DEGREE OVERVIEW
Master of Science in Physician Assistant
The South University, Austin Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) program instills fundamental medical concepts, provides students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking necessary to achieve clinical competence as medical professionals who will serve as valued members of the healthcare team. Physician assistants perform medical functions that include, but are not limited to, evaluation, monitoring, diagnostics, therapeutics, counseling, and referral. The scope of practice varies according to state laws, the medical setting, and the experience of the physician assistant. The Master of Science in Physician Assistant program at South University’s West Palm Beach campus is designed to provide students with effective learning opportunities that will prepare them to perform their expected competencies in an ethical, legal, safe and effective manner upon graduation.
ACCREDITATION REVIEW COMMISSION ON EDUCATION FOR PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
South University Austin has applied for Accreditation-Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). South University Austin anticipates matriculating its first class in January 2023, pending achieving Accreditation-Provisional status at the September 2022 ARC-PA meeting. Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding accreditation-provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.
Physician Assistant at South University
South University is committed to creating career opportunities for our students, so we provide the relevant coursework for you to meet your career goals in a position as a Physician Assistant as well as the ethical and legal competencies and effective communication skills that are integral for this profession. In addition, we instill the value of continued education in our students so you can continue to create more opportunities for success in your career.Mission & Vision
Mission & Vision
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PROGRAM
Missions Statement
The South University Physician Assistant (MSPA) exists to educate a diverse student population as providers of high-quality, cost-efficient health care who will make a positive impact while practicing the art and science of medicine with physician collaboration.
Vision Statement
The South University Master of Science in Physician Assistant (PA) degree program strives to provide educational experiences where faculty, staff, clinical instructors, students, and other health care providers work together in an atmosphere of mutual respect, cooperation, and commitment. The program’s primary focus is on the development of physician assistants capable of expanding into clinical leadership roles by demonstrating proficiency in critical thinking and creative problem solving, utilizing evidence-based skills gained through innovative approaches.
Technical Standards
Technical Standards
Master of Science Physician Assistant Degree Program Technical Standards
In order to ensure that patients receive the best medical care possible, the faculty of the South University Physician Assistant program has identified certain skills and professional behaviors that are essential for successful progression of physician assistant students in the program. A student must possess skills and behaviors at a level of capability to perform a variety of duties required of a physician assistant as a health care professional.
Students with disabilities who can perform these skills and successfully execute professional behavior either unassisted, with dependable use of assistive devices, or by employing other reasonable accommodations are eligible to apply for enrollment in the program. Minimum performance standards include critical thinking, communication skills, observation skills, motor skills, and interpersonal abilities. Interested parties may contact the Physician Assistant program office for additional information about South University performance standards. These skills and behaviors include, but are not limited to;
Critical Thinking: A student must possess the intellectual, ethical, physical and emotional capabilities required to undertake the full curriculum and to achieve the levels of competence required by the faculty. The ability to solve problems, a skill that is critical to the practice of medicine, requires the intellectual abilities of measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis and synthesis. Students must be able to perform demonstrations and experiments in the basic sciences.
Communication Skills: A student should also be able to speak, to hear, and to observe patients in order to elicit information, describe changes in mood, activity and posture, and to perceive nonverbal communications. The student must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written forms.
Observation Skills: The student must be able to observe a patient accurately, both at a distance and in close proximity. This ability requires the functional use of vision and somatic sensation.
Motor Skills: A student should have sufficient motor function to elicit information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion and other diagnostic techniques. A student should be able to execute movements reasonably required to move from area to area, maneuver in small spaces, calibrate and use large and small equipment, position and move patients, and provide patients with general care and emergency treatment.
Interpersonal Abilities: A student for the Physician Assistant program must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his or her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities required for the diagnosis and care of patients and the development of professionalism through mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients, families, and colleagues.
