Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies

Preparing you to provide quality health care to those in need

Are you looking to take the next step in your medical career? Becoming a Physician Assistant is a great option. You’ll have the advanced training to collaborate with one or more physicians and be able to examine, diagnose, treat, and counsel patients. There is a significant need in health care for high-level professionals. At CUAA, we strive to prepare you to provide quality health care in a respectful, caring manner. If you value the same things we do, consider pursuing your Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) with us.

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Program Overview

Upcoming Info Sessions:

You're invited to join us at one of our upcoming information sessions. Please click here to see the list of dates and times, and to register.

Program Overview

Becoming a Physician Assistant is a great option if you are looking for a rewarding career in medicine. You’ll have the advanced training to collaborate with one or more physicians and be able to examine, diagnose, treat, and counsel patients. PAs have the flexibility, once certified, to practice in any field they desire without having to complete a residency in that field, as all PAs are trained in primary medicine as the basis of their medical knowledge. There has been, and will continue to be, a significant need in health care for high-level professionals.

Statistics from 2019 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics note that median earnings in 2018 were 108,610/year; number of jobs available (in 2016) were 106,200; the job outlook is 37% (much better than average per the BLS), and employment increases are expected to exceed 39,600 between now and 2026.

At CUAA, we strive to prepare you to provide quality health care and to do so in a respectful, caring manner addressing mind, body, and spirit. If you value the same things we do, consider pursuing your Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) with us.

Program Vision

The vision of the PA program at Ann Arbor is to provide the local and global community with competent medical providers who will improve lives and influence communities through clinical service and leadership, and do so in a compassionate and respectful manner that changes the lives of all patients who seek our care.

Program Mission

The mission of the PA program at Ann Arbor is to educate Physician Assistant graduates who will demonstrate competency in all aspects of patient primary medical care.

Applicants should note that the program's mission is to train students in all aspects of primary care medicine. This will not be a program curriculum focused on specialty surgery, or latest advances in specialty care.

COVID-19 CHANGES

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program has made changes to our admission requirements policies for the Physician Assistant Studies graduate program.
The following changes have been updated in the Requirements and Admissions tab on this website:
- Pass/Fail grades will be accepted temporarily for the Spring and Summer 2020 terms within certain timelines and will require completion of a COVID Waiver Form. Note, that if P/F is optional, prospective applicants are encouraged to take a letter grade if able to do so. The rigor of the PA program requires the need for strong performance in the pre-requisite coursework. A grade of P will not add “points” to the student cumulative nor pre-requisite science GPA.
- Online labs will be accepted temporarily for the Spring and Summer 2020 terms. (Please complete this section on the COVID Waiver Form as well).
- The program will no longer require PA job shadowing. If you were unable to accomplish that task before clinics were closed due to COVID, please complete this section in Waiver Form).
Please note that 500 hours of health care experience are still required.
Please note that three Letters of Recommendation are still required. The program will waive the need for one to be from a PA that you shadowed. However, the letters should provide the program with information related to the student’s ability to manage the rigor of the program and of the PA profession.

The COVID Waiver Form should be submitted using the link to download the form, complete the required sections, save it, and email it to either the admissions coordinator: Thomas.dobberteen@cuaa.edu; or the program director: Jacqueline.kazik@cuaa.edu.

What to Expect

Physician Assistants (PA) are licensed health care professionals who practice medicine in collaboration with an MD or DO. Pas, in conjunction with their collaborating physician, provide patient care by obtaining histories, performing physical examinations, diagnosing injuries and illnesses, prescribing, assisting in surgery, ordering and interpreting lab and radiologic results and educating patients on their conditions, as well as prevention. PAs work in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, universities, governmental services, and industries.

Graduates must successfully complete all aspects of the PA program, which must be accredited by the ARC-PA, and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) in order to obtain a license in the state(s) in which they desire to practice. Upon graduation, graduates will the ability to practice in any of the different specialties of medicine. Licensed and certified PAs are required to complete 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and pass the Physician Assistant Recertifying Examination (PANRE) every ten years in order to maintain certification.

Please Note

The Concordia University Ann Arbor Master of Science, Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) Program has applied for Accreditation-Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Concordia University Ann Arbor anticipates matriculating its first class in January 2021, pending achieving Accreditation-Provisional status at the June 2020 ARC-PA meeting. Accreditation Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appears to demonstrate the program's ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding accreditation-provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.

CASPA applications will not be available for completion until such time as the CUAA program has successfully been provisionally accredited. This is anticipated to be no sooner than July 2020 and admission decisions will not be made until successful accreditation is granted. Program applicants will be notified as soon as we are informed of accreditation process results. Information on accreditation is available at http://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation/, or at: Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc., 12000 Findley Road, Suite 150, Johns Creek, GA 30097, (770) 476-1224.

The proposed Physician Assistant program will grant the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree.

Licensure / Certifications

Graduates take the PANCE exam after successful completion from the program. Licensure is required in all states.

