Information
for:
Information About:
Physician
Assistant Sciences
Sullivan Hall, Room 104
814-472-3130
Fax: 814-472-3137
Email
Mailing Address
Saint Francis University
Department of Physician Assistant Sciences
P.O. Box 600
Loretto, PA
15940-0600
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Frequently Asked Questions What degrees are offered by the SFU Department of Physician Assistant Sciences?
The Department of PA Sciences at Saint Francis University offers four graduate degree options. Bachelors Degree in Health Science/Master of Physician Assistant Science (BS/MPAS)
A graduate degree program that admits students directly from high school (or have completed less than 24 college credits) who want to become a physician assistant. Master of Physician Assistant Science (MPAS)
A 24-month graduate degree program that admits students who have previously completed a baccalaureate degree who want to become a physician assistant. Master of Medical Science
A web-based program offered to full time Physician Assistant students enrolled in an affiliated community college. Students will complete MMS course work concurrently with their clinical PA training. Master of Health Science
An on-line post-baccalaureate degree program designed for professionals in the healthcare setting who hold a baccalaureate degree and desire to pursue graduate education. The multidisciplinary design of the program is designed to address the educational needs of health professionals in their roles as clinicians, health educators, researchers, health administrators and a variety of other health settings.
What is your overall pass rate on the NCCPA (PANCE) examination for the MPAS Program?
The average pass rate on the PANCE for our MPAS graduates is a 95% (since 2001). Since our first graduating class in 1981, we have had a 93.8% pass rate on the PANCE. Seven of those years were at a 100% rate.
What is the national ranking of the SFU MPAS Program?
The Saint Francis University Master of Physician Assistant Science program has been ranked 21st by U.S. News and World Report (2007) in comparison to 106 other master's granting PA Programs. We are one of the only schools not affiliated with a major medical center and the only program in Pennsylvania in the top twenty percent.
BS/MPAS What does the successful applicant look like for the SFU BS/MPAS Program?
The successful applicant applying for the BS/MPAS program typically has an SAT score above an 1100, at least a second quintile ranking and a high school GPA of 3.50 or better. An applicant must also be able to meet the Saint Francis University Department of Physician Assistant Sciences student technical standards.
What is the length of the program?
The BS - MPAS is a five year program (three years pre-professional, two years professional). Upon successful completion of the fourth year, students receive a bachelors degree in health science. After successful completion of the fifth year, student receive the master of physician assistance science degree.
Am I guaranteed acceptance into the professional phase of the program?
As long as you meet the progression standards as outlined in the pre-professional policy manual, you are guaranteed a seat in the first year of the professional phase of the program.
How do I apply for the BS/MPAS Program?
Applications can be completed on-line or request a paper application from the SFU Office of Admissions.
What is the deadline for applications?
January 15
What is the cost of the BS/MPAS Program?
The expense sheet that is available. Some expenses which are not included on the expense sheet would be:
MPAS What is admission to the MPAS Program based upon?
Admission to the SFU MPAS Program is based on academic achievement, demonstration of quality performance in science and/or health related courses, demonstration of motivation, and professional potential and strong interpersonal skills.
In order to be competitive, an applicant should have an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, maintain grades of A's or B's in science courses and a record that demonstrates the characteristics listed above. An applicant must also be able to meet the Saint Francis University Department of Physician Assistant Sciences student technical standards.
Is health care experience required for admission?
Health care experience is not required, but previous health care experience is considered in the evaluation of candidates for admission.
What are the required courses that need to be completed before entry?
Applicants must complete (recommended that at least five of the following courses be completed before application): Chemistry - lecture and lab - 2 courses Microbiology - lecture and lab - 1 course Anatomy & Physiology - lecture and lab - 2 courses Psychology - 1 course Statistics or upper level college math - 1 course
Each of these prerequisite course must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.
Must I attend an interview to be accepted into the MPAS Program?
All applicants are required to attend a personal interview that affords the faculty an opportunity to further review the applicant's credentials, as well as allows the applicant an opportunity to visit the University and the Department.
How do I apply for the MPAS Program?
You must apply through the centralized application service for physician assistants (CASPA). Three letters of recommendation and all official transcripts must be sent directly to CASPA.
What is the application deadline?
Application and all supporting documentation must be submitted to CASPA no later than November 1st. It is strongly encouraged that applications are completed as early as possible to ensure consideration. The Program utilizes a rolling acceptance process.
Does the MPAS Program require a supplemental application?
No, the program does not require a supplement to the CASPA application.
How many people apply to the SFU PA Program?
This year we had over 700 applications for the Program. In the last several years we have interviewed around 100 applicants.
How many open positions are available in the MPAS program each year?
The number of positions available varies from year to year. The final number is conditional upon the number of traditional students who progress into the professional phase. Over the last several years, the number of seats has varied between 15 and 25.
What is the class size for the MPAS Program?
We have a class size of 55-60 students.
When does the MPAS Program commence?
The MPAS Program begins late May/early June.
What is the length of the Program?
The MPAS program is a full 24 months in length. The first year involves didactic coursework intermixed with half-day clinical experiences. The second year consists of nine five-week clinical rotations.
When is graduation for the MPAS Program?
Graduation occurs in May.
Does the Program require any standardized test?
The MPAS Program does not require the GRE, however the University does require the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for international applicants whose native language is not English.
What is the cost of the MPAS Program?
The expense sheet is available for the two-year MPAS Program. Some expenses which are not included on the expense sheet would be:
Clinical Year (BS/MPAS or MPAS) What does the clinical year involve?
The clinical year entails nine five-week rotations. Each student must complete a rotation in: Family Practice (2 rotations), Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Women's Health, Emergency Medicine, Behavioral Medicine, Surgery. Each student also completes a rotation in a specialty of his/her choice. Students may also choose (with prior approval from the Program) to complete the second family practice in primary care.
Where do I go for clinical year rotations?
Our clinical rotations are located all over the United States (CT to HI) as well as internationally.
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