Physician Assistant
MS
Physician assistant at CMU
Aspiring to make a difference in healthcare and emphasize quality patient care? Consider becoming a physician assistant. Wondering, "How long is PA school?" Our 27-month program not only equips you with an in-depth curriculum and extensive clinical training but also places a strong emphasis on mentorship and teamwork. Here, you'll learn from seasoned professionals in a highly supportive environment, setting the stage for a gratifying and rewarding career as a physician assistant. Your pivotal role in patient care will not only fulfill your passion for healthcare but also address the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals in the field of medicine.
The physician assistant program is a graduate program. Pre-physician assistant is not an undergraduate major so undergraduates would need to select a major and complete all of the prerequisite courses needed for PA school.
Common pre-physician assistant majors include:
AT A GLANCE
How long is PA school?
Our 27-month program prepares you to become a certified and licensed physician assistant, ready to practice medicine under physician supervision, featuring:
- 15 months of instructive education.
- Clinical mentorship program during the summer semester of the didactic year.
- Final 12 months of clinical clerkship rotations in primary care, behavioral health, surgery and emergency medicine.
Your educational journey to becoming a physician assistant will take place in the state-of-the-art Health Professions Building, providing advanced learning environments and resources. This includes access to simulated outpatient clinic and hospital rooms, with high tech models to learn on as well the ability to practice simulated patient encounters in the Interprofessional Education and Practice Center to accommodate all learning styles.
Upon successful program completion, you'll be eligible to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certification Exam (PANCE). This achievement grants you the opportunity to apply for licensure in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories."
What will you learn while becoming a physician assistant?
In our physician assistant program, you'll participate in:
- A program with a history of success: CMU students regularly score in the top 5-15 percent of the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
- Preparation you can count on: Our five-year first-time PANCE pass rate is 96 percent.
- Making a difference in underserved communities: The program was designed to address the healthcare needs of residents in the northern lower peninsula and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
- Hands-on clinical experiences: You'll participate in clinical clerkships across various specialties, including emergency medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, women's health, behavior and mental health, general surgery and internal medicine. You'll also have an elective option.
Career as a physician assistant
A physician assistant is a specialized career, yet there are several healthcare setting choices you'll have. You can opt for the fast-paced emergency room environment, a general practitioner practice or a specialized healthcare organization.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Physician Assistant | $130,020 |
Why study to be a PA at CMU?
Students choose CMU's physician assistant program for its immersive learning environment and hands-on clinical training. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and diverse clinical rotations, our program prepares students for successful careers in healthcare. Emphasizing mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration, we cultivate a supportive community focused on excellence and compassion.
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