Physician Assistant Studies

Wade Nilson, MPAS, PA-C, Chairman
Physician Assistant Studies Program
Julian Hall, Room 120
Phone: 605-677-5128
Fax: 605-677-6569
E-mail: pa@usd.edu
Website: www.usd.edu/pa

Departmental Faculty

Professor:

H. Bruce Vogt, Medical Director, MD, University of Nebraska Medical Center

Associate Professor:

Wade Nilson, Program Chairman, MPAS, PA-C, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Louise Papka, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, University of Nebraska Medical Center

Assistant Professor:

Melissa Alexander, MSPAS, PA-C, University of South Dakota
Betty Hulse, MSPAS, PA-C, University of South Dakota
William Schweinle III, Ph.D., University of Texas

Degree:

Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS)

Program Description

The mission of the Physician Assistant Studies Program at the University of South Dakota is to provide a comprehensive primary care education that prepares graduates to deliver high quality healthcare to meet the needs of patients in South Dakota and the region.

To accomplish this mission, the USD PA Program:

Promotes and supports the ideal of a competent, caring, and compassionate physician assistant
Promotes and supports excellence and professionalism
Fosters an evidence-based approach to patient care
Expects students to be accountable for individual learning
Expects faculty and students to be partners in the educational process within an environment of mutual respect
Empowers students to be lifelong learners
Selects individuals likely to practice in South Dakota and the surrounding region
Fosters interest in primary care to rural and underserved populations
Selects individuals who have the interpersonal aptitudes and maturity that are necessary for successful practice as a physician assistant

Physician Assistants and students should demonstrate the following core beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors at all times:

Professional and personal ethical behavior
Honesty and integrity
Compassion
Service to those in need
Advocacy for a team approach to healthcare
Commitment to lifelong learning
Sensitivity to cultural and individual differences
Promotion of the physician assistant profession and its ideals

Physician Assistants (PAs) are health care providers who practice medicine with physician supervision. The University of South Dakota Physician Assistant Studies Program is a 28-month program, half as a Preclinical Phase in Vermillion and a half as a Clinical Phase at practice sites around South Dakota and the region. At the conclusion of the 28 months and successful completion of course work, students are awarded a Master’s Degree. The USD PA Studies Program received national accreditation in April 1995 and has been awarded continued accreditation.

Admission Requirements

Students in the program are selected through a competitive application process. One class of students is selected each year. The USD PA Program participates in the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). This service collates application materials and grades and transmits the information to all PA Programs designated by the applicant. The service takes no part in the evaluation or selection of applicants. Applicants can utilize this service by contacting them at their web site, www.caspaonline.org.

The application deadline for CASPA is October 1. Because the application process through CASPA takes 6–8 weeks, it is important that applicants submit their application early and check the status of their application frequently. Complete, verified applications must be received by the program no later than November 15th to be considered for interview.

The USD PA Program requires that all foreign transcripts be formally evaluated by World Education Services (WES) and must include verification of lab components where required. For more information about this requirement, please contact the USD PA Program.

In addition to completion of the CASPA application, the program requires all applicants to (please note, these are the minimum requirements for admission – see our Admissions Guide for more detailed information):

Complete a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
Obtain a GPA of 2.7 or better on a 4.0 scale.
Complete the graduate school application and send in along with the $35. Any additional application materials deemed necessary by the program will be emailed to the applicant upon receipt of their CASPA application. Due dates for these materials will be included in the email.
Complete the following prerequisites with a grade of C or better:

2 Semesters Biology with lab 8 credit hours

General Chemistry I   4 credit hours (lab required)

General Chemistry II or Organic Chemistry   4 credit hours (lab required)

2 Semesters of Anatomy and Physiology with Lab 8 credit hours*

Microbiology  4 credit hours (lab required)

Biochemistry 3 credit hours

General Psychology 3 credit hours

Abnormal Psychology 3 credit hours

*If Anatomy and Physiology are taken separately, a minimum of one lab is required if not offered with both courses.

Note: Combined Organic/Biochemistry courses are not recommended, but if taken must be 300 level (Junior) or above.

Although not required it is highly recommended that courses be taken within the last 10 years. While prior health care experience is not required for entry, it is expected and an attribute of most successful applicants. Additional requirements exist for international students.