PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE · UNITED STATES
Physician Assistant Studies
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
27 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- High first-time PANCE pass rates, exceeding the national average.Success Rate
- Extensive clinical rotations in multiple specialties, including emergency medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and internal medicine.Hands-on Learning
- Faculty are experienced, practicing Physician Assistants bringing diverse perspectives.Expert Faculty
- Learn through classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences.Comprehensive Training
- Early patient care experience with patient-actors and in supervised clinical settings.Early Clinical Exposure
- Collaborate with students from various medical disciplines.Interdisciplinary Collaboration
The Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) offers a comprehensive academic and clinical medical education designed to prepare you for a rewarding career as a healthcare provider. You will learn to diagnose and treat a wide range of health conditions in a supportive, student-focused environment. The program emphasizes patient-centered care, collaboration with other healthcare professionals, and early hands-on experience in realistic settings. Graduates are highly sought after by employers and consistently achieve high pass rates on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). The program is available at PCOM's main campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or at PCOM Georgia in Suwanee, Georgia.
Curriculum
The PA Studies program is structured into two main phases: intensive classroom and laboratory instruction, followed by clinical preceptorships. This blended approach ensures a strong foundation in medical knowledge and practical application.
- First 15 months
- Following 12 months
- Clinical preceptorships and clinically-related content
Careers
Physician Assistants (PAs) are in high demand and play a crucial role in delivering a broad range of medical and surgical services across diverse populations and settings. The PCOM PA Studies program prepares graduates for successful careers in various environments.
- Physician Assistant in private practice
- Physician Assistant in hospitals
- Physician Assistant in nursing homes
- Physician Assistant in student health services
- Physician Assistant in rural and urban clinics
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Physician Assistant Studies program?
- Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom. A degree in a science or health-related field is preferred, and admission also considers academic ability, problem-solving skills, maturity, commitment to the profession, and direct patient experience.
- How do I apply to the Physician Assistant Studies program?
- Applications are submitted through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). You will need to complete the CASPA application, submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Please refer to the PCOM website for specific requirements and guidance.
- What is the duration and structure of the Physician Assistant Studies program?
- The program consists of two main phases. The first 15 months involve intensive classroom and laboratory instruction, followed by 12 months of clinical preceptorships and clinically-related content.
- What career opportunities are available after graduating from this program?
- Graduates are prepared for careers as Physician Assistants in various settings, including private practices, hospitals, nursing homes, student health services, and rural and urban clinics. Physician Assistants are in high demand across diverse medical and surgical services.
- What are the tuition and fees for the Physician Assistant Studies program?
- Specific tuition and fee details, along with estimated living costs, can be found in the Cost of Attendance section on the PCOM website. Financial aid is available, covering up to 100% of the estimated cost of attendance.
Entry requirements
Baccalaureate degreeA bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom is required. A degree in science or a health-related field is preferred.
Admission considers academic ability, problem-solving skills, maturity, commitment to the profession, and direct patient experience.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the Cost of Attendance section on the PCOM website for specific tuition and fee details.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the Cost of Attendance section on the PCOM website for specific tuition and fee details.
LivingThe Cost of Attendance (COA) estimation tool on the PCOM website can provide details on living costs.
Financial aid is available for up to 100% of the estimated cost of attendance. Tuition and fees are estimates and not final or binding.
How to apply
1. Visit the CASPA WebsiteAccess the CASPA online application service to begin your application.
2. Complete the CASPA ApplicationFill out all required sections of the CASPA application, including personal information, academic history, work experience, and any other relevant sections.
3. Submit Transcripts and Supporting DocumentsEnsure all required official transcripts and supporting documents are submitted through CASPA as per the program's instructions.
4. PCOM Application RequirementsReview the specific degree requirements, prerequisite coursework, and other considerations for PCOM's PA Studies program on their application requirements page.
5. Submit ApplicationSubmit your completed application through CASPA by the specified deadline.
Accreditation
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Physician Assistant Program. The next validation review is scheduled for March 2028.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Physician Assistant Studies program?
+
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom. A degree in a science or health-related field is preferred, and admission also considers academic ability, problem-solving skills, maturity, commitment to the profession, and direct patient experience.
How do I apply to the Physician Assistant Studies program?
+
Applications are submitted through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). You will need to complete the CASPA application, submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Please refer to the PCOM website for specific requirements and guidance.
What is the duration and structure of the Physician Assistant Studies program?
+
The program consists of two main phases. The first 15 months involve intensive classroom and laboratory instruction, followed by 12 months of clinical preceptorships and clinically-related content.
What career opportunities are available after graduating from this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for careers as Physician Assistants in various settings, including private practices, hospitals, nursing homes, student health services, and rural and urban clinics. Physician Assistants are in high demand across diverse medical and surgical services.
What are the tuition and fees for the Physician Assistant Studies program?
+
Specific tuition and fee details, along with estimated living costs, can be found in the Cost of Attendance section on the PCOM website. Financial aid is available, covering up to 100% of the estimated cost of attendance.