PA Video Library

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Information Sessions

If you are interested in learning more about the Physician Assistant program we encourage you to attend one of our Information Sessions. Click here for more information.

Quick Reference

Student Handbook Class of 2008 Class of 2009 Starting semester: Summer Length of program: 27 months Degree awarded: Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) Credentials: National Commission on Certification on of Physician Assistants Pass Rates (PANCE) for First Time Test-Takers:               Class of 2007: 98% Class of 2006: 100%  Class of 2005: 100% Class of 2004: 86% Class of 2003: 95% Class of 2002: 97% Accreditation: The Physician Asistant program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Physician Assistant Education (ARC-PA) Admissions deadlines: Early: October 1 Regular: November 13 Videos: Click here to learn more about the Physician Assistant Program. FAQs: Click here Course descriptions: Click here Prerequisites: Click here Admissions Criteria: Click here Clinical clerkships: Click here Useful links: CHP Faculty Continuing Medical Education American Academy of Physician Assistants South Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants Contact info (843) 792-3326 or (843) 792-1913 (843) 792-0253 - fax

The purpose of the program leading to a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies is to provide the comprehensive didactic, laboratory, and clinical instruction necessary to produce superior physician assistants. Graduates will be prepared to practice with physician supervision and as members of the health care team in areas of primary care (i.e., family practice, pediatrics, ob/gyn, emergency medicine, general internal medicine) and to support the more cost effective delivery of specialty care.

Application deadline    Prerequisites     Application checklist

Students are taught lifelong learning skills including literature search, critical examination of clinical research, and interpretation of medical literature. Throughout the educational experience, students are encouraged to develop those basic intellectual, ethical, and moral attitudes that are essential for gaining and maintaining the trust of those with whom they work and the support of the community they serve.

PAs are formally educated to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventative health care services with the direction of a physician. PAs extend essential services in settings where physicians are less likely to settle, including rural settings, the prison systems, and other underserved areas. They are cost-effective, productive members of the health care team.

The PA program at the Medical University of South Carolina strives to provide the highest quality, comprehensive didactic, laboratory, and clinical instruction necessary to produce superior primary care physician assistants.

The program seeks to support the growth of the profession in underserved and culturally diverse areas. The program strives to establish a diverse student body and faculty. It continually seeks to improve the program by making curricular changes and increasing student awareness of unique health care challenges and special needs and prepares its graduates to provide the highest quality care.

The Profession

The physician assistant (PA) is a licensed health professional qualified by specialized academic and clinical education to perform medical tasks traditionally undertaken by physicians, while practicing under the supervision and responsibility of a licensed physician. PAs provide essential diagnostic, therapeutic, preventative, and health maintenance services in both primary and specialty care settings.

Skills Needed

• Basic understanding of the sciences including chemistry, biology, anatomy, physiology, and microbiology
• Intellectual curiosity, strong interpersonal skills, extensive training along with an attitude of social consciousness

Career Options
Introduced into the American health care system in the late 1960s, physician assistants are extending access to essential health care services throughout the country. Physician assistants increase access to care in medical underserved areas, such as rural and inner city areas. They are employed in:

• private physicians' offices
• clinics
• hospitals
• nursing homes
• research
• education
• the Armed Services as commissioned officers

There are approximately 45,000 practicing physician assistants in the United States. They work in areas of medicine such as:

• Family Medicine
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Internal Medicine
• Emergency Medicine
• Pediatrics
• Surgery
• Many different medical and/or surgical subspecialties

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the number of PA jobs will increase by 53 percent between 2000 and 2010. The BLS predicts the total number of jobs in the country will grow by 15 percent over this 10-year period.

Curriculum

Clinical Curriculum

The following is an example of the clinical year learning experience sequence, during which the student assimilates the requisite clinical knowledge and patient experience to be a competent member of the professional healthcare team.

• The sequence varies from student to student dependent upon availability of clinical clerkship assignments.
• The Preceptorship completes the sequence of clerkships.

>> Course Descriptions

Admissions
Physician Assistant
Phone: (843) 792-3326
Fax: (843) 792-0253

University Admissions Representative
MUSC Office of Enrollment Services
Phone: (843) 792-3810
Fax: (843) 792-6615
Email: drummonl@musc.edu

Application Deadline
Early: October 1 for application and all supplemental materials.
Regular: November 13 for application and all supplemental materials.

Supplemental Information

• Official GRE scores
• Official transcripts of all college work
• 3 reference forms (included in supplemental application)

Early: must be received by October 1
Regular: must be received by November 13

Interview Dates
Early: Early - November and December
Regular: Mid - January

Acceptances
Applicants who are invited to join the program will receive a letter of acceptance from the Dean of Health Professions.    

Application checklist

1. Confirm prerequisites
2. Complete university application
3. Submit completed application and references
4. Be sure to include the following:
   1. Supplemental materials
   2. Application fee
   3. Official transcripts of all college work

NOTE: All above information must be received before an admission decision can be made.