Basic admission requirements

Candidates for admission must meet the following requirements:

Baccalaureate Degree (must be earned prior to matriculation from a regionally accredited university or college in the U.S.).
GPA
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher, AND
- Minimum 3.0 prerequisite science GPA or higher
Prerequisite Coursework
- Note: Each prerequisite course must be successfully completed with a grade of “C” or higher from a regionally U.S. accredited college or university. (Due to COVID closing of universities, students may be allowed to submit P/F grades (if able to verify due to COVID issues) by completing the COVID WAIVER FORM and submitting required information.
- All prerequisite science coursework must be completed at the time of application.
- One non-science prerequisite course may be pending at the time of application, but must be completed prior to matriculation in the program.
- Online labs for science prerequisites will be considered if related to COVID issues and only if occurring in the spring and/or summer terms; complete the COVID WAIVER FORM and submit required information.
- Audited coursework is not accepted for prerequisite courses.
Application Deadline:
- November 1, 2020 is the deadline for verified applications.
There must be documentation of 500 hours of hands-on patient care experience.
- Examples of hands-on patient care may include but is not limited to: nursing, CNA, ER tech, EMT/paramedic, lab technician, dietician, exercise stress test technician, mental health therapist, military medical/clinical specialist, occupational/physical therapist, pharmacist, pharmacy technician, phlebotomist, respiratory therapist, surgical technician.
- Medical scribe experience as a scribe is invaluable to documentation and observational learning, but hands-on patient care experience is not part of the scribe’s responsibility. As such, a scribe may use 100-200 hours of scribe work as part of the health care requirement, but the remainder must be in some capacity in which you have direct patient interaction.
- The following are NOT considered hands-on experience: PA or MD shadowing; non-clinical research assistant; candy striper; CPR instructor; patient transporter, pharmaceutical rep; ski patrol (unless EMT certified), lifeguard, aerobics instructor, therapeutic horse observers, unit clerk, medical insurance clerk, medical secretary.
- If you have additional questions regarding whether your particular experience suffices, please contact the program office directly to discuss.
Completion of 24 hour minimum shadowing of a Physician Assistant has been waived temporarily. (again, note on COVID WAIVER FORM) If you HAVE completed the shadowing requirement, during this admission cycle there will be no “points” given for having completed it, but if you have shadowed a PA, then you certainly may note that in the application.
Three letters of reference are required to be submitted: (PLEASE NOTE)
- One letter of reference must be from an employer/supervisor of your patient health care experience, and should speak to your interaction and care of patients and aptitude for a profession as a health care provider.
Technical Standards are physical, behavioral and cognitive abilities that must be met in order for a PA to complete the educational curriculum, and competently perform all duties required as a PA upon graduation. Please see Technical Standards for Physician Assistants that each student must be able to meet in order to be admitted to the PA program and function effectively in the PA profession.

Prerequisites

PLEASE NOTE:

In the list below, labs completed online are now admissible as long as the reason was due to COVID Issues and Waiver form was completed and submitted.

Chemistry:
- One or two semesters of general (inorganic) chemistry with lab (4 cr each) (two preferred)
- One semester of either organic chemistry or biochemistry with lab (both are preferred) (3 cr)
  (if Organic chemistry or Biochemistry are taken at a community college, pre-req for that course must have been a college level general chemistry course)
Biology:
- One or two semesters of general biology with lab (3-4 cr. each) (two are preferred)
- Botany, or survey course does not fill this requirement
Human Anatomy & Physiology:
- May be completed as two semesters of A & P with lab done on-campus
- May be completed as individual Human Anatomy and separate Physiology course, again with on-campus lab component.
  
  PLEASE NOTE: A & P is the cornerstone for all understanding in clinical medicine, and as such, the course must be rigorous, related to HUMAN anatomy & physiology, and should have been completed within 5 years of application, although more distant coursework of an applicant currently working in a medical field utilizing A & P may be acceptable.
Microbiology: One semester with lab
Psychology: One semester (lifespan, developmental or abnormal preferred)
Statistics: One semester
College algebra or higher: One semester (will accept high school AP credit)
Medical Terminology: One semester (recommended within 5 years of application)
English Composition: One semester minimum (will accept high school AP credit)

Highly recommended courses though not required:

Pharmacology
Immunology
Additional Psychology classes

Additionally

No advanced placement or transfer credit is granted if transferring from another PA or graduate program nor for foreign medical graduates or foreign physicians. No course credit is given for experiential learning.

NOTE: high school AP coursework for the basic sciences courses (Biology 1 and Chemistry 1) may be used for pre-requisite requirements. The statement above refers to AP in coursework taken at a previous PA program.

Information Sessions

Upcoming Info Sessions:

You're invited to join us at one of our upcoming information sessions. Please click here to see the list of dates and times, and to register.

