Physician Assistant Studies (M.S.)
Office: 2590 CPHS; 313-577-1368
Program Director: Mary Jo Pilat, PhD, MS, PA-C, CCR
http://www.pa.cphs.wayne.edu/
A physician assistant (PA) is a health care provider who is nationally certified and is found in every medical specialty and setting. PAs manage the full scope of patient care, often handling patients with complex medical problems. PAs conduct physical exams, assist in surgery, diagnose and treat illness, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventative health care, and prescribe medications. The role may also include educational, research, and administrative activities as well as clinical responsibilities. PAs are critical members of the health care team, collaborating with physicians and all team members to improve patient outcomes.
Admission Requirements
Admission to this program is conducted through applications submitted to the Centralized Application Service for PAs (CASPA) and is contingent upon admission to the Graduate School. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. In addition, students must:
- have a minimum cumulative and prerequisite undergraduate grade point average of 3.0;
- complete the general test of the Graduate Record Examination by July 31;
- submit three letters of recommendation, one from a work supervisor and preferably one from a physician assistant;
- submit an essay expressing your motivation to become a PA;
- have a minimum of 500 hours (within last two years) of direct, "hands-on" patient care experience in a health-service environment by September 1 of application deadline;
- non-native English speakers must complete the TOEFL;
- complete the CASPer Test.
Please consult the WSU PAS program for a complete list of admission criteria.
Admission Interview
Admission to the program is competitive. All those admitted to the WSU PAS program have satisfied all requirements listed above and have successfully completed a personal interview. Interviews are offered to the most competitive candidates however not all candidates that meet the minimum requirements are offered an interview.
Program Deadlines
All prerequisite coursework must be completed by September 1 of the year prior to the start of the program. Applicants must complete the CASPer evaluation and submit two separate applications:
- one to the WSU Graduate School and
- one through the CASPA website.
General Information Meetings
General Information Meetings are held at the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the College. Visit the program website for details.
Prerequisite Study
In addition, the following coursework must have been successfully completed with a grade of “B” (3.0) or higher in order to be considered for admission:
Human Anatomy1,2: one course
Human Physiology1, 2: one course
Upper Level Science Course1: one course (must be human based & at 3000 level or above)
Microbiology1: with laboratory, one course
Nutrition: one course, general human/clinical nutrition
Chemistry1: two courses required (one course must be inorganic/general and second course must be organic chemistry or biochemistry)
Developmental psychology: one course
Basic statistics: one course
English composition: two courses
Medical terminology, one course
- 1
Must be completed within the six years prior to the date of application to this degree program:
- 2
Combined Human Anatomy and Physiology Courses will only count for the Human Anatomy prerequisite requirement.
The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies is offered under a Plan C option, requiring successful completion of seventy-five credits in course work over two years or six semesters. All course work must be completed in accordance with the academic procedures of the Graduate School governing graduate scholarship and degrees and the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, respectively, and in accordance with the Physician Assistant Studies Program Student Policy and Information Manual. A grade of ‘C’ in any graduate course is unacceptable.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spring/Summer Semester | Credits | |
| PAS 7000 | Anatomy for Physician Assistants I | 2 |
| PAS 7001 | Anatomy for Physician Assistants II | 1 |
| PAS 7010 | Clinical Medicine I | 3 |
| PAS 7040 | Patient Evaluation I | 2 |
| PAS 7070 | Health Care Issues I | 1 |
| PAS 7500 | Pathophysiology I | 1 |
| Credits | 10 | |
| Fall Semester | ||
| PAS 7020 | Clinical Medicine II | 3 |
| PAS 7050 | Patient Evaluation II | 2 |
| PAS 7080 | Health Care Issues II | 1 |
| PAS 7100 | Pharmacology I | 2 |
| PAS 7510 | Pathophysiology II | 1 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Winter Semester | ||
| PAS 7030 | Clinical Medicine III | 4 |
| PAS 7060 | Patient Evaluation III | 3 |
| PAS 7090 | Health Care Issues III | 1 |
| PAS 7110 | Pharmacology II | 2 |
| PAS 7520 | Pathophysiology III | 1 |
| Credits | 11 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Spring Semester | ||
| PAS 8100 | Clinical Practicum I | 7 |
| Credits | 7 | |
| Summer Semester | ||
| PAS 8200 | Clinical Practicum II | 7 |
| PAS 8250 | Physician Assistant Studies Senior Seminar I | 1 |
| Credits | 8 | |
| Fall Semester | ||
| PAS 8300 | Clinical Practicum III | 14 |
| PAS 8350 | Physician Assistant Studies Senior Seminar II | 1 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Winter Semester | ||
| PAS 8400 | Clinical Practicum IV | 14 |
| PAS 8450 | Physician Assistant Studies Senior Seminar III | 1 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 75 | |
Note: The sequencing of clinical year two rotation is illustrative of a typical student schedule but may vary in individual cases.
