Master of Physician Associate
The graduate program in physician associate studies prepares graduates to practice medicine in collaboration with a licensed physician. Functions include performing diagnostic, therapeutic, preventative and health maintenance services in any setting in which the physician renders care, in order to maximize patient-centered care using a team-based approach.
The WSU department of physician associate, accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on the Education of Physician Assistants (ARC-PA), offers a 26-month (full-time, lock-step) graduate course of study which leads to a professional Master of Physician Associate degree. The program is equally divided into two parts: a didactic phase and a clinical/research phase. One class is admitted each summer.
Professional Curriculum
The professional curriculum is divided into two phases: a 14-month didactic phase and a 12-month clinical/research phase. The didactic phase includes graduate coursework in the basic sciences (anatomy, pharmacology, pathophysiology), clinical medicine, research methods, epidemiology, behavioral medicine, ethics, preventive medicine, social and legal issues, clinical and diagnostic skills.
During the clinical/research phase of the program students complete 9 clinical rotations. The WSU PA program enjoys the support of preceptors throughout Kansas. In keeping with the broad range of clinical activities, students have the opportunity to experience a wide variety of clinical rotation sites including at least two rotations in a rural or underserved location site. All students should expect to spend several months in rural areas of Kansas. Students are expected to pay for transportation, room and board when traveling to clinical rotation sites.