Here at Springfield College, I am a Physician Assistant major. This major is very challenging and requires a lot of effort put forth by each student. There are many requirements before entering the Professional Phase of the program. I hope this site helps with know what a Physician Assistant is, what they do, and what it takes to get through the program here at Springfield College. To read more about the PA Program at Springfield College, click on the picture to the left to go to the Springfield College PA program homepage.
A Physician Assistant is a healthcare professional who practices under the supervision of a Doctor. Each state has laws, restricting the practices of PA's, but most states allow PA's to write prescriptions, as well as do many things that Physicians do, without the Physician right there with them. Physician Assistant's are also allowed to assist in surgeries. A PA can be in any speciality of medicine, there is no limit to the specialities they are allowed to work in.
The Physician Assistant program at Springfield College takes 5 years to complete. The final 2 years are a straight 24 months, learning everything to become a Physician Assistant, and then doing Clinical Rotations, practicing everything you have learned. After 4 years, students graduate with a Bachelor's Degree, and then after the 5th year, students will graduate again with a Master's of Science.
To start the Professional phase of the PA program, a student must have a C or better in all classes. Students must also have a 3.0 Science average, as well as a 3.0 cumulative average. Also, a student must have 240 hours of healthcare experience, 20-40 hours of PA observation, and strong personal qualities evident through refrences.
Students can do their Clinicals anywhere in the United States. The only requirement is that the student have a decent place to live (aka not out of their car or in a hotel). Other than that, students can opt to do clinicals at Baystate Medical Center, which Springfield is affiliated with, or do them at a site of their choice!