Application timeline

Early to mid-July, 2020: CASPA application portal opens
November 1, 2020: CASPA applications must be e-submitted and completed. Because of the requirement of “rolling admissions”, applications will be reviewed as they are submitted, and CASPA's VERIFICATION of documents may occur after the application deadline. Acceptance to the PA program will be contingent on verification of the application by CASPA. The applicant will be notified by the program when CASPA verification has been confirmed.

The CUAA program will use rolling admissions: Applications will be reviewed as they are received , with decisions by the admissions team occurring on an ongoing basis. There will be four interview periods with small cohorts of applicants that will occur during the admission cycle. Once decisions are made applicants will be informed and required to submit a $500 deposit within 3 weeks of acceptance which will hold the seat for the applicant.

Interviews

It is anticipated that on-campus interviews will still occur. However, due to the current pandemic, it may be necessary to hold “virtual” interviews beginning in August until such time as face-to-face interviews are allowed. The program will update all candidates with that information as it becomes known.

The interview will allow the applicant an opportunity to learn more about the program, and will allow the program faculty an opportunity to meet and speak with the applicant. During the interview process, the program curriculum as well as other pertinent information will be discussed. Interviews will occur with at least two faculty members, and will allow a “virtual” tour of the facilities, if unable to be provided in-person.

Students will be notified very soon after the interview about a firm admission status. Those who are not admitted in the first wave of interviews will be wait-listed, and notified at each of the four cycles about admission status. The invitation to interview for admission to the program does not guarantee admission or acceptance to enroll.

Program begins

January 25, 2021 - Program orientation
January 26, 2021 - First day of classes

Applicants who have been selected to enroll in the program after the interview process who have not completed their Bachelor’s degree will be conditionally accepted into the program. Those applicants who do not successfully complete their Bachelor’s degree prior to the first day of class, will not be allowed to matriculate into the program.

Background checks

All students accepted into the PA program will be required to complete and pass a background check. A felony conviction will impact our admissions decision.

Working after admission

It has been the program’s experience that those students who choose to work after admission to the program are most often unable to complete the program and be eligible to take the PANCE exam. For this reason, the program STRONGLY recommends that students NOT work for the duration of the PA program. Working outside of the PA program will not be given consideration in evaluating a student who fails to meet program requirements.

International applicants

International applicants who have taken pre-requisite courses at non-US colleges and universities should follow the directions provided by the CASPA Help Center for information on providing their academic credentials prepared by accepted international credentialing agencies.

TOEFL

Applicants whose native language is not English or do not have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited United States, Canadian, or Great Britain University or College must demonstrate English proficiency by taking the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Scores must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to CASPA in electronic format. The TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE score report will then be matched with your CASPA application.

Scores are valid two years from the date of testing. Refer to the CASPA FAQ page for additional information on how to report TOEFL scores.

Minimum scores accepted: IELTS 7; TOEFL 94; PTE 64

Anti-Discrimination policy

As a matter of policy, Concordia University admits students of any age, race, color, gender, religion, and national and ethnic origin. Admitted students enjoy the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally offered to all Concordia students. Further, Concordia University does not discriminate according to age, race, color, gender, and national and ethnic origin in administering admissions and educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: Concordia University is committed to full compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibit discrimination against qualified persons with disabilities, as well as other federal and state laws pertaining to individuals with disabilities. Under the ADA and its amendments, a person has a disability if he or she has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. The ADA also protects individuals who have a record of a substantially limiting impairment or who are regarded as disabled by the institution whether qualified or not. A substantial impairment is one that significantly limits or restricts a major life activity such as hearing, seeing, speaking, breathing, performing manual tasks, walking, or caring for oneself.

Concordia University is committed to providing qualified students with disabilities with reasonable accommodations and support needed to ensure equal access to the programs and activities of the University.

All accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. A student requesting any accommodation should first contact the Director of Disability Services who coordinates services for students with disabilities. The director reviews documentation provided by the student and in consultation with the student, determines which accommodations are appropriate to the student’s particular needs and programs. It is then the student’s responsibility to make direct requests for accommodations to the appropriate staff.

Selection factors

Academic Achievement (GPA, coursework review of rigor)
Letters of Recommendation
Healthcare experience & duties will be reviewed and points assigned (see below)
Non-Cognitive Personal and Professional Characteristics -
Personal Interview

Completion of the CASPer test is mandatory for all applicants. CASPer is an online test which assesses non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics that we believe are important for successful students and PA’s. This information will complement other tools we use for applicant screening, evaluation, and review and will further enhance the fairness and objectivity of our holistic review and selection process. We highly recommend that you take the test early in the application cycle. Keep in mind that it takes about 4 weeks for us to receive your score. Your application will not be reviewed for possible interview selection until you have completed and submitted the CASPer test. Please go to the CASPer Test website to sign up and reserve a test date.

