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SIUC Physician Assistant Program
Welcome to the SIUC PA Program Website! We are glad you are here!
The Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) Physician Assistant
(PA) program began in 1997 and utilizes a problem-based learning (PBL)
format for delivery of its medical curriculum. The program is housed in the
School of Allied Health in the College of Applied Sciences and Arts in
cooperation with the SIU School of Medicine. The SIUC PA program has been a
pioneer in using PBL, simulated patients, innovative evaluation techniques,
and clinical mentoring programs. SIUC has an overall national certification
rate of over 99% for all PA graduates and a 100% employment rate by 3 months
after graduation.
Because SIUC is a major research institution and the national trend in PA
education has moved toward the Master’s Degree, the PA Program has
transitioned to a Master’s level degree program beginning with the class
entering summer of 2007. Two separate degree options will be offered. A
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPA) can be gained by
on-campus study (26 months). This full program is for students who wish to
become physician assistants. We have also added an online master’s degree
completion option for those who already hold a Bachelor’s Degree and are
currently practicing physician assistants. This Master’s Completion Program
(MCP) can be achieved in one (1) year using distance learning and a
supervising Preceptor. Detailed information about each of these programs can
be found by clicking on the links on this website.
Because of the change to a Master’s level program, requirements for
admission have also changed. Additionally, applicants will be required to
complete a Bachelor’s degree before being considered for admission to the PA
Program.
Note For Current SIUC Students
SIUC will no longer offer a Pre-PA major and Bachelor’s Degree in
Physician Assistant Studies. Any
current
SIUC students with a Pre-PA Major will need to choose a
new major.
You
should then contact the advisor in the new major to make an appointment to
change your major and register for classes, etc. Students may want to
consider the disciplines of Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, Radiological
Sciences, Psychology, Nursing, or other health related undergraduate majors.
Remember that in addition to a Bachelor’s degree, you will have to score
highly on several prerequisite courses to be considered for admission to the
SIUC PA Program. Please see related information on this website.
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Curriculum
The Physician Assistant Program curriculum includes intense problem-based
learning modules combined with clinical experiences. These units of study
are based on the most common disease states and preventive medicine
guidelines utilized in medical practice in the rural areas of this state.
The curriculum is designed to prepare primary care providers for medical
practice in rural settings. All physician assistant courses are sequenced
and are required of all students. The first year of study (Phase I:
Didactic) is on campus in Carbondale. The second year (Phase II: Clinical
Rotations) is held at the following Illinois locations: Carbondale/Delta,
Decatur, Mattoon, Olney, Quincy, and Springfield. Second year students may
be required to relocate to one of these towns. Phase III is the eight-week
Preceptorship and students may complete this at a site of their choice, with
faculty approval. (More complete curriculum information is available
elsewhere on this website).
Applicants
Applications for the full 26 month PA program are accepted
the year prior
to matriculation, beginning July 1st
of each year
and close on December 1st
of each year.
After applications are completed, those who are accepted into the program
all start in June.
Before students are accepted into the program they must complete a
Bachelor’s Degree, take the GRE or MAT, as well as all physician assistant
support course prerequisites. Transfer credits may be accepted, and credit
is not awarded for prior work experience. Consideration for admission to the
Physician Assistant Program is given to candidates with high cumulative and
support course grade point averages (GPAs), healthcare experience, letters
of recommendation, and those from rural areas. The most qualified candidates
are invited to campus for interviews. Twenty-four students are offered a
position in the class each year.
Applications for the MCP program are accepted until June 1 st
of each year.
Classes for the MCP start the fall semester each year.
Degree Awarded
Upon successful completion of both programs, a Master of Science Degree
in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPA) is awarded. A Certificate of
Completion in Physician Assistant Training is also awarded to students in
the full 26 month program. These graduates are then candidates for national
certification through the National Commission of the Certification of
Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
(www.nccpa.net
)
Program Advisement
To speak with an academic advisor for any questions about recommended
majors, the new PA Program requirements or if you need any assistance, call
(618)453-5527 or e-mail
paadvisement-l@listserv.siu.edu.
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