| EVMS Physician Assistant Program |
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OverviewUniquely located on the prestigious 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 a premier education. 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 fully 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 as number 2 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 GoalsThe mission of the PA Program is to provide a premier education defined by academic excellence, clinical and community partnerships, and a commitment to facilitate access to primary care for underserved populations. The goals of the PA Program are to prepare graduates:
Accomplishment of our goals will serve the:
Educational ProgramThe PA Program is divided into two phases and spans 27 consecutive months (seven semesters). Phase I, the 15-month pre-clinical year (66 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)
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 FeesThe 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, 2011 is $9,070 per semester for in-state students and $9,407 for out-of-state students. Estimated additional costs include the mandatory fees (approximately $2800), school-sponsored health insurance (approximately $6850), 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 AidThe 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 StandingStudents 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 INFORMATIONFor 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 Director of Enrollment 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:
Thomas Parish, DHSc, PA-C |