Considerations in selection of candidates

As a potential candidate, the admissions committee will look at the following for acceptance into the program:

Cumulative and prerequisite science GPA (3.0 is the minimum, most successful candidates have GPA higher than 3.0) Points are given for GPA in a ranking from 3.0-4.0
Reference letters – should speak to the applicant’s aptitude for the profession, which requires that the applicant and the letter writer understand the PA profession. Points are assigned for the reference letters.
Health Care Experience – points are assigned for numbers of hours (500 is a minimum), and for health care experience, with additional points give to experience that provides decision making experience.
Interview – points are assigned for conversations that focus on the applicant’s understanding of the PA role; both advantages and disadvantages as compared to other health care professions, and the applicant’s particular aptitude for the rigors of PA school, which is accelerated compared to many other health professions and requires tremendous sacrifice and successful completion of multiple courses with many assessments with large course loads in each term.
Additionally, a holistic overview of the applicant is performed by all reviewers for:
Applicant's desire to become a PA and understanding of the profession
Evidence of academic potential, motivation, personal maturity, self-assurance, and likelihood for success
Applicant’s aptitude and likelihood for success.
Interpersonal interactions observed on visit day
Writing sample on a question related to current health care issues
Volunteerism and service to others, as fits our mission will be considered in the holistic overview of the applicant. There are no specific "points" awarded for volunteerism, however, in comparing two equally qualified candidates with similar GPAs, coursework, LORs, and HC experience, the applicant who volunteers in community, church or other service would be selected over the one who does not serve the community. This is in fitting with the mission and vision of the PA program, and the mission of CUAA.

Preferences given

CUAA graduates and alumni will be granted an automatic visit day with successful completion of all requirements in addition to a 3.4 GPA in BOTH cumulative AND pre-requisite coursework

All things being equal in comparing applications, preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate service to others, and/or an interest in rural medicine or with an underserved population after graduation.

Accreditation - Provisional

The proposed Physician Assistant program will grant the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree.

Tuition & Fees

Estimated Program Costs-Didactic and Clinical Years

For program start of Jan. 2021/graduating class of 2023

(fees are subject to change)

Tuition (1st Year)*	$12,515/semester x 4 semesters Spring 1, summer, fall, spring 2	$50,060
Tuition (2nd Year)*	$12,890/semester x 3 semesters Summer, fall, spring 3	$38,670
Total Tuition		$88,730

Other Costs

Please note: costs will vary depending on the equipment selected by the student

Fees	Student Costs
Student Services	75.00 x 7 terms = $525.00
University Lab Fee	300.00 x 7 terms = $2100.00
Technology Fee	$60.00 x 7 terms = 420.00
Medical Equipment (includes lab coats x 2)	855.00 max (this is base price, upgrades are available for additional cost)
Laptop***	Average 400-700$
Books	~600.00/student/year (this varies as sometimes older edition is ok to use, if faculty states)
Graduation Fee	60.00
Update	169.00 trainee discount through AAPA for two years
HIPPA-OSHA	30.00 x 2 = 60.00
BLS UPDATE	30.00 (cost varies)
ACLS	paid by program
MAPA Dues	40.00 one time fee
AAPA Dues	paid by program
HOD Travel/Exp	program pays 50%
EOR Exams/PACKRAT	paid by program
White Coat / Scrubs	50.00 - 100.00
Drug Screening/CB	120.00
Clinical Site Payments	paid by program
Transportation	~1200* may vary
Clinical Site Housing**	~1500* may vary
Teaching aids	paid by program
TOTAL:	~$6000.00/student

*Costs are the same for both resident and non-resident. Student’s own food, transportation and housing costs are not included.

**Student housing may be required at rural clinical sites; all housing and transportation costs are the responsibility of the student.

***Computer should meet or exceed these requirements.

Tuition Refund

Students who withdraw from the University will receive a pro-rated refund of educational fees and board fees, according to the following schedule (a week runs Mon-Sun):

DURING FIRST WEEK OF CLASSES	80%
DURING SECOND WEEK OF CLASSES	75%
DURING THIRD WEEK OF CLASSES	60%
DURING FOURTH WEEK OF CLASSES	40%
DURING FIFTH WEEK OF CLASSES	20%
AFTER FIFTH WEEK	none

Students who are charged for summer term but then withdraw will receive refunds on a pro-rated basis as follows:

DURING FIRST DAY OF CLASS	80%
DURING SECOND DAY OF CLASS	75%
DURING THIRD DAY OF CLASS	60%
DURING FOURTH DAY OF CLASS	40%
DURING FIFTH DAY OF CLASS	20%
AFTER FIFTH DAY OF CLASS	none

Preceptors & Interested Faculty

Preceptors: CUAA offers clinical training rotations in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, OBGYN, Pediatrics, General Surgery, Behavioral Health, Emergency Medicine and elective rotations. We are seeking potential preceptors in the above fields. If you are interested in precepting a CUAA PA student, please contact the PA program at gradpa@cuaa.edu.

Faculty: We are seeking faculty to teach in a primary care based program. Those interested in a faculty position, please send an email with CV to gradpa@cuaa.edu.