PAS 7000 Anatomy for Physician Assistants I Cr. 2
Structural and functional anatomy of the human body relevant to physician assistant responsibilities. All major regions of body will be studied. Regional dissections; programmed instruction; lectures and demonstrations with emphasis on use of gross anatomy in physical diagnosis. Offered Yearly.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Physician Assistant Studies; enrollment is limited to Graduate level students; enrollment limited to students in the Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Course Material Fees: $376
PAS 7001 Anatomy for Physician Assistants II Cr. 1
Continuation of PAS 7000. Structural and functional anatomy of the human body relevant to physician assistant responsibilities. All major regions of body will be studied. Offered Yearly.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Physician Assistant Studies; enrollment is limited to Graduate level students; enrollment limited to students in the Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
PAS 7010 Clinical Medicine I Cr. 3
Introduction to etiology, manifestation, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease; includes: all major organ systems and disease entities. Offered Yearly.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Physician Assistant Studies; enrollment is limited to Graduate level students; enrollment limited to students in the Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Course Material Fees: $67
PAS 7020 Clinical Medicine II Cr. 3
Continuation of PAS 7010. Offered Yearly.
Prerequisite: PAS 7010 with a minimum grade of C
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Physician Assistant Studies; enrollment is limited to Graduate level students; enrollment limited to students in the Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Course Material Fees: $67
PAS 7030 Clinical Medicine III Cr. 4
Continuation of PAS 7020. Offered Yearly.
Prerequisite: PAS 7020 with a minimum grade of C
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Physician Assistant Studies; enrollment is limited to Graduate level students; enrollment limited to students in the Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Course Material Fees: $67
PAS 7040 Patient Evaluation I Cr. 2
The elicitation and recording of complete medical history, including a complete and comprehensive physical examination. Offered Yearly.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Physician Assistant Studies; enrollment is limited to Graduate level students; enrollment limited to students in the Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Course Material Fees: $351
PAS 7050 Patient Evaluation II Cr. 2
Continuation of PAS 7040. Offered Yearly.
Prerequisite: PAS 7040 with a minimum grade of C
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Physician Assistant Studies; enrollment is limited to Graduate level students; enrollment limited to students in the Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Course Material Fees: $327
PAS 7060 Patient Evaluation III Cr. 3
Continuation of PAS 7050. Offered Yearly.
Prerequisite: PAS 7050 with a minimum grade of C
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Physician Assistant Studies; enrollment is limited to Graduate level students; enrollment limited to students in the Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Course Material Fees: $695
PAS 7070 Health Care Issues I Cr. 1
Specialized topics in the care of patients, medical research, as well as issues concerning the delivery of health care to the public. Offered Yearly.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Physician Assistant Studies; enrollment is limited to Graduate level students; enrollment limited to students in the Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Course Material Fees: $25
PAS 7080 Health Care Issues II Cr. 1
Continuation of PAS 7070. Offered Yearly.
Prerequisite: PAS 7070 with a minimum grade of C
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Physician Assistant Studies; enrollment is limited to Graduate level students; enrollment limited to students in the Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Course Material Fees: $25
PAS 7090 Health Care Issues III Cr. 1
Continuation of PAS 7080. Offered Yearly.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Physician Assistant Studies; enrollment is limited to Graduate level students; enrollment limited to students in the Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Course Material Fees: $25
PAS 7100 Pharmacology I Cr. 2
Principles of pharmacologic action followed by review of major therapeutic agents in each clinical area. Major systems of the body as related to drugs and diseases. Offered Yearly.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students; enrollment limited to students in the Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Course Material Fees: $52
PAS 7110 Pharmacology II Cr. 2
Continuation of PAS 7100, Offered Yearly.
Prerequisite: PAS 7100 with a minimum grade of C
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students; enrollment limited to students in the Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Course Material Fees: $37
PAS 7115 Special Topics: Interprofessional Education Cr. 2
This interprofessional course is for health professional student learners in the areas of advanced practice. The course allows health professional students to learn about, from and with each other, how each discipline contributes to the healthcare team, the importance of effective communication, the role of team collaboration and preparing health care professionals for collaborative practice with a focus on clinical decision making in interdisciplinary teams. Offered Intermittently.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Medical or Professional level students.
PAS 7500 Pathophysiology I Cr. 1
Dynamics of alterations in function in response to disease. Offered Yearly.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Physician Assistant Studies; enrollment is limited to Graduate level students; enrollment limited to students in the Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
PAS 7510 Pathophysiology II Cr. 1
Continuation of PAS 7500. Offered Yearly.
Prerequisite: PAS 7500 with a minimum grade of C
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Physician Assistant Studies; enrollment is limited to Graduate level students; enrollment limited to students in the Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
PAS 7520 Pathophysiology III Cr. 1
Continuation of PAS 7510. Offered Winter.
