PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PROGRAM INFORMATION WEBINAR

Please join the PA Program Director of Admissions for an informal webinar event to discuss the PA profession, program admission requirements, and education overview.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Noon - 1:00 p.m.

Computer Requirements: an up-to-date computer with access to the internet (DSL or similar connection) and functioning speakers will be required for the first part of the presentation. Final instructions and a link to access to the webinar will be e-mailed to particpants 24 hours in advance of the session. A brief chat room Q&A will be hosted after the presentation with a possible conference call if deemed necessary.

RSVP or get more information by calling 757.446.7158 or emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Overview

Located on the campus of Eastern Virginia Medical School, the Master of Physician Assistant (MPA) Program utilizes innovative instructional methods in conjunction with the medical school's diverse resources to provide students with outstanding educational opportunities. The curriculum provides graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to participate in the delivery of primary health care as physician assistants and leaders in a changing health-care industry.

Our PA program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Only graduates of an ARC-PA-accredited program are eligible to sit for the national certification examination.

The PA profession is a growing and dynamic medical career. The U.S. Department of Labor rates job growth for PAs as “much faster than average.”

In 2009, CNN/Money Magazine ranked the PA profession second in its "Top Ten Best Jobs in America." The number of PA jobs is projected to increase by 50% over the next 10 years. Additionally, Forbes.com ranked Physician Assistant studies number 1 in Best Master's Degrees for Jobs.

Mission and Goals

The mission of the EVMS Physician Assistant Program is to prepare students to provide health care in a broad range of medical settings by training them in the medical arts and sciences in an inclusive, multi-cultural environment dedicated to the delivery of patient centered care, while fostering a strong commitment to clinical and community partnerships.

The goals of the PA Program are to prepare graduates:

• To provide quality health care to diverse patient populations in a variety of settings, spanning a range of acute and chronic medical and surgical conditions
• For service as capable leaders in clinical, research, and community service environments

Accomplishment of our goals will serve the:

• Student, by fostering personal and professional discovery and development with the skills to become life-long learners
• Patient, through student preparation to provide competent patient-centered primary and specialty care
• Institution, by contributing to a seamless learning environment which fosters the development of competent and compassionate healthcare professionals
• Community, by graduating professionals who understand the importance of community service, forging community alliances, and having an understanding of culturally appropriate care

Educational Program

The PA Program is divided into two phases and spans 27 consecutive months (seven semesters).

Phase I, the 15-month pre-clinical year (67 credit hours), incorporates traditional classroom interaction with clinical skills development through the Theresa A. Thomas Professional Skills Teaching and Assessment Center.

In Phase II (26 credit hours), students complete eight clinical field experiences which form the basis of the professional socialization processes for adaptation to the role and functions of a physician assistant.

Clinical sites are located throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Students should plan on the possibility of being placed outside the Hampton Roads area for some of their supervised practice experiences during their clinical training.

Following graduation, graduates are required to pass the PA National Certifying Examination (PANCE). Below are the most recent trends in the performance of our graduates.

EVMS PA Program Trends in Pass Rates for the PA National Certifying Examination (PANCE)
Compared to National First-Time Pass Rates 2007 to 2011

The chart above compares the EVMS First Time Pass Rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE), in blue, to the rate of first time takers of the exam nationally, in red, for the last five years. On the far right of the chart, a simple average of the five-year period is depicted.

Tuition and Fees

The tuition and fee rates of the Master of Physician Assistant Program are announced prior to the start of each academic year and are subject to change without notice. The tuition for students matriculating after January 1, 2012 is $9,524 per semester for in-state students and $10,113 for out-of-state students. Estimated additional costs include the mandatory fees (approximately $2,961), school-sponsored health insurance (approximately $6,850), and costs of books, supplies and equipment (approximately $3,700). Historically, tuition has increased each year in July.

A student budget for the coming year is available by clicking on the hyperlink.

Financial Aid

The primary responsibility for the funding of your education lies with you and your family. Financial aid is available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Program Sequence and Advanced Standing

Students are expected to complete the designated professional curriculum in the sequence specified. Each semester's course work is to be considered pre-requisite to the next semester. Students may not enter the program with advanced standing.

ADMISSIONS INFORMATION

For those interested in applying to the EVMS MPA Program, a comprehensive overview of the application process and requirements is located here.

Applications are accepted beginning late April and must be submitted by March 1st for entry into the class that will start the following January. All applicants will receive written notification of their application receipt and be granted online access to check their application status from the Admissions and Enrollment Manager for Health Professions.

Please note that the following deadlines for consideration into specific classes remain in effect:

All requirements and prerequisites MUST be applicable to the application cycle to which you are applying. Early application does not guarantee an interview or give the application an advantage. All applications will be considered as if they arrived at the same time.

Admissions Timeline Overview:

Important Phone Numbers and External Links

These links may be useful in learning about the PA Profession:

• The American Academy of Physician Assistants http://www.aapa.org/
• The Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants http://www.vapa.org/
• The Physician Assistant Education Association http://www.paeaonline.org/
• The US Bureau of Labor Statistics http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos081.htm

Thomas Parish, DHSc, PA-C
Director
P.O. Box 1980
Norfolk, VA 23501-1980
Phone: (757) 446-7158
Fax: (757) 446-7403
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