Preceptor Responsibilities

Clinical preceptors are expected to conduct themselves in a fair and conscientious manner in accordance with the ethical standards generally recognized with the academic community as well as those of the medical professions they represent. Preceptors are expected to:

Be a credentialed and licensed practitioner
Meet scheduled appointments, rounds and clinical teaching opportunities, be available to supervise all activities of student practitioners and approve implementation of all treatment plans (or delegate this responsibility to a licensed practitioner who has such authority)
Delegate to students, certain defined duties, with appropriate supervision and direction, but never use students as substitution for regular staff
Be available at reasonable times for teaching and evaluation of students
Perform student evaluations in a timely manner
Communicate with students regarding clinical performance and provide written mid-rotation and end of rotation evaluations that are fair
Communicate to students at the beginning of the rotation expectations and standards of evaluation
Base all academic evaluation upon good faith professional judgment
Not consider in academic evaluation factors such as race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, handicap, sexual orientation, political or cultural affiliation, lifestyle, activities or behavior outside of the academic setting unrelated to academic and professional achievement
Respect confidentiality of student academic information
Not exploit professional relationships with students for private advantage and refrain from soliciting the assistance of students for private purpose in a manner which infringes upon such student’s freedom of choice
Give appropriate recognition to student contributions in clinical activities
Refrain from any activity which involves risk to the health and safety of a student except with the student’s and the program’s informed consent
Respect the dignity of each student individually and all students collectively in all academic contexts

FAQ

What is the benefit of precepting a CUAA Physician Assistant student?

If you are considering hiring a Physician Assistant but have never worked with one, precepting a student will increase your understanding of the profession. It will give you first hand knowledge of how the PA will interact with your patients and staff, their skill level and the potential impact on your practice.
If you are considering hiring the Physician Assistant following graduation, precepting that student would give you an opportunity to participate in their approach to the practice of medicine.
A preceptor can earn Continuing Medical Education credits for precepting students.
Most preceptors enjoy teaching as it helps them maintain an up-to-date standard of practice.

I have only precepted medical students. How will I have to adjust my supervision for a PA student?

During the clinical year (the final year of training) a CUAA Physician Assistant student functions minimally at the level of a 3rd or 4th year medical student. On rotations they are expected to assume the hours of the site/preceptor including on-call, weekends and off-shifts.

Does the student carry liability insurance?

CUAA Physician Assistant students participating in the PA program and assigned to a health facility for clinical experience are covered by the University’s blanket malpractice insurance policy which presently contains a $1,000,000 occurrence/3,000,000 aggregate coverage CUAA maintains on file evidence of the existence of this policy and will provide this information to the health facility upon request. CUAA will notify the health facility within five (5) business days in the event the aforementioned policy limits are modified or discontinued.

This coverage is limited to:

Students currently registered and matriculated in the CUAA PA program
Clinical rotations approved and scheduled through the CUAA PA Program.
Students practicing within the guidelines outlined in the CUAA PA Policy Manual.

The student is not covered for any service or activity, either voluntary or for remuneration that is not approved and scheduled by the program.

How are students screened prior to clinical rotations?

The College of Health Professions at the Concordia University requires review of the criminal histories of those having direct contact with patients in health care and other settings.

These background checks are considered a condition of acceptance into a clinical program. Concordia University does not disclose the information to any person who is not directly involved in evaluating the applicant's qualifications for their clinical program but students do consent to the release of criminal background information to any affiliating health care institution that requests or requires this information as a condition of assignment.

Additionally, submitting a negative urine drug screen is a condition for admission into the Physician Assistant (PA) program.

Students also are required to undergo a physical examination and vaccinations recommended by the CDC for health care personnel.

Who can act as a preceptor for a PA student and what are their responsibilities?

A clinical preceptor must be credentialed and licensed. This would include but is not limited to: MD, DO, PA-C, NP, psychologist, or social workers

Meet scheduled appointments, rounds and clinical teaching opportunities, be available to supervise all activities of student practitioners and approve implementation of all treatment plans (or delegate this responsibility to a licensed practitioner who has such authority)
Delegate to students, certain defined duties, with appropriate supervision and direction, but never use students as substitution for regular staff
Be available at reasonable times for teaching and evaluation of students
Perform student evaluations in a timely manner
Communicate with students regarding clinical performance and provide written mid-rotation and end of rotation evaluations that are fair
Communicate to students at the beginning of the rotation expectations and standards of evaluation
Base all academic evaluation upon good faith professional judgment
Not consider in academic evaluation factors such as race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, handicap, sexual orientation, political or cultural affiliation, lifestyle, activities or behavior outside of the academic setting unrelated to academic and professional achievement
Respect confidentiality of student academic information
Not exploit professional relationships with students for private advantage and refrain from soliciting the assistance of students for private purpose in a manner which infringes upon such student’s freedom of choice
Give appropriate recognition to student contributions in clinical or research activities
Refrain from any activity which involves risk to the health and safety of a student except with the student’s and the program’s informed consent
Respect the dignity of each student individually and all students collectively in all academic contexts

How would I determine if my practice would meet the objectives of the CUAA program?