Prerequisite: PAS 7510 with a minimum grade of C
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Physician Assistant Studies; enrollment is limited to Graduate level students; enrollment limited to students in the Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
PAS 7900 Physician Assistant Studies Directed Study Remediation Cr. 1-8
This course serves to help students remediate for deficient academic or clinical competencies in the Physician Assistant Studies Program. It is student-driven with guidance and definitive expectations determined by the instructor. Offered Every Term.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Repeatable for 24 Credits
PAS 8000 Internal Medicine Rotation: Practicum Cr. 4
Advanced training in internal medicine with particular emphasis on both inpatient and outpatient primary care. Offered Yearly.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students; enrollment limited to students in the Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Course Material Fees: $471
PAS 8050 Surgery Rotation: Practicum Cr. 4
Examination of patients with surgical disorders, arrangement and participation in selected surgical procedures and recommendations for further evaluation and care. Offered Yearly.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students; enrollment limited to students in the Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Course Material Fees: $161
PAS 8100 Clinical Practicum I Cr. 7
Students will rotate through one or two of the nine possible clinical modules (internal medicine, family practice, pediatrics, women's health, surgery, behavioral medicine, emergency medicine, elective I or elective 2). These modules will be composed of didactic course work along with preceptor-guided hands-on learning experiences in the clinical setting. Students will be educated on the evaluation, diagnosis, management and treatment of acute and chronic medical problems encountered in the inpatient and/or outpatient clinical setting. Offered Spring/Summer.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Course Material Fees: $446
Repeatable for 14 Credits
PAS 8200 Clinical Practicum II Cr. 7
In this continuation of PAS 8100, the student will continue to rotate through one or two of the nine possible clinical modules (internal medicine, family practice, pediatrics, women's health, surgery, behavioral medicine, emergency medicine, elective I and elective 2). These modules will be composed of didactic course work along with preceptor-guided hands-on learning experiences in the clinical setting. Students will be educated on the evaluation, diagnosis, management and treatment of acute and chronic medical problems encountered in the inpatient and/or outpatient clinical setting. Offered Spring/Summer.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Course Material Fees: $220
Repeatable for 14 Credits
PAS 8250 Physician Assistant Studies Senior Seminar I Cr. 1
The primary goal of the clinical year senior seminar is to provide the physician assistant student with resources and experiences in addition to clinical rotations. The additional work will help strengthen and augment the knowledge, skills, and behaviors students have acquired during the didactic and clinical phases of their education. The activities will serve as stepping stones towards the successful management of patients in a competent, comprehensive, and compassionate manner across varied disciplines, patient populations, and clinical settings. Offered Spring/Summer.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
PAS 8300 Clinical Practicum III Cr. 14
Clinical Practicum III is a continuation of the required clinical modules during the student's clinical year. During this clinical practicum, students will experience 2 to 4 of the nine required modules (internal medicine, family practice, pediatrics, women's health, surgery, behavioral medicine, emergency medicine, elective I or elective 2). These modules will be composed of didactic course work along with preceptor-guided hands-onlearning experiences in the clinical setting. Students will be educated on the evaluation, diagnosis, management and treatment of acute and chronic medical problems encountered in the inpatient and/or outpatient clinical setting. Offered Fall.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Course Material Fees: $547
PAS 8350 Physician Assistant Studies Senior Seminar II Cr. 1
The primary goal of the clinical year senior seminar is to provide the physician assistant student with resources and experiences in addition to clinical rotations. The additional work will help strengthen and augment the knowledge, skills, and behaviors students have acquired during the didactic and clinical phases of their education. The activities will serve as stepping stones towards the successful management of patients in a competent, comprehensive, and compassionate manner across varied disciplines, patient populations, and clinical settings. Offered Fall.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
PAS 8400 Clinical Practicum IV Cr. 14
Clinical Practicum IV is a continuation of the required clinical modules during the student's clinical year. During this clinical practicum, students will experience 2 to 3 of the nine required modules (internal medicine, family practice, pediatrics, women's health, surgery, behavioral medicine, emergency medicine, elective I or elective 2) plus a 4 week preceptorship. These modules will be composed of didactic course work along with preceptor-guided hands-on learning experiences in the clinical setting. Students will be educated on the evaluation, diagnosis, management and treatment of acute and chronic medical problems encountered in the inpatient and/or outpatient clinical setting. Offered Winter.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Course Material Fees: $585
PAS 8450 Physician Assistant Studies Senior Seminar III Cr. 1
The primary goal of the clinical year senior seminar is to provide the physician assistant student with resources and experiences in addition to clinical rotations. The additional work will help strengthen and augment the knowledge, skills, and behaviors students have acquired during the didactic and clinical phases of their education. The activities will serve as stepping stones towards the successful management of patients in a competent, comprehensive, and compassionate manner across varied disciplines, patient populations, and clinical settings. Offered Winter.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
DOTY, COURTNEY: M.S., Central Michigan University; Assistant Professor (Clinical)
GRATSON, CORINNE: M.S., Wayne State University; Assistant Professor (Clinical)
HOWELL, DOUGLAS B.: B.S., Johns Hopkins University; Lecturer
LOLAR, SARA: M.S., Wayne State University; Assistant Professor (Clinical)
MCQUEEN, JAMIE: M.S., B.S., Wayne State University; Clinical Assistant Professor
NANDWANA, BINDIYA: M.S., Wayne State University; Assistant Professor (Clinical)
PILAT, MARY J. P.: Ph.D., M.S., B.A., Wayne State University; Clinical Assistant Professor