Physician Assistant Studies

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The purpose of the Program is to create and maintain an educational environment that promotes critical thinking as well as clinical knowledge and skills necessary to exercise sound medical decision-making and to provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services to patients across the lifespan, in diverse settings. The program also strives to develop compassionate, professional and ethically-minded clinicians.

While PA practice is primarily centered on patient care, PAs will also be prepared to take on educational, research and administrative roles as well. As such, PA students must have an understanding of biostatistics, research methodology and other research principals.

School
School of Health Professions
Career
Physician Assistant (PA)
Program Contacts
  • Point of Contact: PA Program
  • Phone: (225) 490-1650
  • Email: pa@franu.edu

Quick Facts

  • 28 months of continuous full-time study
  • 4 didactic (classroom) semesters and 3 clinical semesters (2000 hours)
  • Application cycle opens annually on April 27
  • Application deadline August 1
  • Interviews will be conducted from June - October
  • January start

What is a Physician Assistant?

A Physician Assistant (PA) is a nationally certified and state licensed medical professional. PAs practice medicine on healthcare teams with physicians and other providers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and the uniformed services.

The United States is currently facing a shortage of health care professionals, and PAs are needed to fill the void. From 2014 to 2024, it is projected that the PA field will grow at a rate of 30 percent, which translates into 28,700 new jobs PAs. Currently this PA profession is ranked as the #3 in the best 100 jobs in the nation per US News and World Report.

PA Program Mission

Guided by the tradition of compassionate health care exemplified by the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady, the Physician Assistant Program will develop graduates who will provide evidence based, patient centered medical care in diverse settings, and who are committed to serving all God’s people.

Enrollment

Applicants to the PA program must complete an application specific to the program through CASPA. Applications must be in verification status by August 1 for a January start. Enrollment is limited to 30 students and admission is via a competitive selection process.

Length of Program

The program is a 28-month continuous program. The program consists of 108 credit hours (68 of those hours are in the didactic phase and 40 of those hours are in the clinical phase). Due to the intensity of the program, it is recommended that students do not work while enrolled in this program.

Application Information

Applications for the PA program must be submitted through Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). Applications must be received and in verified status by CASPA by the published August 1 deadline. To submit an application please visit www.caspaonline.org.

Transfer of College Credits

All credits for the Master of Medical Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies must be earned at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University. The PA program will not accept credit hours earned from other PA programs, graduate programs or medical schools.

Tuition

*Total Costs for the Physician Assistant Program

SemesterCredit HoursTuition/FeesCourse FeesTotal
116$13,168.48$60.00$13,228.48
217$13,963.51$140.00$14,103.51
316$13,168.48$260.00$13,418.48
414$10,903.30
$10,903.30
512$9,988.36247.50$10,235.86
616$13,168.48
$13,168.48
717$13,963.51$144.00$14,107.51
Totals108$88,324.12$841.50
$89,165.62

*Tuition costs do not include textbooks or any additional costs associated with this program.

Additional Program Costs

Document Title Type File Size
Document Title: PA Program Student Supply List Type: pdf File Size: 290.596 KB Download

Financial Assistance

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University has financial aid counselors available to assist students with the financial aid process. All students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form available at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Once enrolled, students are eligible for a number of scholarship awards offered by professional PA organizations.

Program Goals

Please click the blue links below to see how the program is meeting its goals.

  1. The first time pass rate for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) will be at or above the national average
  2. 100% of the program’s graduates will be employed within 6 months of graduation
  3. PA graduates will serve diverse patient populations in a variety of clinical settings/specialties
  4. Students and Faculty will participate in at least 150 community service hours per academic year
  5. At least 15% of graduates from the program will remain engaged in the program in a meaningful way
    • Academic year 2016-17: 17% of the program’s graduates participated in student admissions processes, didactic instruction, simulation activities, skills labs or as clinical preceptors
    • Academic year 2017-2018: 13% of the program's alumni participated in student admissions processes, didactic instruction, simulation activities, skills lab or as clinical preceptors
    • Academic year 2018-2019: 15% of the program's alumni participated in student admissions processes, didactic instruction, simulation activities, skills lab or as clinical preceptors

Program Level Student Learning Outcomes

The PA Program strives to educate future PAs to be competent, compassionate, professional lifelong learners of medicine. The program has identified seven learning outcomes based on core Physician Assistant competencies developed by the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants and the American Academy of Physician Assistants. As such, upon completion of the program, the PA graduate should:

