Pre-Physician Assistant Studies

A physician assistant (PA) is a health care provider who is trained to provide routine diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventative health care under the supervision of a physician. 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, 677-5128 (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.