Department of Physician Assistant Studies
Established in 1996, the Physician Assistant Studies program at the University of
South Alabama (USA) is a Master’s Degree program and is designed for the student who
holds a baccalaureate degree in any field.
The PA program provides the student with comprehensive medical knowledge, skills, and attitudes enabling them to engage in clinical practice, and is designed to prepare the student for a variety of clinical practice settings. The goals and objectives of the program are guided by the criteria set forth in the Essentials and Guidelines for an Accredited Educational Program for the Physician Assistant, as established by the Accreditation Review Committee on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
Students are prepared for practice using a variety of learning strategies, including,
formal lectures, practical laboratory classes, clinical education and clinical research.
Graduates develop advanced clinical problem solving skills, in addition to acquiring
technical proficiency in areas related to professional practice.
News
The USA Dept of PA Class of 2020 hosts Craws for a Cause to raise money for The Learning Tree.
PA Class of 2020 Raises Money for Special Cause
We are so proud of the Class of 2020 for raising $9,919 for The Learning Tree!!! This
year, the didactic class hosted Craws for a Cause, an annual crawfish boil and silent
auction, that allowed us to raise money for such a special cause. Every year, the
USA PA Studies Program didactic class selects a philanthropy then hosts a fundraiser
to support the cause. The Learning Tree is a nonprofit organization that provides
services including residential housing and education for children and adolescents
with developmental disabilities, such as autism. Thank you to everyone who supported
us, whether it was by attending, buying a t-shirt, or sponsoring! It all added up
to an awesome amount for a great cause! When the check was presented, we were lucky
enough to have some Learning Tree students attend. What a way to kick off the summer
semester! Molly Addison
Philanthropy Chair
Physician Assistant Studies Program
Class of 2020
Dept. of PA students may apply to complete a clinical rotation in Women's Health in Cusco, Peru.
Clinical Rotation Abroad
Students may apply to complete a clinical rotation in Women's Health in Cusco, Peru.
The University of South Alabama has partnered with a non-profit organization, Friends
of Cerviscusco, that is under the supervision of Dr. Daron Ferris. During this rotation,
students are immersed in the Quechua culture and learn the practices of healthcare
in a developing nation. In addition, students are given time to adventure and sightsee
around the country.
The University of South Alabama Physician Assistant Studies Program welcomes AHEC (Area Health Education Center).
USA PA Studies Welcomes AHEC
The University of South Alabama Physician Assistant Studies Program welcomes AHEC
(Area Health Education Center). AHEC programs throughout the U.S. are designed to
meet each state's health and health workforce needs by providing educational programs
in partnership with academic institutions, healthcare agencies, and other organizations
committed to improving the health of the people in each state in which AHEC operates.
AHEC educational programs and information services are targeted toward:
- Improving the distribution and retention of healthcare providers, with a special emphasis on primary care and prevention.
- Improving the diversity and cultural competence of the healthcare workforce in all health disciplines.
- Enhancing the quality of care and improving healthcare outcomes.
- Addressing the healthcare needs of underserved communities and populations.
Our program has successfully partnered with AHEC in order to improve the health and quality of life for Alabamians in rural and medically underserved areas on the Gulf Coast and its northern counties.
We encourage you to read more about the Alabama AHEC.