  1. Demonstrate a foundation of medical knowledge by applying biomedical, clinical and social sciences to patient care. (MK)
  2. Exhibit interpersonal and communication skills that result in effective information exchange with patients, patient's families, and other healthcare professionals (IPC)
  3. Provide patient care that is compassionate, appropriate, and effective for the treatment of medical problems and the promotion of health. (PC)
  4. Manifest professionalism as evidenced by commitment to carrying out professional and clinical responsibilities, ethical practice, sensitivity to diverse patient populations, and adherence to legal and regulatory requirements. (P)
  5. Demonstrate the ability to provide high quality team-based patient care that is safe, effective and efficient. (SBP)
  6. Develop practice based learning techniques, which include the review of medical literature, scientific evidence, and other medical and professional resources. (PBL)
  7. Demonstrate servant leadership by emulating Franciscan values in clinical practice and service to individuals and communities. (SLFV)

Technical Standards

Physician assistants must have the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to render a wide spectrum of patient care services in a broad variety of clinical situations. Consequently, it is essential that in its admission process, the Physician Assistant Program assesses an applicant’s physical and emotional capabilities as well as his/her scholastic accomplishments and academic potential in order to assure that the applicant can meet the full demands of the Program’s curriculum and graduate as a skilled and effective healthcare provider. In making this assessment, the Program must consider the applicant’s current physical and emotional status, any cumulative or progressive disability, and any drug-induced impairment that may pose obstacles to the safe application of his/her knowledge and skills to the provision of quality care or prevent effective interaction with patients.

Admission Requirements

Minimum Admission Requirements

In order to be considered for admissions, all applicants to the PA program must:

  1. Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited, U.S. college or university or equivalent prior to the time of matriculation (with exception of applicant's from the university's 3+2 Accelerated Pathway to Physician Assistant Studies program)
  2. Meet the following GPA minimums:
    • Cumulative Undergraduate:3.0
    • FranU Pre-Requisites: 3.0
    • Cumulative Undergraduate Science: 3.0
  3. Complete all pre-requisite courses within 7 years of application:
    • Human Anatomy with lab
    • Human Physiology (combined anatomy and physiology I and II with labs are acceptable alternatives)
    • General Microbiology
    • Organic Chemistry I
    • Organic Chemistry II (2000 level or higher) or Biochemistry (3000 level or higher)
    • General Psychology
    • Statistics
    • Genetics
    • Medical Terminology (certificate or other courses acceptable)
    • Please note:
      • Applicants must make a minimum of C or higher in all pre-requisite coursework.
      • B or higher is in all pre-requisite coursework is preferred.
      • Repeated coursework negatively impacts the applicant.
  4. Complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE):
    • Achieve a minimum of a combined 290 on the verbal reasoning and quantitative sections
    • Achieve a minimum of 3.5 on the analytic writing section
    • GRE scores must be submitted directly to CASPA (FranU CASPA GRE code: 7348).
  5. Submit three letters of recommendation through the CASPA portal; Letters are to be submitted directly from the person recommending the prospective student; Letters should be from individuals who can attest to the applicant's educational success, work ethic, maturity, professionalism, previous health care experience, etc.; Former professors, employers, health care workers are strongly recommended. Letters from family members, personal friends/acquaintances will not be considered.
  6. Submit a personal statement summarizing why the individual desires to be a Physician Assistant, what they feel they can contribute to the profession and the mission of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University’s PA program.
  7. Complete the Program’s Supplemental Application (only applicants invited for an interview will be sent the Supplemental Application.)
  8. Attend a personal interview; After initial application review, top applicants will be further screened via personal interview
  9. Meet and maintain all Technical Standards in order to be enrolled in, and progress through, the PA program; Technical Standards are posted on the web page. Please note:
    1. No Graduate, medical school or other transfer credit will be awarded for PA program credit.
    2. In some circumstances, the PA admissions committee may substitute previous Graduate, Medical School course work or life experience for pre-requisite coursework/undergraduate credit only.
Additional Admissions Considerations

The PA program strives to transform enrolled students into competent entry level PAs as well as mission-centered servant leaders. As such, other factors such as diversity, maturity, professionalism, compassion and service to community are also important criteria for acceptance.

Therefore, in addition to excellence in academics, the admissions committee weighs other individual factors when considering each applicant, including:

  1. Applicants from the University’s 3+2 Accelerated Pathway to Physician Assistant Studies; 3+2 students must meet all minimum admissions requirements as outlined above
  2. Hands-on patient care experience (a minimum of 80 hours to be considered competitive)
  3. Licensed healthcare worker
  4. Shadowing one or more PAs
  5. Military service
  6. Work/professional experience
  7. Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University graduate
  8. Applicants from medically underserved areas
  9. Mission work/community service

The following table should give the applicant guidance as to how competitive he/she is in comparison to prior PA classes. The competitive candidate has a “B” or better in all defined pre-requisite course work. Repeated attempts at pre-requisite coursework will be noted and weaken candidate’s overall application packet.

