Overview
The Mary Baldwin Physician Assistant (PA) Program is a highly selective, 27-month graduate program that prepares students for a career as a PA. PAs are licensed healthcare professionals who work in collaboration with physicians to provide comprehensive medical care to patients. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience necessary to succeed in this dynamic and rewarding field.
Curriculum
The Mary Baldwin PA Program curriculum is rigorous and comprehensive, covering a wide range of medical topics, including:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical medicine
- Surgery
- Pediatrics
- Obstetrics and gynecology
- Psychiatry
- Behavioral health
Students complete didactic coursework in the classroom and gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in various healthcare settings.
Clinical Rotations
Clinical rotations are a key component of the PA program, providing students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings. Students rotate through a variety of clinical sites, including:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Community health centers
- Rural health centers
During their rotations, students work under the supervision of experienced PAs and physicians, gaining experience in diagnosing and treating patients, prescribing medications, and performing procedures.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Mary Baldwin PA Program is highly selective. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- Completion of prerequisite coursework in science and mathematics
- A minimum of 1,000 hours of documented patient care experience
- Strong letters of recommendation
Career Outlook
The PA profession is growing rapidly, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 31% increase in employment over the next decade. PAs are in high demand in a variety of healthcare settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Emergency departments
- Urgent care centers
- Nursing homes
- Correctional facilities
- Military
The median salary for PAs is $121,540, with the top 10% earning over $162,000.
Benefits of the Mary Baldwin PA Program
- Small class size: The program has a small class size of approximately 25 students, ensuring individualized attention and mentoring.
- Experienced faculty: The program is led by experienced PA faculty who are dedicated to teaching and supporting students.
- State-of-the-art facilities: Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a simulation lab and a medical library.
- Clinical partnerships: The program has clinical partnerships with hospitals and healthcare providers throughout the region, providing students with a wide range of clinical experiences.
- Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not completing prerequisite coursework: Applicants must ensure that they have completed all of the prerequisite coursework before applying to the program.
- Lack of patient care experience: Applicants need to have a minimum of 1,000 hours of documented patient care experience to be considered for admission.
- Weak letters of recommendation: Applicants should seek letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to their academic ability, work ethic, and patient care skills.
- Not preparing adequately for the interview: The interview is an important part of the admissions process. Applicants should prepare by researching the program, practicing their interview skills, and dressing professionally.
Step-by-Step Approach to Applying to the Mary Baldwin PA Program
- Meet the admission requirements: Ensure that you meet the program’s admission requirements, including the GPA, prerequisite coursework, and patient care experience.
- Submit an application: Submit an application through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).
- Prepare for the interview: Once you are invited for an interview, prepare by researching the program, practicing your interview skills, and dressing professionally.
- Attend the interview: Attend the interview and present yourself in a positive and professional manner.
- Submit supporting materials: Submit any requested supporting materials, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
- Wait for a decision: The admissions committee will review your application and notify you of their decision within 8-12 weeks.
Conclusion
The Mary Baldwin PA Program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience necessary to succeed in the PA profession. With a small class size, experienced faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and clinical partnerships, the program is well-positioned to prepare students for a rewarding career in healthcare.
