As the demand for healthcare professionals continues to rise, many individuals are considering a career as a Physician Assistant (PA). One of the top programs in the country is the Samford University Physician Assistant Program. In this article, we will provide an in-depth overview of the program, including its history, curriculum, admissions process, and more.
History of the Samford University Physician Assistant Program
Samford University's Physician Assistant Program was established in 2005 with the goal of providing students with a comprehensive education in the field of physician assistant studies. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) and is designed to prepare students for a career as a PA in a variety of healthcare settings.
Curriculum
The Samford University Physician Assistant Program is a 27-month program that consists of both didactic and clinical components. The didactic phase of the program includes classroom instruction in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathophysiology. Students also participate in small group sessions and case-based learning activities to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The clinical phase of the program consists of 12 months of supervised clinical experience in a variety of healthcare settings, including primary care, surgery, and specialty clinics. Students work alongside experienced physicians and PAs to develop their clinical skills and gain hands-on experience in patient care.
Admissions Process
The admissions process for the Samford University Physician Assistant Program is highly competitive. To be eligible for admission, applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants must also have completed a set of prerequisite courses, including anatomy, physiology, and chemistry.
Applicants must also submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and participate in a personal interview with the program's admissions committee. The program uses a holistic approach to evaluate applicants, considering not only their academic achievements but also their personal characteristics, such as leadership and community service.
**Requirements for Admission**
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Completion of prerequisite courses, including anatomy, physiology, and chemistry
- GRE scores
- Personal interview with the program's admissions committee
**Prerequisite Courses**
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Statistics
Clinical Experience
The clinical phase of the program provides students with hands-on experience in patient care. Students work alongside experienced physicians and PAs to develop their clinical skills and gain experience in a variety of healthcare settings.
The program's clinical partners include some of the top healthcare organizations in the country, providing students with access to a wide range of clinical experiences. Students also have the opportunity to participate in elective rotations, allowing them to pursue their individual interests and career goals.
**Clinical Partners**
- Birmingham VA Medical Center
- Children's of Alabama
- Huntsville Hospital
- St. Vincent's Health System
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Samford University Physician Assistant Program have a wide range of career opportunities available to them. PAs can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including primary care, surgery, and specialty clinics.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of PAs is projected to grow 31% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. Graduates of the program have gone on to work in some of the top healthcare organizations in the country, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
**Career Paths**
- Primary care PA
- Surgical PA
- Specialty clinic PA
- Hospitalist PA
- Research PA
Gallery of Samford University Physician Assistant Program
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the admission process for the Samford University Physician Assistant Program?
+The admission process for the Samford University Physician Assistant Program includes submitting an application, transcripts, and GRE scores, as well as participating in a personal interview with the program's admissions committee.
What is the curriculum for the Samford University Physician Assistant Program?
+The curriculum for the Samford University Physician Assistant Program includes both didactic and clinical components, with coursework in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology, as well as supervised clinical experience in a variety of healthcare settings.
What are the career opportunities for graduates of the Samford University Physician Assistant Program?
+Graduates of the Samford University Physician Assistant Program have a wide range of career opportunities available to them, including working in primary care, surgery, and specialty clinics, as well as in hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
In conclusion, the Samford University Physician Assistant Program is a top-notch program that provides students with a comprehensive education in the field of physician assistant studies. With its strong curriculum, clinical experience, and career opportunities, the program is an excellent choice for individuals looking to pursue a career as a PA.