The Physician Assistant Program is an entry-level, 26 month course of study that leads to a Master of Science degree upon successful completion. The first 14 months of the program consist of courses that develop a strong academic foundation for clinical practice. During the clinical component of the program, students attend clinical rotations in several disciplines of medicine. The Native American Physician Assistant (NAPA) Track is an initiative designed to increase the number of American Indian/Alaskan Native/ Native Hawaiian physician assistants who plan careers to serve in their home communities.
ATSU also offers a distance learning Master’s degree option.
The 27 month professional curriculum leading to the master’s degree is a full-time program that offers students the opportunity to earn a graduate degree and satisfy the eligibility requirements for the PA national certifying examination. The didactic phase of the curriculum is offered at the Glendale (Arizona) Campus associated with the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine and the College of Pharmacy–Glendale. The second-year clinical program is delivered at affiliated clinical sites and facilities. Four educational tracks have been developed for the Master of Medical Science (M.M.S.) degree: a research track, a clinical specialty track, a bioethics track, and a health professions education track.
ASAPA committee chairs discuss PA Student involvement with Rose Parsons, Midwestern University’s first year PA Student ASAPA representative. Shown from left to right: Heidi Abersfeller, Membership committee chair, Lance Huff, Legal and Legislative Affairs committee chair, Rose and Michel Statler, Communications committee chair.
Additional Useful Information for PA Students
American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) www.aapa.org
9545 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
480-551-2700
877-255-2212 www.azpa.gov
Email address: questions@azpa.gov
National Commission for the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
NCCPA is the only credentialing organization for physician assistants in the United States. NCCPA assures that certified physician assistants meet professional standards of knowledge and skills.
12000 Findley Road
Suite 200
Duluth, GA 30097
678-417-8100 (Monday - Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm ET) www.nccpa.net
Email address: nccpa@nccpa.net
Fax number: 678-417-8135
