Mar 28, 2024  
2015-2016 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Physician Assistant


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Chair: Donna L. Yeisley, M.Ed., PA-C
Medical Director: Mitch Joseph, D.O.

The Physician Assistant is trained to carry out many routine responsibilities traditionally performed only by physicians. These may include diagnostic, therapeutic, administrative and counseling functions. Under the supervision of a physician, the Physician Assistant may elicit medical histories, perform physical examinations, order and interpret laboratory and other diagnostic procedures, prepare case summaries, formulate treatment plans, provide patient education, and carry out other duties incidental to the particular clinic, hospital, or specialty practice involved.

Students are admitted into the MPAS major. Students who meet Department progression standards will be awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science during their fourth year. Those students who maintain academic standards and complete the clinical portion (fifth year) of the curriculum will be awarded the Master of Physician Assistant Science Degree (MPAS).

The curriculum for the Master of Physician Assistant Science is based on a liberal arts foundation with students completing core and collateral courses during the first three years. Prior to the beginning of the didactic year (fourth year), students are required to complete 100 hours of health care experience (volunteer or paid); 40 of the 100 hours must be spent directly shadowing a PA in clinical practice. Documentation of this experience must be provided to the Department. The accredited phase begins in the didactic year and combines required course work with clinical experience. The fifth year of the Program consists of supervised clinical practice in primary care and various medical specialties. Please see the Graduate Programs section of the Catalog for a complete description of the didactic and clinical years.

Progression within Master of Physician Assistant Science major

Progression and continuance in the Physician Assistant Program are based upon scholastic achievement, health maintenance and adherence to Saint Francis University and Departmental policies. The progression standards for the Master of Physician Assistant Science major can be obtained from the Department of Physician Assistant Sciences.

In addition to the academic progression standards, Physician Assistant majors must adhere to the Physician Assistant program policies as stated in the current Department Policy Manual and be able to meet the Department of Physician Assistant Science Student Technical Standards. Policy manuals and technical standards, which are located in the General Policy Manual, may be reviewed on the Department web site.

Please note that the Program reserves the right to change, modify or amend progression standards and Program policies prior to matriculation in the major as a freshman or didactic year student.

Due Process

Any student who wishes to appeal a dismissal may request in writing to the Department of Physician Assistant Sciences Chair to appear before the Physician Assistant Performance Review Committee. Appeals must be received in the Department office within ten days after the student receives notification from the Department regarding action as discussed above.

Master of Physician Assistant Science

Saint Francis University students who earned a B.S. in Health Science as physician assistant science majors should see the graduate section of the catalog for professional curriculum course descriptions. Students who matriculate as graduate students will need to complete all required PA 400 and PA 500 level courses.

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