Master of Physician Assistant Science
Saint Francis University
Key Information
Campus location
Loretto, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
Request Info
Application deadline
Request Info
Earliest start date
Aug 2024
Introduction
Improve the health of others with your Physician Assistance degree from Saint Francis University
As a leading educator in the field of physician assistant science, Saint Francis University will prepare you to become a qualified physician assistant in an accredited direct-admit, accelerated 5-year format, or upon completion of your bachelor's degree (2-year format).
Established as one of the first physician assistant (PA) degree programs, Saint Francis University is nationally known for strong Physician Assistant National Certification Exam (PANCE) pass rates and graduates who excel in clinical competence, professionalism, and compassion.
- Direct entry: the most efficient way to enter the PA field
- Over the past 5 years, SFU graduates have achieved a first-time pass rate well above (98%) the national PANCE pass rate
- A fully accredited program by ARC-PA
The SFU Learning Experience
As a physician assistant science student, you will study alongside a cohort of peers who are all driven to fulfill the work of tomorrow's healthcare providers. The format of our physician's assistant program enables enrolled students to form a strong, cohesive bond that focuses on collaborative learning experiences.
The PA Degree Student Experience
Our accelerated 5-year physician assistant program format will reduce your time from enrollment to employment without sacrificing either a critical academic foundation or outstanding clinical skills. If you have already earned a bachelor's degree, our 2-year graduate PA pathway is an excellent choice for furthering your education to reach your career goals.
Our carefully crafted program is designed to support you with an appropriate knowledge base and sound clinical skills. Hands-on experiences are woven throughout your academic career, providing the opportunity to apply what you have learned in the classroom.
- As you pursuse your PA degree at Saint Francis, you will:
- Study under highly regarded faculty who have created an atmosphere focused on student success.
- Apply your academic knowledge in our state-of-the-art Experiential Learning Commons which includes varied simulation labs and high-functioning manikins.
- Work with peers in cross-discipline programs, enhancing your clinical skills, and evidence-based medicine that will drive you towards the practice of compassionate healthcare that is a hallmark of our graduates.
- Pursue co-curricular and student learning activities (athletics, study abroad, service opportunities) not commonly available at other institutions.
Accreditation
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Saint Francis University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Saint Francis University. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.
Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be September 2026. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy.
Admissions
Curriculum
As a leading educator of physician assistant science, our courses are arranged for role concept and knowledge base development. Your educational experience has built to meet the high standards that the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) outlines. These standards encourage excellence in PA education and drive results for our graduates.
Degree requirements for graduate students entering Saint Francis University solely for the M.P.A.S. degree
Successful completion of a summative evaluation and a Master’s capstone.
Successful completion of the required prerequisite collateral courses:
- BIOL 205 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- BIOL 206 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- BIOL 214 - Clinical Microbiology
- CHEM 121 - General Chemistry I
- CHEM 122 - General Chemistry II
- PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology
- Three credits in Mathematics (at least MATH 110 or higher) or Statistics (any STAT course)
Successful completion of the following PA courses: (94 credits)
- PA 400 - Evidence-Based Medicine (B.S., MPAS)
- PA 401 - Introduction to U.S. Health Care (B.S., MPAS)
- PA 402 - History Taking and Patient Education Skills (B.S., MPAS)
- PA 403 - History Taking and Patient Education Skills Lab (B.S., MPAS)
- PA 404 - Public Health (B.S., MPAS)
- PA 405 - Clinical Skills (B.S., MPAS)
- PA 406 - Well Child (B.S., MPAS)
- PA 420 - Introduction to Medicine Module (B.S., MPAS)
- PA 421 - Hematology Medicine Module (B.S., MPAS)
- PA 422 - Endocrine Medicine Module (B.S., MPAS)
- PA 423 - Neurology Medicine Module (B.S., MPAS)
- PA 424 - Dermatology Medicine Module (B.S., MPAS)
- PA 425 - Musculoskeletal Medicine Module (B.S., MPAS)
- PA 426 - Eyes, Ears, Nose and Throat Medicine Module (B.S., MPAS)
- PA 427 - Behavioral Medicine Module (B.S., MPAS)
- PA 428 - Cardiovascular Medicine Module (B.S., MPAS)
- PA 429 - Pulmonary Medicine Module (B.S., MPAS)
- PA 430 - Gastrointestinal/Nutrition Medicine Module (B.S., MPAS)
- PA 431 - Genitourinary Medicine Module (B.S., MPAS)
- PA 432 - Reproductive Medicine Module (B.S., MPAS)
- PA 450 - Graduate Physical Examination (B.S., MPAS)
- PA 451 - Didactic Clinical Experiences and Medical Documentation I (B.S., MPAS)
- PA 452 - Didactic Clinical Experiences and Medical Documentation II (B.S., MPAS)
- PA 453 - Didactic Comprehensive Evaluation (B.S., MPAS)
- PA 501 - Behavioral Medicine I
- PA 510 - Emergency Medicine I
- PA 520 - Family Practice I
- PA 521 - Family Practice II
Or PA 523 - Primary Care - PA 530 - Internal Medicine I
- PA 540 - Pediatrics I
- PA 550 - Surgery I
- PA 570 - Women’s Health I
- PA 589 - Ethical Issues in Practice
- PA 590 - Transition to Clinical Practice
- One PA elective rotation (students who take PA 525 will complete two elective rotations)
- PA 525 - LifeSpan (May be taken in lieu of PA 540 and PA 570 )
Program Outcome
Medical Knowledge Outcomes
- All graduates of the MPAS class of 2022 passed the PANCE on their first attempt
- The 2022 class average on the PANCE was at or above the national average in 4 of 14 organ systems and 2 of 8 task areas
- Students in the 2022 cohort participated in at least 56 hours of critical thinking and simulation sessions throughout the didactic year
Clinical Competence Outcomes
- 100% of the 2022 cohort passed the summative OSCE, with 88% earning a passing grade on their first attempt
- All graduates demonstrated competence in a number of clinical tasks, including interpretation of imaging, lab findings, rhythm strips and EKGs; administration of injections; placement of sutures; and performing pelvic and breast exams
- Interpersonal and Communication Skills Outcomes
- All graduates completed an extensive research-based Master’s Capstone project and presented their findings
- Each student developed a sound foundation in medical documentation by composing 10 SOAP notes and 5 hospital admission notes from actual patient encounters during their didactic year
Professionalism Outcomes
- All graduates successfully completed PA 401: Introduction to U.S. Health Care which provides instruction in health policies and delivery systems
- 96% of 2022 graduates achieved ratings of good or excellent on professionalism from their preceptors during the clinical year
- All graduates completed at least 25 hours of community service during the didactic year
- In serving the campus community and surrounding areas, Physician Assistant students helped administer over 20,000 COVID-19 vaccinations
Career Opportunities
Clinical experiences in the professional phase occur in multiple settings and are designed to help students become well-rounded practitioners and find the career path they are most passionate about pursuing. Once you pass the national certification exam, you can practice in any specialty area you choose.
- Physician assistants are in demand across most settings and commonly choose placements in family practice, general internal medicine, emergency medicine and surgical subspecialty areas such as orthopedic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery and plastic surgery.
- Salary Potential: The median annual wages are above $100,000 depending on chosen career path.
- Growth Industry: The employment of physician assistants is projected to grow 31% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 12,000 openings for physician assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
English Language Requirements
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