Application Process Physician assistant education began at Alderson-Broaddus College in the fall of 1968, under the leadership of the late Hu C. Myers, M.D. Alderson-Broaddus College was one of the very early education programs for physician assistants. The vision for a broad-based liberal arts curriculum and strong medical science studies led to the development of the nation's first baccalaureate program for the training of physician assistants. Since the first class entered in 1968, more than 1,300 graduates have completed the program. The program is a member of the Association of Physician Assistant Programs (APAP). This national organization gives physician assistant programs the opportunity to share ideas, research, and leadership in the operation of physician assistant programs. Faculty and graduates of the Alderson-Broaddus College Physician Assistant Program are eligible for membership in the American Academy of Physician Assistants. This professional organization was formed in 1968 to represent physician assistants and is, in part, responsible for the direction and development of the profession. Accreditation The Physician Assistant Program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for Physician Assistants, Inc. (ARC-PA). Students who graduate from a program which has been designated as accredited may sit for the national certifying examination (PANCE). Mission of the Program In order to assist in meeting the health care needs of the people of West Virginia and the nation, the mission of Alderson-Broaddus Physician Assistant Program is to educate health care providers to practice medicine in association with a physician supervisor. Year 1 The program's first year concentrates on basic medical science and clinical skills. Courses include anatomy, pathophysiology, pharmacology, clinical skills, and physical examination. Year 2 The medical science sequence continues with didactic instruction, medical skills laboratory and clinical assignments. Special emphasis is placed on history taking and physical examination routines, and the development of appropriate clinical competency. By the end of the second year, students accumulate approximately 300 hours of introductory clinical experience. Year 3 Beginning in May (summer session), senior students enter the year-long clinical phase of the program. Students are exposed to the broad spectrum of medical practice including rural or underserved primary care, women's health, orthopedics, pediatrics, emergency medicine, psychiatry, general surgery, inpatient and ambulatory medicine. The clinical phase provides students with the opportunity to interact as a health care professional, and use newly acquired skills and medical understanding related to the role of the physician assistant. Students will be awarded a Master's of Physician Assistant Studies upon successful completion of the program. Eligibility In order to be considered for admission into the Physician Assistant Program, students must: - Complete application process.
- Complete at least 60 semester hours of college coursework.
- Satisfy liberal studies requirements for a degree from A-B prior to enrolling in the PA Program or have completed a bachelor's degree.
- Complete the specified minimum number of semester hours in the following courses:
A. General Chemistry with Labs (8 semester hours)
B. Organic Chemistry with Lab (4 semester hours)
C. Biochemistry with Lab (4 semester hours)
D. General Biology with Lab (4 semester hours)
E. Human Anatomy with Lab (4 semester hours)
and
F. Human Physiology with Lab (4 semester hours) OR Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II with Labs (8 semester hours)
G. Microbiology with Lab (4 semester hours)
H. Math (College Algebra or above) (3 semester hours)
I. Statistics (3 semester hours)
J. Developmental Psychology (3 semester hours)
- Have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 and a 2.5 GPA in the sciences (A-F above).
- Be of professional, moral and ethical character.
- Meet the Technical Standards of the Program.
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