ClassAverage GPA (cumulative)Average GPA (pre-requisite)Average GRE (V)Average GRE (Q)Average GRE (W)
20163.253.47152 (483)151 (638)3.77
20173.453.60154 (504)152 (660)3.78
20183.373.39150 (450)150 (632)3.67
20193.483.541521513.87
20203.53.461521523.9

V = verbal Q = Quantative

(Scoring based on scale prior to 8/1/2011 in parenthesis)

Admissions Processes

Initial Application

  1. The application cycle opens annually on April 27th
  2. Applicants apply to the program using the CASPA portal; applicants can create a CASPA account at www.caspaonline.org
  3. The applicant is responsible for all CASPA application fees
  4. The applicant is responsible for ensuring all application materials are received prior to the application deadline in order to be verified by CASPA; The PA program will not track, or notify individual applicants of any missing items
  5. Any additional unrequested application documents provided by the applicant will not be considered for admission or returned to the applicant
  6. Applications must be received and in verified status by CASPA by the Program’s deadline of August 1 annually (exceptions to the deadline may be made on a case-by-case basis)
  7. Once an application has been verified by CASPA, the admissions committee will review to determine eligibility for an interview based on admissions criteria previously discussed
Supplemental Application
  1. Applicants invited to interview will be forwarded a supplemental application for completion via email
  2. The supplemental application must be completed and received by the admissions committee prior to the interview date
  3. There is a $25.00 non-refundable supplemental application fee, made payable to the Bursar’s Office - Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
Interviews
  1. Beginning in 2019, the admissions committee will begin interviews as soon as applications are verified in CASPA; As such, interview days will be scheduled from June through October
  2. Applicants will be notified of their invitation to interview via email
  3. Failure to respond to the invitation by the RSVP date will result in forfeiture of interview and potential acceptance into the program
  4. Interviews will be conducted in person, on the FranU campus and typically include program faculty, staff, administrators, alumni and/or current
  5. Applicants travelling to Baton Rouge can contact the program office regarding hotel/transportation options; Applicants are responsible for all costs associated with interview
  6. Interviews are non-traditional in format and are conducted in the Mini-Multiple Interview (MMI) style; Applicants will be assessed on:
    1. Professionalism/maturity
    2. Critical thinking
    3. Ethical decision making
    4. Communication skills
    5. Knowledge of the health care field and PA profession
  7. Applicants who will not be invited to interview will be sent notification after the admissions committee has reviewed their verified CASPA application

Acceptance

The PA program may accept up to 30 students per year.

Note, beginning in 2019, the PA Program will begin interviewing as soon applications are verified by CASPA. Acceptance offers may be made to highly competitive applicants following interview days. Therefore, there are advantages to applying early in the admissions cycle.

There are a number of ways in which an applicant may be accepted:

  1. Early Acceptance: Following personal interview and ranking by the admissions committee:
    • This applicant exceeds all admissions criteria, and will be notified of acceptance via email during the summer months
    • Admission will be dependent upon the applicant’s acknowledgement of acceptance and intent to accept invitation
    • A deposit will be required to secure the applicant’s position in the class
    • This category also applies to all 3+2 Biology Applicants who are in good standing in their degree program and complete the personal interview
  2. Regular Acceptance: Following personal interview and ranking by the admissions committee:
    • This applicant meets all admissions criteria, and will be notified of acceptance via email in September or October
    • Admission will be dependent upon the applicant’s acknowledgement of acceptance and intent to accept invitation
    • A deposit will be required to secure the applicant’s position in the class
    • This category also applies to all 3+2 Biology Applicants who are in good standing in their degree program and complete the personal interview
  3. Conditional Acceptance: This applicant meets all admissions criteria, but has not completed all undergraduate coursework at the time of application deadline:
    • Conditional Acceptance may apply to either early or regular acceptances
    • A final transcript will be required prior to matriculation
    • If admissions criteria standards are not met, the applicant will forfeit his/her position
  4. Alternate List: A number of applicants may be placed on an alternate or “waiting” list:
    • Alternates will be contacted via email of acceptance
    • Alternates may be contacted for admissions up to the first day of spring classes
    • The PA program will not disclose the order/ranking of the alternate list

All accepted students are required to submit a non-refundable deposit (credited toward first semester’s tuition) via money order or cashier’s check.

Failure to respond to acceptance invitation by published RSVP date will result in forfeiture of seat in class.

Accreditation

Regional Accreditation

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University.

ARC-PA Accreditation

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.

Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be September 2023. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy.

Resources for Current PA Students

Curriculum

Curriculum Notes:

Clinical Rotation Courses

PHAS 5771 Primary Care I
PHAS 5772 Primary Care II
PHAS 5773 Hospital Medicine
PHAS 5774 Medical Elective I
PHAS 5775 Medical Elective II
PHAS 5776 General Surgery
PHAS 5777 Musculoskeletal Medicine
PHAS 5778 Pediatrics
PHAS 5779 Emergency Medicine
PHAS 5780 Focused Topics: Behavioral Health/ Women's