Clinical Rotations
12 MONTHS
Physician Assistant Clinical Rotations
The clinical phase is 12 months in length. Eight five-week clinical rotations are conducted at a variety of clinical sites. Students will gain clinical exposure in the following disciplines: Primary Care, Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Pediatrics, Women’s Health, Behavioral Medicine, Emergency Medicine and the Clinical Elective.
Clinical sites are recruited by the Program’s Clinical Department and personnel from the Area Health Education Center (AHEC). Sites offer the students the wide variety of clinical experiences for that specific clinical rotation (course) and service delivery system. Students are not required to supply their own clinical sites or preceptors for clinical rotations. Sites for rotations will be determined by the department. Alternate rotation sites may be provided by the student to the Clinical Department personnel. Clinical Department personnel will evaluate sites suggested by students for viability as a clinical rotation site. In order to qualify for rotations outside of South University sites, or in student suggested sites, a student must demonstrate successful academic, clinical, and professional progress in the program.
The South University Physician Assistant program immunization policy is aligned with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Healthcare Personnel Vaccination Recommendations for health professionals. After acceptance into the program, but before registration can be successfully completed, all students must complete the South University Health Requirements. Be aware that additional immunizations may be required by some clinical training sites and are the students’ responsibility. If students choose not to be vaccinated, they will not be allowed to rotate at clinical sites that require immunizations unless expressly permitted in writing to the program by the appropriate personnel at that site. If any of the core (required) rotations cannot be completed because the student voluntarily chose not to be vaccinated as required by the clinical rotation site, the student will not be eligible for graduation from the Physician Assistant program. In addition, if the number of clinical sites available to students who have not been vaccinated does not meet graduation requirements, those students will not be eligible for graduation from the Physician Assistant program.
Physicians, physician assistants, and other health care providers serve as preceptors for clinical students in direct patient care, providing the opportunity for the student to perfect technical and procedural skills, and to become competent in communication, physical diagnosis, succinct recording and reporting, problem assessment, and development of a logical approach to further studies and therapy.
Our students rotate in busy clinics, private physician offices, teaching hospitals, large institutions, and military hospitals and clinics. Rotations exist both in small towns and metropolitan cities. Our students are offered a wide variety of experiences and locations for their clinical rotations that are designed to round out the application of knowledge and skills to actual patient care.
Outcomes
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Physician Assistant Learning Outcomes
(Graduate Competencies)
The following are the program learning outcomes (Graduate Competencies) for the South University Physician Assistant program.
Prior to graduation from the program, students will:
• PLO-1. Integrate behavioral, social, and medical knowledge established from the evolving biomedical and clinical sciences in recognizing, evaluating, and managing patient disease states across the lifespan during acute, chronic, preventative, and emergent encounters..
• PLO-2. Demonstrate the interpersonal and communication skills required to sustain effective, multi-directional information exchange within a diverse population of patients, their caregivers, and members of the healthcare team.
• PLO-3. Demonstrate the ability to elicit an accurate patient history, perform an appropriate physical examination, and perform appropriate clinical procedures using essential clinical and technical skills to provide quality patient care.
• PLO-4. Collaborate effectively as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team through clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills to formulate a logical differential diagnosis, select and interpret appropriate diagnostic studies, and synthesize a comprehensive, patient-centered management plan for the promotion of wellness and disease prevention.
• PLO-5. Demonstrate the ability to interpret and integrate an evidence-based approach to clinical and professional practice through clinical reasoning, problem- solving, and decision-making processes to improve patient care practices.
