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

Degree:

Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS)

Graduate Faculty

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

Assistant Professor:
Betty Hulse, Assistant Professor, MSPAS, PA-C, University of South Dakota
Wade Nilson, Program Chairman/Assistant Professor, MPAS, PA-C, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Louise Papka, Assistant Professor, MPAS, PA-C, University of Nebraska Medical Center
William Schweinle III, Assistant Professor, PH.D., University of Texas
Stephanie Walker, Assistant Professor, MSPAS, PA-C, University of South Dakota

Program Description

The mission of the Physician Assistant Studies Program at The University of South Dakota is to provide a high quality education to prepare and equip students to become physician assistants who are committed to delivering high quality patient care to meet the needs of South Dakota and the region.

To accomplish this mission the program:

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

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 until 2012.

Admission Requirements

Students in the program are selected through a competitive application process. Annual enrollment is limited to 20 students-10 resident and 10 non-resident students. 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 applicant submit their application early and check the status of their application on a monthly basis.

The USD PA Program requires that all foreign transcripts be formally evaluated by Educational Credentialing Evaluators Inc. (ECE). 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:

Complete of 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 submit with $35.00 fee by October 1st.
Complete the USD PA Program Supplemental Application and submit it directly to the USD PA Program by October 1. The Supplemental application is available on the program web site, www.usd.edu/pa.
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)

Human Anatomy* 3 credit hours **

Human Physiology* 3 credit hours**

Microbiology  4 credit hours (lab required)

Biochemistry 3 credit hours

General Psychology 3 credit hours

Abnormal Psychology 3 credit hours

*If a combined course is taken, student must take 6 credit hours and it must be a 1-year, sequential course.

**Student must take at least one lab with either Anatomy or Physiology if lab is not offered in both courses.

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 strongly encouraged and an attribute of most successful applicants. Additional requirements exist for international students.