Introduction
In an era where healthcare demands unparalleled expertise and dedication, DeSales University’s Physician Assistant Program stands out as a beacon of academic excellence and compassionate patient care. This rigorous and comprehensive program empowers students to become highly skilled and empathetic healthcare providers, ready to meet the challenges of an ever-evolving medical landscape.
Program Overview
The DeSales University Physician Assistant Program is a 27-month, lock-step curriculum that seamlessly blends academic coursework and clinical experiences. Students engage in a dynamic curriculum designed to foster critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and evidence-based practice.
The program consists of 6 semesters, divided into didactic and clinical phases. During didactic semesters, students delve into foundational biomedical sciences, pharmacology, and clinical medicine through lectures, labs, and small group discussions. Clinical phases immerse students in real-world settings, where they apply their knowledge and hone their skills under the guidance of experienced healthcare professionals.
Key Features
1. Comprehensive Curriculum: The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of physician assistant practice, including:
- Basic and Advanced Clinical Sciences
- Medical and Surgical Specialties
- Emergency Medicine
- Behavioral Health
- Primary Care
2. Robust Clinical Experience: Students complete over 2,200 hours of clinical rotations in various healthcare settings, ensuring a well-rounded and practical learning experience.
3. Small Class Sizes: With class sizes capped at 48 students, the program fosters individualized attention, personalized learning, and close mentorship.
Career Outlook
Upon graduation, DeSales University Physician Assistant graduates are highly sought-after by a wide range of healthcare organizations. They can pursue careers in:
- Primary Care
- Specialty Medicine
- Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
- Urgent Care
- Public Health
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for physician assistants is projected to grow by 31% from 2020 to 2030, far faster than the average for all occupations.
Student Support Services
DeSales University provides a comprehensive suite of support services to ensure that its Physician Assistant students succeed both academically and professionally. These services include:
- Academic Advising
- Career Counseling
- Tutoring and Learning Assistance
- Mental Health Counseling
- Disability Accommodations
Program Accreditation
The DeSales University Physician Assistant Program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). This accreditation status signifies that the program meets the highest standards of quality and educational rigor.
Application and Admissions
Prospective students must meet the following requirements for admission to the DeSales University Physician Assistant Program:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- Completion of specific prerequisite coursework in science and mathematics
- Strong GRE scores
- At least 1 year of healthcare experience
Conclusion
The DeSales University Physician Assistant Program is a transformative educational experience that empowers students to become compassionate, highly skilled healthcare providers. With its rigorous curriculum, robust clinical experience, and dedicated faculty, the program prepares graduates for a rewarding career in medicine, where they can make a profound impact on the lives of their patients and communities.