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

Physician Assistant Studies Department


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Program Chairperson: Wade Nilson, Ed.D., MPAS, PA-C

Physician Assistant Studies Program
Julian Hall, Room 120
Phone: 605-658-5926
Fax: 605-677-6569

pa@usd.edu  
www.usd.edu/pa  

FACULTY

Professor Emeritus:

H. Bruce Vogt, Medical Director, M.D., University of Nebraska Medical Center

Professors: 

Tracy Cleveland, Ed.D., MS, PA-C, University of Missouri- Columbia
William Schweinle III, Ph.D., University of Texas 

Associate Professors:

Betty Hulse, MSPAS, PA-C, University of South Dakota
Julie Johnson, M.D., Wayne State University School of Medicine
Wade Nilson, Program Chairperson, Ed.D., MPAS, PA-C, Bethel University

Assistant Professors: 

Amber Evenson, MSPAS, PA-C, University of South Dakota
Katie Kassin, MSPAS, PA-C, University of South Dakota
Nancy Trimble, DMS, MPAS, PA-C, Lincoln Memorial University 

 

DEGREE

Master of Science  

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 surrounding 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
  • 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 ethical behavior
  • Honesty and integrity
  • Compassion
  • Service to those in need
  • Advocacy for an interprofessional approach to healthcare and collaborative practice
  • 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. The University of South Dakota Physician Assistant Studies Program is a 24-month program, half as a Preclinical Phase in Vermillion and a half as a Clinical Phase at practice sites around South Dakota. At the conclusion of the 24 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 Accreditation-Continued.

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.

Complete, verified applications must be received by the PA program by Oct. 15 to be considered for an interview. We highly recommend submission of all materials to CASPA four to six weeks prior to the September 1 deadline.

For Graduates of Foreign Institutions and Non-U.S. Citizen Applicants, please visit the PA program website.

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 website for more detailed information):

  1. Complete a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
  2. Applicants must be a US citizen or Permanent Resident.
  3. International applicants with a degree outside of the U.S. must have the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree as verified by World Education Services, and a minimum of 40 semester hours from a regionally accredited U.S. higher education institution.
  4. Obtain a cumulative and prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale. (please see selection criteria at www.usd.edu/pa).
  5. In order to complete your Graduate School application to the University of South Dakota, you must submit a $35 application fee, in addition to the CASPA fee. The USD Graduate Application Fee cannot be waived or deferred and it is nonrefundable. The fee can be paid on the USD Deposits and Fees website (Due September 1st).
  6. Successfully complete a criminal background check upon acceptance.
  7. Complete the following prerequisites with a grade of C or better:
  • 2 Semesters of Biology 8 credit hours
  • 2 Semesters of Chemistry with Lab 8 credit hours 
  • 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
  • Statistics 2 credit hours e.g., Biostatistics, General Statistics, Psychology Statistics

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

**USD graduates - please note USD’s MICR 230/232 (Basic Microbiology) are not accepted for this requirement. Only MICR 420/421 are accepted from USD; MICR 320/321 will be accepted from previous catalogs.

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

A minimum of 500 patient care experience hours prior to submission of the CASPA application is required.

Although not required it is highly recommended that courses be taken within the last 10 years. 

Application Deadline

  • September 1 - fall start

Programs

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