Oakland University's Physician Assistant (PA) program is a highly respected and competitive program that prepares students to become skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals. Located in Rochester, Michigan, the program is part of the university's School of Health Sciences and offers a comprehensive education that combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training.
History and Accreditation
The Oakland University Physician Assistant program was established in 1991 and has been accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) since 1994. The program has a strong reputation for producing highly qualified PAs who are well-prepared to succeed in a variety of clinical settings.
Curriculum and Coursework
The Oakland University Physician Assistant program is a 28-month, full-time program that includes a comprehensive curriculum that covers the scientific and clinical foundations of medicine. The program is divided into two phases: the didactic phase and the clinical phase.
During the didactic phase, students complete coursework in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathophysiology. They also participate in small-group learning sessions, case studies, and problem-based learning activities to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
In the clinical phase, students participate in clinical rotations in a variety of settings, including family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and surgery. They work directly with patients and healthcare professionals to develop their clinical skills and apply the knowledge they gained during the didactic phase.
Didactic Phase Coursework
Some of the courses that students take during the didactic phase include:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Pathophysiology and Disease Mechanisms
- Physical Examination and History Taking
- Clinical Medicine and Diagnostic Testing
Clinical Phase Rotations
Some of the clinical rotations that students participate in during the clinical phase include:
- Family Medicine
- Internal Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
Admissions and Requirements
Admission to the Oakland University Physician Assistant program is highly competitive, and applicants must meet specific requirements to be considered for admission. These requirements include:
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- Completion of prerequisite courses, such as anatomy, physiology, and chemistry
- Submission of GRE scores
- Submission of letters of recommendation
- A personal statement
Clinical Experience and Placements
The Oakland University Physician Assistant program has established partnerships with a variety of clinical sites throughout the region, providing students with a wide range of clinical experience and placement opportunities. Some of the clinical sites that students have participated in include:
- Beaumont Health
- Detroit Medical Center
- Henry Ford Health System
- McLaren Health Care
- St. John Providence Health System
Post-Graduation Employment and Salary
Graduates of the Oakland University Physician Assistant program have a high employment rate, with many securing jobs in a variety of clinical settings. According to the program's website, the average starting salary for graduates is around $90,000 per year.
Employment Statistics
Some of the employment statistics for graduates of the Oakland University Physician Assistant program include:
- 100% employment rate within six months of graduation
- Average starting salary: $90,000 per year
- Top employers: Beaumont Health, Detroit Medical Center, Henry Ford Health System
Conclusion
The Oakland University Physician Assistant program is a highly respected and competitive program that prepares students to become skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals. With a comprehensive curriculum, hands-on clinical training, and a strong reputation for producing highly qualified PAs, this program is an excellent choice for students who are interested in pursuing a career as a physician assistant.
What is the average starting salary for graduates of the Oakland University Physician Assistant program?
+The average starting salary for graduates of the Oakland University Physician Assistant program is around $90,000 per year.
What is the employment rate for graduates of the Oakland University Physician Assistant program?
+The employment rate for graduates of the Oakland University Physician Assistant program is 100% within six months of graduation.
What is the length of the Oakland University Physician Assistant program?
+The Oakland University Physician Assistant program is a 28-month, full-time program.