Part of the initial contact with the site is review of clinical rotation objectives by the clinical director either via phone interview or on-site visit. This review also includes, hours of operation, typical patient census, number of practitioners /potential preceptors, location of assignment and any current affiliations with other facilities.

What if a problem occurs with a student while on rotation?

At the time each rotation is confirmed, contact information is included in the preceptor packet. The expectation is the preceptor will not be a disciplinarian but if problems arise, the preceptor will get hold of the CUAA contact immediately to discuss the issue and to agree upon an action plan.

What is a Physician Assistant and what can they do? (From AAPA*)

Physician assistants are health care professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. . As part of their comprehensive responsibilities, PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and in virtually all states can write prescriptions. Within the physician-PA relationship, physician assistants exercise autonomy in medical decision-making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. A PA's practice may also include education, research, and administrative services.

How would a Physician Assistant benefit my practice? (From AAPA*)

Physician assistants (PAs) are found in all areas of medicine. They practice in the areas of primary care medicine - that is family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology -- as well in surgery and the surgical subspecialties. Because of the close working relationship the PAs have with physicians, PAs are educated in the medical model designed to complement physician training. What a physician assistant does varies with training, experience, and state law. In addition, the scope of the PA's practice corresponds to the supervising physician's practice. In general, a physician assistant will see many of the same types of patients as the physician. The cases handled by physicians are generally the more complicated medical cases or those cases which require care that is not a routine part of the PA's scope of work. Referral to the physician, or close consultation between the patient-PA-physician, is done for unusual or hard to manage cases. Physician assistants are taught to "know our limits" and refer to physicians appropriately. It is an important part of PA training.

*American Academy of Physician Assistants, www.aapa.org

Didactic

Spring Term 1 (19 credits)

PHAS 509 Anatomy (5cr)
PHAS 511 Molecular Basis of Disease (2cr)
PHAS 512 Primary Medicine 1 (3cr)
PHAS 513 Labs & Diagnostics 1 (2cr)
PHAS 514 Patient Care 1 (2cr)
PHAS 516 Pharmacotherapy 1 (2cr)
PHAS 517 Skills for Primary Practice 1 (1cr)
PHAS 533 Medical Decision Making 1 (1cr)
PHAS 519 PA Professional Practice 1 (1cr)

Summer 1 (12 credits)

PHAS 522 Primary Medicine 2 (3cr)
PHAS 523 Labs & Diagnostics 2 (2cr)
PHAS 524 Patient Care 2 (1cr)
PHAS 528 Pharmacotherapy 2 (2cr)
PHAS 529 Skills for Primary Practice 2 (1cr)
PHAS 543 Medical Decision Making 2 (2cr)
PHAS 536 PA Professional Practice 2 (1cr)

Fall Term 1 (17 credits)

PHAS 537 Primary Medicine 3 (4cr)
PHAS 538 Labs & Diagnostics 3 (3cr)
PHAS 539 Patient Care 3 (2cr)
PHAS 541 Pharmacotherapy 3 (3cr)
PHAS 542 Skills for Primary Practice 3 (2cr)
PHAS 557 Medical Decision Making 3 (2cr)
PHAS 546 PA Professional Practice 3 (1cr)

Winterim 1 (3 credits)

PHAS 547 Behavioral Medicine (2cr)
PHAS 549 PA Professional Practice 4 (1cr)

Spring Term 2 (16 credits)

PHAS 558 Medical Emergencies (3cr)
PHAS 559 Surgical Medicine (3cr)
PHAS 551 Primary Medicine 4 (3cr)
PHAS 552 Labs & Diagnostics 4 (2cr)
PHAS 553 Patient Care 4 (2cr)
PHAS 554 Pharmacotherapy 4 (2cr)
PHAS 556 Skills for Primary Practice (1cr)

Clinical

Clinical Year Of Practice (46 credits)

PHAS 611 Family Medicine Clinical Rotation 1
PHAS 612 Family Medicine Clinical Rotation 2
PHAS 621 Internal Medicine Clinical Rotation 1
PHAS 622 Internal Medicine Clinical Rotation 2
PHAS 623 Women’s Health Clinical Rotation
PHAS 624 Pediatric Clinical Rotation
PHAS 631 Behavioral Medicine Clinical Rotation
PHAS 632 Surgical Medicine Clinical Rotation
PHAS 633 Emergency Medicine Clinical Rotation
PHAS 641 Elective Clinical Rotation 1
PHAS 642 Elective Clinical Rotation 2
PHAS 651 Summative Assessment

*all clinical rotations are 4 credits each

Summative assessment is 2 credits

Total

Curriculum Plan: 113 Credits (67 Didactic + 46 Clinical)

Technical Standards

Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA) has specific technical standards that apply to all candidates for admission and those who are selected to enter the program. Students selected to enter the program must have the capacity to complete the entire course curriculum to achieve the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree. Accommodations may be possible for some disabilities, but the Physician Assistant’s (PA) role in the provision of health care requires that he or she be able to perform in an independent manner that does not compromise patient care.

