MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT (M.S.P.A.)
Patsy H. Haslam School of Health Sciences

Mountain State University’s physician assistant program, established in 1994, provides quality medical education for primary care physician assistants. The program maintains continuing accreditation by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant Inc. (ARC-PA).

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant Inc. provides this professional overview: “Physician assistants, or PAs, are academically and clinically prepared to provide health care services with the direction and responsible supervision of a doctor of medicine or osteopathy. The physician-PA team relationship is fundamental to the PA profession and enhances the delivery of high quality health care. Within the physician–PA relationship, PAs make clinical decisions and provide a broad range of diagnostic, therapeutic, preventive, and health maintenance services. The clinical role of PAs includes primary and specialty care in medical and surgical practice settings. PA practice is centered on patient care and may include educational, research, and administrative activities.

“The role of the PA demands intelligence, sound judgment, intellectual honesty, appropriate interpersonal skills, and the capacity to react to emergencies in a calm and reasoned manner. An attitude of respect for self and others, adherence to the concepts of privilege and confidentiality in communicating with patients, and a commitment to the patient’s welfare are essential attributes of the graduate PA. The professional curriculum for PA education includes basic medical, behavioral, and social sciences; introduction to clinical medicine and patient assessment; supervised clinical practice; and health policy and professional practice issues.”

Unlike most master’s degree programs, which require a bachelor’s degree for admission, the M.S.P.A. program requires successful completion of 66 hours of undergraduate-level prerequisite study with no requirement of a bachelor’s degree.

Admission to the professional program is limited and competitive, with class capacities mandated by accreditation guidelines. Completion of the prerequisite curriculum, acceptance to the University, and meeting program application requirements do not guarantee admission. Applicants must meet the qualifications of the program’s technical standards.

TECHNICAL STANDARDS
The M.S.P.A. degree signifies that the holder is prepared for entry into the practice of medicine. It follows that graduates must have the skills and knowledge to function in a broad variety of clinical situations and to provide a wide spectrum of patient care. It is essential for good patient care to require minimum standards for the education of the physician assistant. In the admission process, the University must judge not only the scholastic accomplishments and potential of the applicant, but also consider the applicant’s current physical and emotional status, cumulative and progressive disability, and drug-induced impairments that may pose obstacles to the safe application of the student’s knowledge and skill or prevent effective interaction with patients and co-workers.

In accordance with University policy and as delineated by federal and state law, the University does not discriminate in admission, educational programs, or employment against any individual on the basis of that individual’s handicap or disability and will make good-faith efforts at providing reasonable accommodation as required.

Candidates for the physician assistant program must possess the intellectual ability to learn, integrate, analyze, and synthesize data. They must have functional use of the senses of vision, hearing, equilibrium, and taste. Their exteroceptor (touch, pain, and temperature) and proprioceptor (position, pressure, movement, stereognosis, and vibratory) senses must be sufficiently intact to enable them to carry out all the activities required to complete the activities described below. Candidates must have sufficient motor function capabilities to meet the demands of the PA program and the demands of total patient care. They must be able to complete the didactic and clinical curriculum in its entirety.

If you are accepted for study in the PA program, you will be required before your initial enrollment to submit a signed declaration stating that you have reviewed the program’s technical requirements and affirming that you possess the required ability, aptitude, and skill in five areas: observation, communication, motor, intellectual, behavioral, and social.

Observation. The candidate must be able to observe demonstrations and experiments in the basic sciences, visual presentations in lectures and laboratories, laboratory evidence and microbiologic cultures, microscopic studies of microorganisms, and tissues in normal and pathologic states. A candidate must be able to observe a patient accurately and completely at a distance and close at hand. Observation necessitates the functional use of the sense of vision and somatic sensation and is enhanced by a sense of smell.

Communication. A candidate must be able to speak, to hear, and to observe patients in order to elicit information; perceive nonverbal communication; and describe changes in mood, activity, and posture. A candidate must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients. Communication includes not only speech but reading and writing. Communication in oral and written form with the health care team must be effective and efficient.

Motor function. Candidates must have sufficient motor function to elicit information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other diagnostic maneuvers. A candidate must be able to carry out basic laboratory tests (urinalysis, CBC, wet mount, gram stain, etc.), carry out diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (phlebotomy, venipuncture, and placement of catheters and tubes), and read ECGs and X-rays. A candidate must have motor function sufficient to execute motor movements reasonably required to provide general care and emergency treatment for patients. Examples of emergency treatment reasonably required of a physician assistant are cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the administration of intravenous medications, the application of pressure to arrest bleeding, the opening of obstructed airways, the suturing of simple wounds, and the performance of simple obstetrical maneuvers. Such skills require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the senses of touch and vision.

Intellectual—conceptual, integrative, and quantitative abilities. These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem solving, the critical skill demanded of PAs, requires all these abilities. The candidate must also be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structures.

Behavioral and social attributes. A candidate must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his/her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients. Candidates must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads, and to function effectively under stress. They must be able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility, and to learn to function in the face of uncertainty inherent in the clinical problems of many patients. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are all personal qualities that are assessed during the admission and education processes.