• PLO-6. Demonstrate professionalism through personal behaviors, sensitivity, and accountability essential to patients, society, and the profession.
south university pa program tuition
| ESTIMATED PROGRAM COSTSA: | |
| Tuition ($11,750 per quarter) x 2.25 yrs (9 quarters) | $105,750i |
| Technology Fee ($295 per quarter x 9 quarters) | $2,655 |
| Professional uniforms | $200 |
| Textbooks (didactic and clinical years) | $2,300 |
| Medical equipment | $1,500b |
| Smartphone | $199c |
| Laptop | $800 |
| AAPA Student Membership (3 years) | $75 |
| State Professional Board Student Membership Fees (3 years) | $150j |
| Background Checks and Drug Screening | $200d |
| Housing costs for clinical year rotations | $3,000e |
| Health insurance to cover immunization, coverage for needle sticks and physical examinations | $1,000f |
| Clinical tracking expenses | $100g |
| Transcript Fee | $10 |
| Graduation Fee | $300 |
| Totals for entire Master of Health Science Program: | $118,239 |
a These are estimated costs for the entire program. Tuition, fees, and costs are subject to change. Tuition for in-state and out-of-state residents is the same.
b Medical Supply costs are dependent on personal selection of equipment, students will have the opportunity to purchase equipment during the orientation at South College.
c There are additional costs which vary according to personal choice for a required service plan. Mobile broadband currently includes fourth generation (4G) and fifth generation (5G) networks.
d Approximate cost required for credentialing. Typically done once per year; however, rotation sites may require additional checks or screens.
eHousing costs are based on clinical sites that are over 50 miles from campus. Students are likely to travel to distant sites, including out of state, for several supervised clinical practice experiences (rotations).
f Housing costs are based on clinical sites that are over 50 miles from campus. Students are likely to travel to distant sites, including out of state, for several supervised clinical practice experiences (rotations).
gThe program uses the CORE system of tracking, which offers the student a permanent record of procedures and patient encounters during the clinical year. Fees may include My Clinical Exchange and ACEMAPP an onboarding credentialing platform
iBasic Life Support Re-Certification/Acute Life Support Certification/Pediatric Acute Life Support Certification, are covered under the total tuition costs.
jGAPA currently has no student fees.
PAYMENT OF TUITION AND FEES
All charges are due and payable on or before the registration date for each quarter. Circumstances that prevent a student from adhering to these dates should be discussed with the Business Office. Students attending South College under a grant or loan should confer with the Financial Aid Department concerning the payment of fees. Students attending the college under the G.I. Bill should discuss payment of school fees with the Director of Financial Aid. Tuition and fees are subject to change at the end of any quarter. Failure to make proper payments, unless otherwise cleared with the Business Office, will result in dismissal from the college.
Grades will not be issued, degrees granted, or transcripts furnished until all financial obligations have been satisfied and all college property returned.
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT FINANCIAL AID RESOURCES
THE U.S. PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE (USPHS)
USPHS has several programs that offer scholarships, stipends and loan repayment to PA students who commit to varying periods of employment in medically underserved settings. Information on these programs may be obtained by calling (800) 221-9393 or visiting the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) web site.
INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE (IHS)
IHS offers a minimum two-year obligation for two years of financial support. Priority is given to Native American students, but others are encouraged to apply. Contact: IHS scholarship office at (800) 962-2817.
MILITARY PROGRAMS
US AIR FORCE
Available to medical school graduates enrolled in Air Force approved medical and specialty programs. Assistance includes full scholarships with living expense stipends and grants of approximately $18,700 for every year of participation. Active duty service obligations vary in length after completion of intern and resident programs. Residencies and fellowships are also available.
US ARMY MEDICAL CORPS
Special Incentive and Pay Programs (scholarships, grants and tuition assistance) available to physicians specializing in qualified programs. Includes programs for active-duty, reservists and those seeking commission in the Medical Corps. active duty service obligations and loan repayment amount vary in length.
US ARMY MEDICAL EDUCATION
Health Professions Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP): Established to obtain and recruit active duty health professionals in designated health care shortage areas. Available to fully qualified health care professionals, full-time students in final year of a program or trainees in approved specialty graduate programs. Provides $22,000 annually for up to four years to repay qualified health care educational loans. Requires participants to enlist for active duty for up to four years.
US ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
The Army National Guard will pay up to $10,000 on qualified existing loans. Program does not specify undergraduate, graduate or health related educational loans or active duty service obligations .