In order to perform the functions required of a physician assistant in a variety of clinical situations and render competent patient care stipulated by the faculty, accreditation agencies, and the standards of practice as a PA, candidates/students for the program must meet the Technical Standards:

Observation: Students must be able to observe demonstrations, visual presentations, lectures, and laboratory studies in the basic medical and clinical settings. The candidate must be able to accurately observe a patient both close and at a distance; this requires functional use of vision, sensation, and smell. Adequate visual capabilities are necessary for proper evaluation and treatment integration, including the assessment of symmetry, range of motion, and tissue texture changes.
Communication: Students must be able to speak, hear, and observe patients to gather pertinent data, describe their observations (including activity and function, mood, and posture) and be able to perceive nonverbal communications. Students must be able to effectively communicate with patients, families, faculty, and colleagues from different cultural backgrounds in oral, written, computer and telephonic formats.
Motor and Sensory: Students must have gross and fine motor function and coordination in order to auscultate, palpate, and percuss as well as the ability to use appropriate diagnostic techniques and instruments to provide routine and emergent medical care and common diagnostic procedures such as, but not limited to, performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, advanced cardiac life support, administering intravenous medications, suturing of simple and complex wounds, treatment of respiratory distress or bleeding, and routine obstetric and gynecologic care, as well as assisting in surgery. Students should have adequate sensory skills, including tactile sensory and proprioceptive capability. Students must be able to transport themselves from one location to another in a timely fashion in order to facilitate patient care responsibilities and to receive educational training. Strength, mobility and endurance: Students must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads.
Cognitive, Integrative, and Quantitative Skill: Students must exhibit skills in problem solving, and critical thinking, measurement, calculation, and comprehension of three dimensional relationships consistent with medical practice. Students must be able to assimilate and learn large amounts of complex, technically detailed information in the form of lectures, discussions, videos, handouts, and clinical exam demonstrations and to synthesize and apply concepts arising from it to create diagnostic and therapeutic plans.
Behavioral and Social Skills: Students must possess sufficient emotional health to allow them to optimally utilize intellectual, cognitive, and reasoning judgment required of medical professionals and be able to quickly complete all duties and responsibilities commensurate with effective diagnosis and treatment of patients of all ages. Students must be able to demonstrate empathy, sensitivity, and the ability to quickly establish rapport with patients, exhibiting adequate interpersonal communication skills, compassion, concern for others, honesty, and integrity. Students must be able to tolerate physically demanding workloads (which may involve nights, weekends, and on call), noisy environments, and long hours. Students need to be able to maintain composure and emotional stability in challenging and stressful, changing circumstances and to deal effectively with uncertain, possibly emotionally charged situations. Students must be able to accept constructive criticism and respond via appropriate behavior modification. Students must be able to complete all assignments and activities as assigned by the program. Students must be able to attend all classes, labs, examinations, and rotations on time and act in a professional manner.

The PA program at Concordia University Ann Arbor has the freedom and ultimate responsibility for selection and evaluation of students, design, implementation and evaluation of curriculum, and determination of who will be awarded a degree and certificate of completion. Admission, retention, program completion, and graduation decisions are made based on satisfactory academic and clinical performance and upon non-academic, behavioral factors, which serve to ensure overall success in the PA profession.

Candidates for admission to the Concordia University Ann Arbor’s PA program will be required, if admitted, to certify in writing that they understand and meet the above technical standards.

Concordia University will attempt, to the best of its ability, to develop mechanisms by which otherwise qualified candidates for admission can be accommodated; however, the integrity of the curriculum and the need to provide optimal patient care must be maintained in order to ensure that all parts of PA education are delivered to all students.

Immunizations

As you consider a career in healthcare, it is important to know that due to the nature of training of Physician Assistant Students there is the potential of exposure to infectious or environmental contacts that may lead to disease or disability. The Program provides education on Universal Precautions and how to protect yourself both as a student and healthcare provider with in-class education, online modules and tests; and reminders throughout the program length about best practices.

The PA program follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for healthcare personnel recommendations. The PA program requires the following immunizations:

Annual PPD
Chest radiography (every three years, if the PPD is positive)
Hepatitis B immunity (established by three reported dates of immunization or by documented testing of antibody titer)
Tdap to those who have not received it before, then Td (every 10 years)
Rubella immunity (established by two reported dates of vaccination or documented antibody titer)
Varicella immunity (established antibody titer) or date of vaccination
Annual Influenza vaccination

Fair Practices

CUAA is committed to equality of opportunity and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation or disability. CUAA PA students have equal access to facilities and programs of the Concordia University Ann Arbor as any student from any of the other programs.

