Master of Physician Assistant Physician Assistant (MPA)
The program upholds a distinct admissions process tailored specifically to its goals and standards. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review the admissions criteria thoroughly to ensure they are well-prepared for a successful future at VHS.
Admission
Admission to the PA profession has become increasingly competitive over the years. The PA program evaluates applicants through four lenses: cognitive/academic, personal/non-cognitive, healthcare experience and community service. Detailed information about admissions criteria for a competitive application can be found on our Admissions page.
The PA program is divided into two phases, spanning 28 consecutive months over seven semesters.
Phase I, the 16-month pre-clinical year, spans four consecutive semesters (65.5 credit hours) and incorporates traditional classroom interaction with clinical skills development and simulated patient interaction through the Sentara Center for Simulation and Immersive Learning.
In Phase II (34 credit hours), students complete nine clinical field experiences with supervised, direct patient care in various medical and surgical disciplines, which form the basis of the professional socialization process and adaptation to the role and functions of a physician assistant.
Most of the clinical sites are located throughout Hampton Roads. Opportunities exist for clinical placements outside the region and for students to initiate new rotation sites. However, international clinical placements are not an option.
Graduates are required to pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) and meet state-specific regulations in order to practice clinically.
Course Sequence
PA students are expected to complete the program curriculum in the order specified below. Each semester’s coursework is to be considered prerequisite to the next semester. Students may not enter the program with advanced standing, regardless of educational or work experience, and no accelerated curriculum or course waivers are offered.
For the courses that span more than one semester, credit hours are awarded in the last semester that it is taken.
Code | Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Phase I: Didactic Curriculum | ||
Term1 - Spring | 16 | |
Intro to the PA Profession | ||
Business of Medicine | ||
Intro to Med Diagnostics | ||
Legal & Ethical Issues in Med | ||
Anatomy for Health Professions | ||
Physiology and Pathophysiology | ||
Foundations of IPE * | ||
Term 2 - Summer | 16 | |
Medical Diagnostics I | ||
Patient Counseling & Education | ||
Clin Assessment & Reasoning 1 | ||
Clinical Pharmacology I | ||
Intro to Clinical Medicine I | ||
Term 3 - Fall | 17.5 | |
Practicum for IPE ** | ||
Medical Diagnostics II | ||
Intro to Epi and EBM | ||
Clin Assessment & Reasoning 2 | ||
Clinical Pharmacology II | ||
Intro to Clinical Medicine II | ||
Term 4 - Spring | 16 | |
Medical Diagnostics III | ||
Psychosocial Elmts of Wellness | ||
Clin Assessment & Reasoning 3 | ||
Intro to Clinical Medicine III | ||
Clinical Pharmacology III | ||
Phase II: Clinical Curriculum *** | ||
Term 5 - Summer | 16 | |
Intro to Clinical Practice | ||
Interprofessional Practice **** | ||
Senior Seminar **** | ||
3 SCPE Courses from SCPE Pool | ||
Term 6 - Fall | 9 | |
3 SCPE Courses from SCPE Pool | ||
Term 7 - Spring | 9 | |
3 SCPE Courses from SCPE Pool | ||
SCPE Pool Courses | ||
SCPE in Family Medicine | ||
SCPE in Pediatric Medicine | ||
SCPE in Gen Internal Medicine | ||
SCPE in Emergency Medicine | ||
SCPE in General Surgery | ||
SCPE in Womens Health | ||
SCPE in Psychiatry & BH | ||
SCPE in Elective I | ||
SCPE in Elective II | ||
Total Credit Hours | 99.5 |
- *
Spans semesters 1 & 2. Grade earned after 2nd semester
- **
Spans semesters 3 & 4.Grade earned after 4th semester
- ***
Each semester is approximately four months in duration. The sequence of clinical rotations is subject to change based on the number, specialty and location of preceptor sites, and will vary from student to student.
Clinical electives include Orthopedics, Neonatology, Neurology, Dermatology, Cardiothoracic Medicine, Cardiology, Neonatology, Plastic Surgery, Trauma, Endocrinology, Pediatric Neurology, Gastroenterology, Pediatric Gastroenterology, and Nephrology. Additional electives can be pre-arranged with proper planning on the part of the student.
- ****
Courses that span the entire clinical year (semesters 5, 6, & 7). Grade earned after 7th semester.