US ARMY RESERVE
Program available to commissioned officers in the Medical Corps or Army Nurse Corps. After one year of satisfactory service, members are able to receive up to $3,000 per year in educational loan repayments, not exceeding $20,000.
US NAVY
Armed Forces Health Professionals Scholarship Program: Naval scholarship support available to those undergoing training in medical, dentistry, optometry and osteopathy fields. Program includes monthly stipend and financial assistance through annual grants of approximately $21,580. Active duty services obligations vary in length. Links available to programming information for numerous research institute and clerkship opportunities across the country and aboard Naval vessels
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HEALTH PROFESSIONALM SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Contact (202) 565-7528 for more information concerning this program.
PA PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
- Financial Aid information is also available by writing to the American Academy of Physician Assistants 950 Washington Street Alexandria, VA 22314-1552. Phone 703-836-2272, or visit the American Academy of Physician Assistants web site.
- The AAPA Physician Assistant Foundation, since 1989, has awarded over $ 1 million to deserving PA students across the country. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need, academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and future goals as a PA.
Several caucuses and specialty groups of the American Academy of Physician Assistants offer student scholarships. Below is a partial listing.
AAPA VETERANS CAUCUS SCHOLARSHIPS
ORDER OF ST. LAZARUS (GREEN CROSS PROJECT) / VETERANS CAUCUS SCHOLARSHIP
The Order of St. Lazarus / Green Cross Project award is co-sponsored with the Veterans Caucus. This ancient order is a philanthropic organization that recognized the contributions made by the soldiers during the Crusades. The Green Cross Project was a group of volunteers who went onto the battle field during the Crusades and rendered medical aid to fallen soldiers.
ANDREA LONG MEMORIAL / VETERANS CAUCUS SCHOLARSHIP
The Andrea Long Memorial Scholarship was new in 1998. 2 scholarships at $1250 each are made to honor the memory of Andrea Long, the late wife of long-time Veterans Caucus supporter, Jim Long, Captain, USAF, Retired. Andrea Long is remembered as a very gifted teacher, who was dedicated to the Special Education program and all children with Special Educational Needs.
SOCIETY OF ARMY PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS / VETERANS CAUCUS SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is sponsored by the members of the Society of Army PAs through the Veterans Caucus and honors a veteran PA student who served with distinction in the US Army.
SOCIETY OF AIR FORCE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS / VETERANS CAUCUS SCHOLARSHIP
The scholarship is sponsored by the members of the Society of Air Force PAs through the Veterans Caucus and honors a veteran PA student who served with distinction in the US Air Force.
NAVAL ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS / VETERANS CAUCUS SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is sponsored by the members of the Naval Association of PAs through the Veterans Caucus and recognizes the outstanding achievement of a veteran of the US Navy or US Marine Corps enrolled in PA training.
DONNA JONES MORITSUGU MEMORIAL / VETERANS CAUCUS SCHOLARSHIP
The Donna Jones Moritsugu Memorial Award is in honor of the memory of the late wife of RADM / Dr. Ken Moritsugu, whose life was cut short by a tragic auto accident. Donna was a multi-talented women and who Dr. Moritsugu describes as the “wind beneath his wings.”
VETERANS CAUCUS SCHOLARSHIP
The scholarship is provided by the members of the Veterans Caucus and recognizes the achievements of an outstanding veteran of one of the seven branches of the Uniformed Services who is currently enrolled in PA training.
WYETH LABORATORIES / VETERANS CAUCUS SCHOLARSHIP
New in 2001, these awards are sponsored by the Wyeth Laboratories, Federal Government Sales Division, through the Veterans Caucus and recognizes the outstanding contributions made by Physician Assistants to people in need of quality healthcare. It is presented for exemplary academic achievement and dedicated community service to a member or veteran of any Uniformed Service of the United States of America.
