Discover World-Class Education and Training with Oregon Health & Science University PA Program
Oregon Health & Science University PA Program: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you looking for a rewarding career in healthcare? If so, you may be interested in learning more about Physician Assistant (PA) programs. One program that stands out is the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) PA Program. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about OHSU’s PA Program – from its curriculum to admission requirements.
What is a PA?
A Physician Assistant (PA) is a highly trained medical professional who works under the supervision of a licensed physician. PAs can diagnose and treat illnesses, order diagnostic tests and interpret results, prescribe medication, and provide preventive care.
Why Choose OHSU’s PA Program?
OHSU’s PA Program offers many benefits to students. Firstly, the program has a long history of producing high-quality PA graduates. In fact, OHSU’s PA Program was the first accredited PA program in the state of Oregon. Additionally, the program has strong ties to the OHSU healthcare system, which means that students have access to a wide range of clinical experiences.
Curriculum Overview
The OHSU PA Program is a 27-month, full-time program that consists of both didactic and clinical components. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in healthcare, with a focus on primary care. Here are some of the courses you can expect to take:
- Medical Terminology
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology
- Patient Assessment
- Clinical Procedures
- Behavioral Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
- Surgery
- Pediatrics
- Women’s Health
- Geriatrics
- Professional Issues in Healthcare
Admission Requirements
Admission to the OHSU PA Program is highly competitive. Here are the basic requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Completion of prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, and anatomy/physiology
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- A minimum GRE score of 300 combined (verbal and quantitative)
- At least 1,000 hours of clinical experience
- Letters of recommendation
- A personal statement
Application Process
The application process for OHSU’s PA Program involves several steps:
- Submit an online application through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA)
- Pay the application fee (currently $50)
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Submit official GRE scores
- Submit letters of recommendation
- Submit a personal statement
Tuition and Financial Aid
The tuition for OHSU’s PA Program is currently $50,000 per year. However, this does not include other expenses such as housing, books, and supplies. The good news is that there are many financial aid options available, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. OHSU’s Office of Financial Aid can help you determine which options are best for you.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of OHSU’s PA Program are well-prepared for a variety of healthcare careers. Many graduates choose to work in primary care settings such as clinics, hospitals, and private practices. However, there are also opportunities in specialties such as emergency medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and women’s health. Additionally, some graduates go on to pursue advanced degrees in healthcare or related fields.
The Benefits of Studying at OHSU
In addition to its highly regarded PA Program, OHSU offers many benefits to students. Firstly, OHSU is a world-class research institution with a strong commitment to innovation and discovery. This means that students have access to cutting-edge technology and resources. Additionally, OHSU is located in Portland, Oregon – one of the most vibrant and livable cities in the United States.
Conclusion
The Oregon Health & Science University PA Program is an excellent choice for students who are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. With a highly regarded curriculum, competitive admission requirements, and a wide range of career opportunities, OHSU’s PA Program has a lot to offer. If you’re ready to take the next step in your healthcare career, consider applying to OHSU’s PA Program today.
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Oregon Health & Science University’s Physician Assistant Program: A Reliable Pathway to a Rewarding Career
With quality healthcare being an essential component of human life, the demand for healthcare practitioners continues to increase. Physician assistants are one of the vital professionals who play a crucial role in providing patients with quality healthcare services, making the Physician Assistant program at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) invaluable.
The Pros of OHSU’s Physician Assistant Program
OHSU’s Physician Assistant Program is built on excellence in education and training, preparing graduates to provide patient-centered care in a variety of medical specialties. The program offers some of the best resources that PA students can access, including advanced simulation centers, a comprehensive OSCE, and extensive use of technology through its virtual platform.
The program adopts a systems-based approach to learning, which focuses on helping students develop critical thinking skills, apply scientific reasoning, and work collaboratively in their future practice. Additionally, OHSU offers extensive clinical rotations in various fields, providing students with ample opportunities to gain practical experience and develop skills that medical practitioners require.
One striking advantage of attending OHSU is the well-established reputation that accompanies the institution. Being part of OHSU means that students are attending a university that is recognized nationally and internationally for outstanding healthcare practices, research, and education. Notably, OHSU was ranked as the best performing medical faculty in Oregon by the U.S. News & World Report, an acknowledgment of the school’s success on a global scale.
Cons to Consider
Attending OHSU’s Physician Assistant Program requires hard work and dedication, as the journey to becoming a physician assistant is not easy. Students must meet program prerequisites, pass the graduate record exam (GRE), and acquire the necessary experience in healthcare settings. Also, tuition at OHSU is relatively high, which may be a barrier for some students who are aspiring to become PAs. Nonetheless, the institution offers scholarships and grants to students who meet the criteria, which can help lower the financial burden on students.
Benefits for Students
Attending OHSU’s Physician Assistant Program comes with numerous benefits for students. Graduates of the program benefit from OHSU’s established network of healthcare institutions, which have close ties with the university. This affiliation provides practical learning opportunities through clinical rotations, which help to develop critical skills and experiences that align with PA practice.
Additionally, graduates of OHSU’s PA program are eligible to sit for their National Certification Exam, making them nationally recognized and sought-after professionals. After graduation, PA students can grow their careers and explore different employment opportunities in various locations, including other countries. In summary, attending the PA program at OHSU presents students with a reliable pathway towards a fulfilling and rewarding career in healthcare.
Conclusion
If you are passionate about joining the healthcare profession as a physician assistant, the program at Oregon Health & Science University has numerous benefits and resources that you can utilize. Graduating from OHSU’s PA program provides students with outstanding career opportunities and experiences, making it an invaluable investment for a promising future in healthcare.
Oregon Health & Science University PA Program – FAQs
What is the mission of the Oregon Health & Science University PA Program?
The mission of the OHSU Physician Assistant Program is to educate individuals to become Physician Assistants who will demonstrate excellence in the delivery of health care and advancement of the profession through lifelong learning, service, and scholarship.
What are the admissions requirements for the OHSU PA Program?
To be considered for admission, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and prerequisite courses in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, psychology, and statistics. Additionally, they must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in prerequisite courses.
Is there a minimum GRE score required for admission?
While there is no minimum GRE score required for admission, a competitive score is often considered to be at or above the 50th percentile in each section. However, the admissions committee reviews applications holistically and weights multiple factors including academic performance, healthcare experience, personal statement, and letters of recommendation when making admission decisions.
Is healthcare experience required for admission?
While healthcare experience is not strictly required for admission, it is highly recommended. Applicants with prior healthcare experience are often better equipped to handle the challenges of the rigorous PA curriculum and may be more competitive in the admissions process. The OHSU PA Program considers a wide range of healthcare experiences including direct patient care, research, public health, and other related fields.
What is the curriculum like in the OHSU PA Program?
The OHSU PA Program curriculum is a rigorous, 26-month, full-time program that blends classroom instruction with clinical experiences. The first year focuses on foundational medical knowledge and skills, while the second year focuses on clinical problem-solving and advanced coursework. Students also complete several clinical rotations in a variety of settings such as primary care, surgery, emergency medicine, pediatrics, and internal medicine.
What kind of accreditation does the OHSU PA Program have?
The OHSU PA Program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). This is the only accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) for accrediting PA programs.
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