The Program

Physician Assistant (PA) Program
The University of South Alabama offers a Physician Assistant (PA) Program Master of
Health Science Degree that provides entry into the profession.
Master of Health Science Information | |
---|---|
Degree Earned | Master of Health Science |
Length of Program | 27 months |
Number of students accepted | 60 |
Matriculation Date | Annually in mid-May |
Class Type | On site |
Curriculum | 121 Credit Hours |
Class Schedule | Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM or as set by preceptor |
Advanced Placement and Deceleration
The program does not offer advanced placement or deceleration. Transfer credits or
credit for experiential learning cannot be substituted for any course in the program,
and no transfer credit is accepted from other PA programs. In addition, any grade
below a C will result in academic dismissal from the program, and withdrawal from
any course will automatically result in dismissal from the program.
The Didactic Component
The pre-clinical portion of the program consists of four semesters (15 consecutive
months) beginning with the basic medical sciences in the first semester. These include
gross anatomy lab with prosection and dissection, physiology, introduction to infectious
diseases, and introduction to physical examination skills. In semesters 2 through
4 students actively participate in learning the clinical medical sciences and physical
examination skills through lectures given by the core faculty and guest lecturers
from a variety of specialization areas. Other pedagogical methods are employed to
facilitate student learning and mastery. These include case-based and team-based learning
strategies. Additionally, simulation lab, standardized patient clinic, direct patient
experiences, service-learning and community outreach projects are also employed to
enhance the student’s learning.
Clinical Rotations
Clinical rotations are mostly in Mobile, with other locations in Pensacola and the
Mississippi Gulf Coast. All rotations within a 75-mile radius (one-way) are considered
commutable. Elective rotations may be considered in other locations. Rural rotations
for Primary Care and Pediatrics are required.
The University of South Alabama Physician Assistant program participates with the
Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) of Alabama for clinical clerkships. Students
may be assigned to rural rotations in Primary Care and other disciplines at AHEC facilities.
Employment
Program policies strictly prohibit the program and all its academic and clinical affiliates
and preceptors from employing any PA students, or utilizing them in lieu of office
or clinical staff, while attending the program.
PA students are also strongly discouraged from accepting any other employment while
attending the program as this will interfere with their education.
Remediation
Mandatory remediation will be required of any clinical or didactic student who meets
the grounds for remediation. The student's progress will be subsequently monitored
and future remediation will be arranged as needed. Successful completion of remediation
is defined for the didactic and clinical student per policy. See Student Progress
Committee Policies and Procedures.
Student Progress Committee Policies and Procedures
Click here for our current SPC Policies and Procedures.