PENTAGON 9-11 VETERANS CAUCUS SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship, new in 2002, is sponsored by the members of the Veterans Caucus. It acknowledges the heroism and personal sacrifice of all uniformed service Physician Assistants and is dedicated to the memory of all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 at the Pentagon in Washington, DC.
CHAN-PADGETT SPECIAL FORCES MEMORIAL / VETERANS CAUCUS SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship, new in 2002, is sponsored by Ms. Vicki Chan-Padgett and Major John Padgett, USA Special Forces through the Veterans Caucus. It is made in honor of the memory of the sacrifices made by their parents, Ed and Mabel Chan and Larry and Virginia Padgett during WWII. Veterans Caucus scholarships average $1250.00 per award.
Contact: Veterans Caucus of the AAPA
Sharon Hanley
100 N Academy Ave
Danville, PA 17822-1350
Work: (570) 271-6692
Fax: (570) 271-5850
E-mail: shanley@geisinger.edu
AFRICAN HERITAGE CAUCUS
Offers annual scholarship awards for minority PA students. Those who are members of the African Heritage Caucus and are attending an accredited PA program, in good academic standing may apply for the caucus scholarship. Scholarships are made available through contributions from AHC members and sponsoring individuals. Contact: AHC Scholarship Committee, 950 N. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS OF LATINO HERITAGE
Offers annual scholarship awards for PA students of Latino heritage attending an accredited PA program and in good academic standing. Scholarships are made available through contributions from PALH members and sponsoring individuals and organizations. Contact: Physician Assistants of Latino Heritage, Teshia Birts, 950 N Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314-1534 Work: (800) 596-7494, Fax: (703) 684-1924, E-mail: palh@aapa.org.
ASSOCIATION OF PAS IN CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY
APACVS awards scholarships in the amount of $1000. Contact: Education and Scholarship Committee, Association of PAs in CardioVascular Surgery c/o Cardiac Surgeons for Northwest Ohio, Inc., 2109 Hughes Drive, Suite 800, Toledo, Ohio 43606.
THE ASSOCIATION OF FAMILY PRACTICE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
Primary Scholarship Award (a second year PA student) = $1000. Secondary Scholarship Award (a first year PA student) = $500. Contact: Randy L. Orsborn, AFPPA Student Representative, AFPPA Scholarship Award 9 Highland Drive, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050, randy.orsborn@axom.com.
LBGPA STUDENT LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP GRANT
Support, encourage, and develop of future leaders for the LBGPA Caucus as well as the AAPA, and to foster involvement and awareness of the Caucus in the AAPA. Two grants of up to $500* will be earmarked for a male and female student’s registration fee for the AAPA National Conference for the academic year in which the grant is awarded, and if possible, to help defray additional Conference expenses. Contact: Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay PA Caucus, Inc., Mark Behar, PA-C, 1803 N Warren Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202-1638, Work: (414) 277-7671, Fax: (414) 933-8298, E-mail: mpbehar@facstaff.wisc.edu.
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS FOR CROSS-CULTURAL INVOLVEMENT (PAXI)
Pleased to support PA students endeavoring to accomplish a PA rotation Internationally/Cross-Culturally with an established scholarship program. The awards are based on scholarship application review and merit. Contact: PAXI Scholarship Committee, c/o Ellen Kuo, PA-C, 6213 Pinehurst Road, Baltimore, MD 21212.
SOCIETY OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS (SEMPA)
Offers a scholarship to Senior PA Students who are interested in pursuing a career in Emergency Medicine. This year the awards were a single $1,000 and two $500 awards. Contact: Society of Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants, Inc., 950 North Washington Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314-1552, phone: 703-519-7334, fax: 703-684-1924, info@sempa.org.
OTHER
For a Physician Assistant Student Financial Aid Information Booklet, sponsored by the AAPA, write to:
Spec Works
810 S. Bond St.
Baltimore, MD 21231
Phone: 1-(800) 708-7581 (8:30 am-6:00 pm EST)
Fax: (410) 558-1410 (24 hours)
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