Working While in the Program is Strongly Discouraged

It is important to note that the intensity of the PA program curriculum and requirements is such that working while a student is strongly discouraged. If a PA student chooses to work during the first year of the program, it is his/her responsibility to ensure that employment does not interfere with or hinder academic progress. Having a job is not an excuse for missing lectures, examinations, clinical labs, or assignments. In the clinical year, you will be place in clinical rotations that may not be within reasonable driving distance from Ann Arbor. You may not miss any portion of a clinical rotation due to work related issues.

Medical Marijuana/CBD oil Policy

It is important to note that despite the fact that medical and now recreational marijuana is legal for use in the State of Michigan, CUAA policy does not allow use of marijuana by students. Most other states still consider marijuana an illegal substance, and even if legal, many medical institutions do not allow providers to be under the influence or have documentation of having used substances that could impair ability. Even if you hold a valid prescription for medical marijuana, and even if CBD is considered a legal substance, you will not be allowed participate in any clinical rotations if your drug screen is positive.

Successful Completion of the Didactic Year:

In order to successfully complete the didactic year and advance to the clinical rotation year, the student MUST:

Comply with all policies and procedures published by CUAA and those of the Physician Assistant Program.
Achieve a grade of 79% or higher at the end of each didactic course.
Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher at the end of each term.
Submit timely documentation of immunization and physical exam requirements.
Maintain BLS certification (on your own) throughout the program and obtain or maintain ACLS certification (provided by the PA program) prior to entering clinical rotations. ACLS certification must remain valid through graduation from the program.
Comply with professionalism expectations.

The program will monitor student progress in a timely and ongoing fashion, and will provide remediation options for the student to improve performance. It is the student’s responsibility to make significant efforts at remediation to prove competency. Processes for remediation is outlined in both the Didactic and Clinical Student Handbooks.

Successful Completion of the Clinical Year

Comply with all CUAA and PA Program policies and procedures
Comply with professionalism expectations
Achieve a total grade for each EOR at 79% or higher
Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher at the end of each term
Successfully complete all written, practical and oral summative evaluations with a grade of 73% or higher
Successfully complete the summative evaluation as designated by program requirements

Requirements for Graduation

Successful completion of all components of the program with demonstrated competency (didactic, clinical and Capstone)
Compliance with all CUAA and PA program policies and procedures demonstrated professional behavior throughout the program
Fulfillment of all financial obligations to Concordia University Ann Arbor

Dismissal from the Program

The CUAA’s PA Program reserves the right to dismiss any PA student at any time prior to graduation. Circumstances warranting such action may be of an academic, legal or professional nature.

Additional information is available in the student handbooks on appeal of dismissal and withdrawal from the program.

Deceleration

Deceleration in the didactic program is not allowed for academic or professionalism deficiencies. In the case of a Leave of Absence due to medical illness or pregnancy, deceleration may require that the student repeat the entire didactic year, taking all courses again that they had passed previously, which would require additional tuition. The program will make decisions related to LOA on a case-by-case basis.

PANCE

The Concordia University Ann Arbor MSPAS program will publish first time Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) rates for the five most recent graduating classes as provided by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). We will begin publishing this information once it becomes available.

Please view the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and the NCCPA PANCE Pass Rates.

Goals

The goals of this program are to:

Maintain a PANCE pass rate greater than, or equal to, the national first-time PANCE pass rate.
Develop entry-level PA graduates who demonstrate competency in all aspects of primary care.
Instill the values of lifelong learning, professionalism, and ethical practice in upholding the mission of CUAA.
Achieve a PA employment rate of 75% by 6 months after graduation.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the PA program, students will:

Demonstrate the requisite knowledge necessary in primary medicine to evaluate and manage medical concerns of an acute, emergent, chronic, and preventive nature in patients of any age.
Demonstrate communication skills that are patient-centered in obtaining a thorough and concise medical history from patients of any age, gender, ethnicity and culture in an unbiased, attentive, and respectful manner.
Perform a technically accurate complete physical exam on patients of any age for preventive and/or chronic visits; and/or select the appropriate focused physical exam using appropriate technique for patients presenting with acute or emergent medical problems.
Select appropriate labs & diagnostic testing based on a differential diagnosis, and interpret testing to narrow or identify the diagnosis.
Demonstrate the requisite basic procedural skills required to identify and manage illness and injury in a primary medicine encounter in patients of any age.
Utilize higher‐level cognitive skills and critical thinking to derive a diagnosis or presumptive diagnosis from a broad differential utilizing all aspects of patient evaluation findings.
Organize and present an oral presentation of a clinical patient encounter in a coherent fashion.
Document a clinical note including all component parts appropriate to the presentation for a patient of any age and gender, with a medical or surgical concern in an inpatient or outpatient setting with any chief complaint.
Utilize available medical research to identify appropriate evidence for a particular clinical question or to assist in medical decision making.
Function professionally in medical practice with all members of the healthcare team.