Charles R. Drew University PA Program: Nurturing Healthcare Leaders in Underserved Communities
Overview
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) offers an accredited Physician Assistant (PA) program that aims to prepare highly skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals dedicated to serving underserved communities. The program emphasizes primary care, community involvement, and health equity.
Program Highlights
- Emphasis on Primary Care: The curriculum focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary for providing comprehensive primary care in diverse settings.
- Community Engagement: Students participate in clinical rotations and service-learning projects in underserved communities, gaining hands-on experience and developing a strong understanding of health disparities.
- Health Equity Focus: The program incorporates social determinants of health into the curriculum and emphasizes the importance of addressing inequalities in healthcare.
- Experiential Learning: Clinical rotations and simulation experiences provide students with practical, real-world training in various healthcare settings.
- Cultural Competence: The program promotes cultural sensitivity and encourages students to embrace diversity and provide patient-centered care.
Curriculum and Learning Objectives
The 27-month PA program at CDU follows a rigorous curriculum that includes:
Didactic Phase
- Medical Terminology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Clinical Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Radiology
- Surgery
- Behavioral Medicine
Clinical Phase
- Primary Care
- Emergency Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Behavioral Health
- Women’s Health
Upon completing the program, graduates will be prepared to:
- Perform comprehensive physical examinations and patient histories
- Diagnose and manage common medical conditions
- Prescribe medications and order tests
- Provide preventive care and health education
- Collaborate effectively with healthcare teams
- Advocate for underserved communities
Faculty and Facilities
CDU’s PA program boasts highly qualified faculty members with extensive clinical and academic experience. The program is conducted in state-of-the-art facilities that include:
- Simulation laboratories
- Skills training rooms
- Anatomy dissection laboratory
- Clinical skills laboratory
Financial Aid and Scholarships
CDU offers a variety of financial aid options to qualified students, including scholarships, grants, and loans. The university also participates in the National Health Service Corps program, which provides financial assistance and loan repayment opportunities to students who commit to working in underserved communities.
Admissions and Eligibility
Eligible candidates for the CDU PA program must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Have completed prerequisite coursework in science, math, and English
- Possess a valid CPR certification
- Demonstrate a commitment to serving underserved communities
- Complete the CASPA application process
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the CDU PA program are highly sought-after by employers in a variety of healthcare settings. They can work as physician assistants in:
- Primary care clinics
- Hospitals
- Community health centers
- School-based health clinics
- Long-term care facilities
Employment Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment outlook for physician assistants is projected to grow 31% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by an increasing demand for healthcare services, particularly in underserved communities.
Table 1: Key Figures for CDU PA Program
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Program Length | 27 months |
| Didactic Phase Duration | 12 months |
| Clinical Phase Duration | 15 months |
| Number of Clinical Rotations | 9 |
| Faculty-to-Student Ratio | 1:10 |
| Average Class Size | 35 |
| Graduation Rate | 98% |
Table 2: Curriculum Outline
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Medical Terminology | 3 |
| Anatomy and Physiology I | 6 |
| Anatomy and Physiology II | 6 |
| Clinical Medicine I | 6 |
| Clinical Medicine II | 6 |
| Pharmacology | 6 |
| Radiology | 3 |
| Surgery | 3 |
| Behavioral Medicine | 3 |
| Primary Care I | 3 |
| Primary Care II | 3 |
| Emergency Medicine | 3 |
| Pediatrics | 3 |
| Behavioral Health | 3 |
| Women’s Health | 3 |
Table 3: Clinical Rotation Sites
| Rotation | Location |
|---|---|
| Primary Care | MLK Community Hospital |
| Family Medicine | Charles R. Drew University Health Center |
| Emergency Medicine | Martin Luther King, Jr. Hospital |
| Pediatrics | Harbor-UCLA Medical Center |
| Behavioral Health | Kedren Community Mental Health Center |
| Women’s Health | LAC+USC Medical Center |
| Surgery | St. Francis Hospital |
Table 4: Employment Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Employment Rate Within 6 Months of Graduation | 95% |
| Average Starting Salary | $90,000 |
| Top Employment Locations | California, New York, Florida |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying to the program without meeting the eligibility requirements
- Submitting an incomplete or inaccurate application
- Not preparing adequately for the interview
- Neglecting to seek financial aid opportunities
- Underestimating the workload and time commitment required
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the acceptance rate for the CDU PA program?
The acceptance rate for the CDU PA program varies each year, but typically ranges between 5% and 10%.
2. What is the tuition cost for the program?
The tuition cost for the CDU PA program is approximately $120,000.
3. Are there any scholarships available for PA students?
Yes, CDU offers a variety of scholarships to PA students based on merit and financial need.
4. How long does it take to become a licensed PA?
It typically takes 27 months to complete a PA program and become certified as a PA through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
5. What are the career opportunities for PAs?
PAs can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including primary care clinics, hospitals, community health centers, and school-based health clinics.
6. What is the job outlook for PAs?
The job outlook for PAs is projected to grow significantly in the coming years due to an increasing demand for healthcare services.
7. How can I increase my chances of getting into the CDU PA program?
To increase your chances of getting into the CDU PA program, you should:
* Achieve a strong GPA in your science and math courses.
* Gain experience working or volunteering in the healthcare field.
* Demonstrate a commitment to serving underserved communities.
* Prepare well for the CASPA application process.
8. How can I prepare for the PA profession?
To prepare for the PA profession, you can:
* Join professional organizations such as the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA).
* Attend workshops and conferences on PA-related topics.
* Network with other PAs and healthcare professionals.
* Stay up-to-date on the latest medical and health policy developments.
