Physician Assistant Studies Curriculum
The five-year Physician Assistant Studies Program is completed in two distinct and separate phases:
- In the pre-professional phase, you will spend the first three years at University of the Sciences gaining a solid foundation in the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities and physician assistant specific coursework.
- In your fourth and fifth years, you will enter the professional phase of the program at PCOM, where your coursework will be combined with extensive clinical experience in a variety of settings and specialties.
The following is a typical curriculum for physician assistant studies students entering University of the Sciences in Fall 2011; current students should refer to their academic advisor for their curricula.
Pre-Professional Phase
First Year
PA Freshman Seminar
Seminar for Health Science
General Biology I, II
General Chemistry I, II
General Chemistry Lab I, II
Writing and Rhetoric I, II
Introduction to Psychology
Mathematical Analysis I, II
Physical Education I, II
A minimum of 100 documented hours of shadowing/patient contact hours required prior to start of second year.
Second Year
PA Shadowing & Physical Examination I, II
Microbiology
Organic Chemistry I, II
Organic Chemistry Lab I, II
Survey of Physics
Introduction to Sociology
Introduction to Communication
Intellectual Heritage I, II
Humanities Discipline Requirements
Summer
Application to PCOM
Minimum of 200 documented hours of patient contact required by start of third year
Third Year
PA Interview Seminar
Anatomy and Physiology I, II
Clinical Immunology
Hematology
Introduction to Biostatistics
Scientific Writing
Survey of Biochemistry
Medical Terminology I, II
Fundamentals of Pharmacology
Electives
Professional Phase* (at PCOM)
Further information regarding the specific professional phase didactic and clinical curriculum can be found by consulting the Philadelphia College of osteopathic Medicine's website at www.pcom.edu. This website offers information regarding curriculum, technical standards, and faculty. Students can also call 215.871.6772 or visit the PA program offices at PCOM
The professional phase of the program will provide intense, comprehensive medical education to students, preparing them for a lifetime career as a physician assistant. During their education, students will find a wealth of physician assistants, osteopathic physicians, and other healthcare professionals to act as mentors for their didactic and clinical training, offering ongoing support and evaluation of them as future healthcare providers.
* Acceptance into the preprofessional phase of the Physician Assistant program at the University reserves you the opportunity to apply and interview for a seat in the professional phase of the program; however, it does not guarantee admission into the professional phase at PCOM.
Additional general education courses are required as part of this program.
For detailed course descriptions and other information about the physician assistant studies curriculum, see the University Catalog.