2016-2017

Physician Assistant Studies, Master of Physician Assistant Studies

Department of Physician Assistant Studies

College of Health and Human Services

The NAU Physician Assistant (PA) program is the only PA program offered at a public university in Arizona. Parts of the 24-month curriculum are delivered in collaboration with the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix.  The program is provisionally accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education of Physician Assistants (ARC-PA). Successful graduates will receive a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) from NAU and will be qualified to take the Physician Assistant National Certification Exam (PANCE) that is required for licensure as a PA.
  
The NAU PA program offers high-quality clinical experiences, interdisciplinary medical education, value and affordability. The program will equip students with clinical and professional knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide high-quality, compassionate medical care for the people of Arizona. The mission of the program addresses the need to reduce Arizona’s health care workforce shortages.

The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation - Provisional status to the Northern Arizona University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Northern Arizona University.

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 appear 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 the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.

Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class.

This program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

  • To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.

    You must additionally complete:

    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
    • All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
    • All work toward the master's degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.

    Read the full policy here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Didactic courses (54 units)
  • Supervised clinical experience (47 units)
  • Capstone: summative exam and independent project (2 units)

Minimum Units for Completion 103
Additional Admission Requirements

Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

Fieldwork Experience/Internship Required
Additional Fees/Program Fees Required
Progression Plan Link View Program of Study
Student Learning Outcomes

The summarized outcomes are as follows.
 
The student will:

  • Obtain and record a complete and accurate medical history from any patient in any setting.
  • Perform a complete or problem-focused physical examination on any patient in any setting.
  • Interpret and synthesize the information derived from the history, physical examination and other patient related data to guide the formulation of a thorough differential diagnosis
  • Order, perform and interpret appropriate diagnostic procedures and laboratory tests based upon the findings from the medical history and physical examination.
  • Identify, discuss, perform, and order appropriate therapy and treatment modalities for the management of commonly occurring primary care entities.
  • Recognize life threatening conditions.
  • Clearly and effectively communicate with patients, their families, and other medical personnel in a professional manner
  • Demonstrate the impact that health problems have on the individual and family members and will develop an attitude of professional concern for each patient.
  • Utilize critical thinking skills through the use of evidence-based medicine.
  • Articulate the unique role of the physician assistant in the medical team.
  • Possess a working knowledge of the American health care delivery system.
  • Exhibit ethical behavior and professional conduct.
See the full list of Student Learning Outcomes

 

Additional Admission Requirements
  • Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

    • NAU Graduate Online application required (www.nau.edu/graduateapply) for all programs. Details on admission requirements are included in the online application.
    • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution
    • Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A"), or the equivalent. 
    • Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.
    • Transcripts
    • For details on graduate admission policies, please visit http://nau.edu/GradCol/Admissions/Graduate-Admissions-Policy/ .

    Individual program admission requirements include:

    • GRE® revised General Test
    • Completed CASPA application
    • Three letters of recommendation
    • Prerequisites (completed prior to enrolling in the program)
      • Required coursework:
        • anatomy and physiology (one of each or two course of combined A&P)
        • 2 courses in chemistry, one course in microbiology
        • one statistics course (any discipline)
        • one lab course (NOT online)
        • 4 upper division science courses; at least 40 units of science courses
      • Nine units of science courses must be completed in the last 5 years
    • Personal statement or essay
    • 500 hours of direct patient care, paid or volunteer
Master's Requirements
  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.

  • PROGRAM FEE INFORMATION
  • Program fees are established by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). A program fee of $14,000 per year has been approved for this program. It remains $11,000 for second year students.