Colleges with Physician Associate Programs with Undergraduate Entry

Physician Associates are licensed clinicians in every medical specialty and setting. They are crucial in expanding healthcare access and transforming health and wellness through patient-centered, team-based practice. Recognizing the growing demand for these skilled professionals, ��91��Ƭ�� is among the offering Physician Associate programs with undergraduate entry through an innovative Physician Associate Program: Bio-PA (3+2) accelerated track.

Alvernia’s Accelerated PA Program Structure

��91��Ƭ��'s Physician Associate Program: Bio-PA (3+2) accelerated track is a blend of undergraduate and graduate education, meticulously designed to take students from high school to a PA career in just five years. The program comprises three years of undergraduate coursework and two years of focused PA studies.

First Three Years - Undergraduate Studies: During the initial three years, students complete a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree with coursework that lays the foundation for their medical training. This phase includes in-depth studies in sciences such as biology, chemistry, and anatomy – all essential prerequisites for a PA program.
Final Two Years - PA Program: The last two years transition students into the Master of Medical Science in Physician Associate Studies. This phase is intensely focused on advanced medical education, covering topics such as pharmacology, pathology, and clinical medicine, coupled with hands-on clinical experiences.

Scheduled to launch its first cohort in the fall of 2024, this program is tailored for first-year students committed to a career as a Physician Associate. It represents an efficient and streamlined route to entering the healthcare workforce as a highly trained professional.

Benefits of the 3+2 Program

Time Efficiency: One of the most significant advantages of the 3+2 program is the time saved. Traditionally, PA education could extend to six or seven years, but Alvernia's program graduates students in five years.
Seamless Transition: The program offers a seamless transition from undergraduate to graduate studies, providing continuity and depth in learning.
Preparing for the National Certification: Upon completing the program, graduates are well-prepared to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE), a necessary step to becoming a licensed PA.
Cost-Effectiveness: By condensing the time frame, students also benefit financially, reducing the overall cost of education compared to the traditional route.
Early Career Entry: Graduates of the 3+2 program can start their careers as Physician Associates earlier, gaining a competitive edge in the job market.

Admission to ��91��Ƭ��’s Bio-PA (3+2) accelerated track is competitive. The university seeks students with strong academic backgrounds, particularly in science subjects. The program is ideal for high school students with a clear vision of a career as a PA and who are ready to commit to an intensive educational pathway.

Hands-On Learning and Clinical Experience

A cornerstone of Alvernia’s program is the emphasis on hands-on, practical learning. In the graduate phase, students perform clinical rotations across various medical specialties, gaining invaluable real-world experience. This practical training is critical for developing the skills and confidence needed in a clinical setting.

Your Journey Begins Here

��91��Ƭ��’s Physician Associate Program: Bio-PA (3+2) accelerated track provides a direct, efficient path to a rewarding career in healthcare, embodying the qualities students seek in colleges with PA programs offering undergraduate entry. This program saves time and costs and equips students with the knowledge and experience to thrive in the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of healthcare.

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