’ve worked in health care for many years.  I don’t have time to take the entire required Bachelor’s Degree and/or all prerequisite/support courses.  Will you waive any of these courses for the MSPA?

            No.  All applicants are required to have a Bachelor’s Degree and complete all prerequisite/support courses before entry into the PA program.

Do I need to take any tests to apply? 

            MSPA - Either the GRE or the MAT is required.  Neither can be over ten (10) years old.

            MCP – None required

What about Grade Point Average (GPA)?

MSPA - We utilize both the “overall” GPA and prerequisite/support course GPA in determining eligibility.  You must have an earned “overall” or a cumulative GPA of 2.8 (A=4.0) or higher for your Bachelor’s Degree. The GPA for the prerequisite/support courses (listed above) must be at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

MCP – Must have an overall GPA of 2.8 and an earned Bachelor’s degree as well as successful completion of a PA program curriculum.  These applicants must also be NCCPA certified.

How do I apply?

Master’s Completion (MCP) applicants

1.      Fill out the online Graduate School application form at www.siu.edu/gradschl

2.      Download and complete the MCP application, send to the SIUC PA program

3.      The fee to apply is $40.00 and is submitted with the application and checks should be payable to SIUC, or payment may be submitted online with the Graduate School form discussed in #1 above.

4.      MCP applications are due by June 1, 2007.

MSPA (26 month program)

1.      Fill out the online Graduate School application form at www.siu.edu/gradschl and choose the MSPA as your degree.

2.      Request and complete a PA Program Application by calling 618-453-5527 or emailing the advisor at www. pa_advisement@siumed.edu OR download it from the program website.

3.      Original GRE or MAT reports should be submitted with all your other application materials to the PA Program. GRE or MAT scores cannot be over ten (10) years old.

4.      Official transcripts must be sent to the PA Program Academic Advisor prior to or as part of your application package. 

5.      The fee to apply is $40.00 and is submitted with the application. Checks should be payable to SIUC, or payment may be submitted online with the Graduate School form discussed in #1 above

6.      Applications are available July 1st and are due to the PA program office by the 4:00pm December 1^st , 2006 deadline.  A rolling admissions process is utilized and students are admitted only once each year to the MSPA Program.  Therefore, applicants are encouraged to apply early.

What does it cost to apply?

            There is an application fee of $40.00 for both the MSPA and the MCP.

What is the cost of the program?

            Tuition rates are established by the SIUC Board of Trustees and are competitive with other PA programs. Tuition for the 2007-08 academic year for the MSPA degree program will be approximately $20,500 per year, plus fees. Annual tuition and fee costs for non-Illinois residents are higher than that for Illinois residents. Illinois collar counties may pay the same as instate.  Verification is made by the Financial Aid Office.

The MCP tuition will be approximately $400 per semester hour.

I will need financial aid.  Is this available?

            Yes.  Contact the Department of Financial Aid at 618/453-4334, and tell them that you want more info on financial aid to cover the Physician Assistant Program.  You will need to designate which program (MCP or MSPA) that interests you.

Will I spend the entire 26-months entirely in Carbondale? (MSPA students)

            No, the first year (Phase I) is spent in Carbondale.  The second year (Phase II) is the year that students complete their clinical rotations.  Applicants must be aware that they may be required to relocate to one of our hubsites for Phase II (approximately 13 months) of the curriculum.  The hubsites are currently in central and southern Illinois, and include Olney, Decatur, Mattoon, Springfield, Quincy and Carbondale.

How can I find out if the courses I’ve taken meet your prerequisite/support course requirements?

            If you are uncertain, you should include a copy of the course description and syllabus in a letter to the PA academic advisor.  This will allow the admissions committee to have the necessary information to make the determination.

What if I have prerequisite/support courses in progress?  May I still apply?

            Yes.  However, during the Spring semester before the program begins (summer), you may have only medical terminology/or proficiency and two other required courses that will be complete that Spring.  You must have an earned Bachelor’s degree before you start the PA program.

What is the application deadline?

            All applications for the MSPA must be completed, returned and/or postmarked to the PA office by December 1st.  Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

The MCP applications are due June 1^st of each year.  Students start classes in the fall semester for the MCP program.

When and where do these interviews take place?

            Interviews are held at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, but are usually scheduled in October, November, January and February.  Interviews are held at SIUC, in Lindegren Hall.

Does everyone get an interview?

            No, only those identified by the Admissions Committee as the most capable applicants are interviewed.  Because we select only 24 students each year, the process is very competitive.

May I work while I’m in the program?

            Because the 26-month program is very rigorous, students are highly discouraged from working while in the program.  Should the student work, his/her work schedule must not interfere with tutor sessions or any other aspect of program activities.

May I specialize?

            In Phases II and III, each student has one elective rotation and one preceptorship in which he/she may choose to complete clinical rotations in specialty areas, with faculty approval.

How do SIUC PA graduates do on the national board exam?

            Our graduates have done very well on the PANCE (national PA certification exam).  Our first two graduating classes had a 100% first-taker pass rate.  The class of 2001 and 2002 had a 95% first-taker pass rate.  The classes of 2003, 2004 and 2005 have an overall pass rate of 100%.  The mean score for SIUC PA students by class has been between the 91^st and 99^th percentile as compared to all graduating classes nationwide.

If I’m not accepted to the program, may I reapply?

            Yes.  We encourage most applicants to reapply for the program.  You’ll need to repeat the complete application process.  The Admission’s Committee may make specific recommendations to help improve your application.  You may check with the advisor to see if recommendations were made.

May I talk to or meet with the academic advisor? 

            Yes, you can reach the academic advisor at pa_advisement@siumed.edu or phone  618/453-5527.