PA Program Information

Program Information
The University of South Alabama offers a Physician Assistant (PA) Studies Master of
Health Science Degree that provides entry into the profession.
Master of Health Science Information | |
---|---|
Degree Earned | Master of Health Science |
Length of Program | 27 months |
Number of students accepted | 60 |
Matriculation Date | Annually in mid-May |
Class Type | On site |
Curriculum | 121 Credit Hours |
Class Schedule | Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM or as set by preceptor |
Advanced Placement and Deceleration
The USA Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program does not offer advanced placement
or deceleration. Transfer credits or credit for experiential learning cannot be substituted
for any course in the program, and no transfer credit is accepted from other physician
assistant programs. In addition, any grade below a C will result in academic dismissal
from the PA program, and withdrawal from any course will automatically result in dismissal
from the program.
The Didactic Component
The pre-clinical portion of the Physician Assistant Studies program consists of four
semesters (15 consecutive months) beginning with the basic medical sciences in the
first semester. These include gross anatomy lab with prosection and dissection, physiology,
introduction to infectious diseases, and introduction to physical examination skills.
In semesters 2 through 4 students actively participate in learning the clinical medical
sciences and physical examination skills through lectures given by the core faculty
and guest lecturers from a variety of specialization areas. Other pedagogical methods
are employed to facilitate student learning and mastery. These include case-based
and team-based learning strategies. Additionally, simulation lab, standardized patient
clinic, direct patient experiences, service-learning and community outreach projects
are also employed to enhance the student’s learning.
Clinical Rotations
Clinical rotations are mostly in Mobile, Alabama, with other locations in Pensacola,
Florida, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. All rotations within a 75-mile radius (one-way)
are considered commutable. Elective rotations may be considered in other locations.
Rural rotations for Primary Care and Pediatrics are required.
The University of South Alabama Physician Assistant program participates with the
Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) of Alabama for clinical clerkships. Students
may be assigned to rural rotations in Primary Care and other disciplines at AHEC facilities.
Employment
The Physician Assistant Studies Program policies strictly prohibit the program and
all its academic and clinical affiliates and preceptors from employing any PA students,
or utilizing them in lieu of office or clinical staff, while attending the program.
PA students are also strongly discouraged from accepting any other employment while
attending the program as this will interfere with their education.
Remediation
Mandatory remediation will be required of any clinical or didactic student who meets
the grounds for remediation. The student's progress will be subsequently monitored
and future remediation will be arranged as needed. Successful completion of remediation
is defined for the didactic and clinical student per policy. See Student Progress
Committee Policies and Procedures.
Student Progress Committee Policies and Procedures
Click here for our current SPC Policies and Procedures.