As a student in the Physician Assistant Studies Program, you will receive a dual degree – a BS in health science from USP and an MS from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). This accelerated, five-year program is completed in two distinct and separate phases:
- You will spend the first three years at USP gaining a solid foundation in the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities, and learning how PAs are integrated into medical practices.
- In your fourth and fifth years, you will enter the professional phase of the program at PCOM, where your coursework will be combined with extensive didactic and clinical experience in a variety of settings and specialties.
A Wide Range of Healthcare Services
The role of a physician assistant (PA) has expanded over the past several years, and the U.S. Department of Labor ranks it as the country’s third fastest growing career. Physician assistants are licensed healthcare professionals who provide services under the supervision of physicians. As a physician assistant, you will assist doctors by performing a wide range of healthcare services, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, administering emergency treatment, providing high-tech specialty procedures, assisting in major surgeries, and giving postoperative care.
Why USP Should Be Your First Choice
- A solid foundation in science and a quality general education in a traditional college setting
- One of only fifteen entry-level accelerated programs in the US.
- Medical professional exposure while you are completing your pre-professional courses by shadowing physicians, physician assistants and other medical professionals. Learn the basics of history-taking and physical exam techniques in undergraduate level courses.
- Required 200 hours of patient contact, well preparing you to transition into the professional phase at PCOM.
- Opportunity to participate in patient care in our Study Abroad program
- Smaller classes with personalized attention