Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Pre-Physician Assistant Studies


A PA is a medical professional who is nationally certified and state-licensed to practice medicine. By design, physicians and PAs work together as a team. The pre-Physician Assistant program is designed to prepare students for admission to the USD Master’s degree program in Physician Assistant Studies. A Bachelor’s degree is required for admission. Applications for the USD Physician Assistant Studies program are due by September 1 each year and are submitted through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).

Students are selected for admission based on the evaluation of their academic potential; potential for primary care practice; motivation, maturity, and ability to work with others; health care or other work experience; letters of recommendation; and personal interviews.

Additional information regarding the USD Physician Assistant Studies program is available by contacting: Department of Physician Assistant Studies, 658-5926 (www.usd.edu/health-sciences/physician-assistant/); Academic & Career Planning Center, 677-5381; Health Professions Advisors, 605-658-6326 or 658-6334 or by visiting the following web site: http://www.usd.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions.

John Dudley
College of Arts & Sciences/Associate Dean for Academics
Arts & Sciences 110
605.677.5221
John.Dudley@usd.edu

RECOMMENDED CURRICULUM


The USD Physician Assistant Studies program requires that the pre-PA student fulfill the following academic areas. Examples of USD courses fulfilling the prerequisite areas are noted:

The following academic courses are encouraged though not required: