Program Requirements

Technical Standards

Technical standards are available on this page.

Curriculum

The program provides an emphasis on special populations interwoven throughout academic and clinical years, which makes SRU’s Physician Assistant Program unique. Successful graduates will be prepared to sit for the national exam. SRU graduates will learn to adapt to the ever-changing medical profession, while becoming gainfully employed as advanced practice providers and filling the medical needs of the region.

The program is delivered over six continuous terms (summer, fall, spring) and includes three semesters of academic work and then three semesters of clerkships (10 clinical rotations). Students will also participate in half-day clinical experiences during the academic year and educational experiences during the clinical year.

The overarching objective of the PA Program is to prepare future physician assistants; who demonstrate competencies or ability to acquire competencies in the effective and appropriate application of medical knowledge, interpersonal and communication skills, patient care, professionalism, practice-based learning and improvement, and systems-based practice; to practice patient-centered care in a team environment, while advancing the profession and helping to meet the medical needs of the region, state, nation, and world.

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS - CREDITS: 105.9

Course Catalog Course Descriptions

Didactic Year (12 months)

The didactic year consists of three semesters (12 Months) of classroom study. During this time students will learn the fundamentals of medical education. The didactic year is delivered in a system-based format.

Clinical Year (12 months)

During the Clinical Year, students will complete clinical practice experiences off-campus. Students are required to complete seven core rotations in family medicine, behavioral medicine, emergency medicine, internal medicine, women’s health, general surgery, and pediatrics. Students will also complete one elective rotation and two rotations with an emphasis on Special Populations.

**All PA Program coursework must be taken in sequence. Transfer credits and advanced placements are not offered.

*** The program has made modifications to the curriculum for the incoming cohort in Summer 2024 (Cohort 2026) They can be found here.The overall tuition has not changed for the program. The website updates to program progression is in the process of being updated. If you have any questions please email the program pa.program@sru.edu

SUMMER DIDACTIC-YEAR REQUIREMENTS - CREDITS: 18

FALL DIDACTIC-YEAR REQUIREMENTS - CREDITS: 19

SPRING DIDACTIC-YEAR REQUIREMENTS - CREDITS: 18.5

SUMMER CLINICAL-YEAR REQUIREMENTS - CREDITS: 14.6

PA 701 - From Theory to Practice I Credits: 2
PA 771 - Clinical Clerkships Exp I Credits: 12.6 (Two 4.5-week rotations, and one 3-week rotation.)

FALL CLINICAL-YEAR REQUIREMENTS - CREDITS: 19.4

SPRING CLINICAL-YEAR REQUIREMENTS - CREDITS: 16.4

Program Policies

Program Policies and Academic Progression Requirements

Course Requirements

All completed courses will be graded on a letter grade basis of A, B, C, D or F. Passing grades are considered a “C” or better. All courses must be passed to graduate. If a student earns a “D” or an “F” in a course, the student will be dismissed from the program.

Courses have additional assessments that must be completed successfully in order to progress in the program as noted in the PA Program manual.

GPA Requirements

Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 to progress in the program. The first instance of a cumulative GPA of less than 3.00 will result in academic probation. The second incidence of a cumulative GPA of less than 3.00 will result in deceleration within the program. The third incidence (during the deceleration period) of a GPA of less than 3.00 will result in dismissal from the program.

**The program policy manual provided to accepted students includes all information regarding program progression throughout didactic and clinical phases.

Graduation Requirements

Students who are successful in completing all the requirements of the program of study will earn a Master of Science (M.S.) in Physician Assistant studies. They will be eligible to sit for the PANCE exam. The PANCE must be passed in order to practice in all states.

Graduation Requirements:

Degree candidates must have a 3.000 or better cumulative GPA on a 4.000 scale for all graduate courses attempted at Slippery Rock University to graduate.
Successful completion with passing score on Summative exam and Summative OSCE
Successful completion of all didactic and clinical requirements for the Physician Assistant Program.
Completion of formal application to graduate sent to the Office of Academic Records and Summer School by March 1 for spring graduation.

It is student’s responsibility to complete all degree/certificate requirements and to know the program’s and university’s requirements for graduation according to the Program Policy Manual and University policies.

Physician Assistant Studies

Program Requirements

Technical Standards

Curriculum

Physician Assistant Studies

Contact Information