With respect to any physical challenge, it must not be such as would, even with reasonable accommodations, in and of itself preclude the student’s effective participation in the program. Except as necessary to fulfill a bona fide occupational qualification, Mountain State University does not discriminate in administering its employment procedures, educational procedures, admissions procedures, scholarship and/or loan programs, and/or athletic and/or other school-administered programs on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, blindness, disability, familial status, or veteran status, nor on the basis of any other characteristic that is prohibited by federal, state, and/or local law; nor on the basis of any characteristic that is prohibited by any accrediting body of Mountain State University that is not contrary to federal, state, and/or local law. It is the University’s intent to comply with applicable statutes and regulations, including Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 (as amended); both prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities by mandating a provision of reasonable accommodations to make programs and activities accessible to qualified disabled individuals. There are natural and legal limitations to what services can be provided. It is the University’s goal to assist students in developing their potential in light of what is feasible and reasonable under the law.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Students who have not completed the academic prerequisites for M.S.P.A. program admission can enroll at Mountain State University as either a first-time freshman or a transfer student. The MSU Admissions Office reviews all undergraduate applications and transfer transcripts and grants University admission. See the undergraduate catalog for additional information.

Prospective students who have fulfilled program prerequisites (either at Mountain State University or another regionally accredited institution) can apply to the program regardless of whether they have completed a bachelor’s degree. Admission is highly competitive, and completing academic prerequisites and other eligibility requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the PA program.

To be eligible for consideration, you must meet the following minimum criteria:

Science Prerequisites
Science prerequisites must include both a lecture and lab component.

• Biology 8
  
• Human anatomy and physiology 8
  
• Microbiology 4
  
• Chemistry 8
  
• Organic chemistry 8

General Prerequisites

• Communication 3
  
• Computer proficiency 3
  
• English composition 6
  
• Humanities or fine arts 3
  
• Mathematics (algebra or higher) 3
  
• Medical ethics and law 3
  
• Psychology 3
  
• Social sciences 3
  
• Sociology 3
  

Prerequisite coursework is subject to the following requirements:

• Minimum grade of C (70–79) in each prerequisite course.
• Grade-point average (GPA) for prerequisite courses of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
• Cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
• Science prerequisite courses that are no more than 10 years old; science courses older than 10 years will not be accepted.

If possible, you should complete all prerequisites by the end of the spring semester before the fall in which you plan to enroll. If you complete prerequisites over the summer, you must provide documentation of summer enrollment. You may complete no more than two prerequisite courses over the summer, and you must complete all prerequisites before the beginning of Mountain State University’s fall semester.

Any prerequisite courses successfully completed and graded Pass, Audit, Credit, or any other grade designation that yields no quality points as defined by Mountain State University’s catalog or registrar will not be factored into your GPA. You are encouraged to meet with the PA administrative coordinator to discuss how these grades might affect your GPA.

2. Documented hands-on health care experience of 300 hours or greater. Experience must be documented on letterhead from your supervisor that includes a detailed job description and the number of hours worked.

3. Signed documentation of at least 20 hours of shadow experience with physician assistants in clinical practice. Shadow experience must be documented on letterhead.

4. Three letters of recommendation, at least one of which is from a physician assistant and includes evaluation of the applicant’s understanding of the role of the physician assistant. The remaining letters of recommendation must be from other health care professionals who have a sufficient perception of your commitment to medical education and practice, work performance, and maturity. Recommendations must be provided on letterhead. If you are currently enrolled or have previously been enrolled in a medical school or another physician assistant program, you must submit an additional letter from your dean or program director.

Personal interviews are generally not required but may be requested at the discretion of the program director or selection committee. If you are currently enrolled or have previously been enrolled in a medical school or another physician assistant program, however, you must complete a personal interview with the program director, medical director, and/or selection committee.

APPLICATION
The entry-level structure of the PA program means that different application processes apply depending on the level at which you qualify for admission. If you intend to apply for admission to the program, begin by contacting the administrative coordinator to determine the application category that applies to you.

Regardless of application category, you will need to arrange for official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework from all institutions of higher education you attended. Transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution. Transcripts from institutions outside the United States must be certified (see International Applicants
in the Graduate Study at Mountain State University section for details). Regardless of your admission category, you will not be permitted to begin coursework until all transcripts are received. You must also submit with your application copies of any professional certifications, registrations, licenses, and relevant credentialing materials.

Application Deadlines
Applications are accepted on a rolling admissions basis. The program selection committee reviews each application once all required components have been received. Review of completed applications and selection of the next incoming class begin each fall semester. Applicants who submit materials after all seats for the next incoming class have been filled are contacted and encouraged to re-apply for the next entering class.

ADMISSIONS DECISIONS
PA program admissions decisions are made by the Physician Assistant Selection Committee. Applicants are responsible for staying informed of all changes and updates to the program and admissions process. Questions regarding the admissions process should be directed to the program specialist.

Completion of prerequisite courses at Mountain State University does not guarantee admission into the program. All applications are subject to the same admissions standards, and no preference is given to any group or individual.

Acceptance and Confirmation
Applicants are notified of their acceptance status as quickly as possible. A nonrefundable confirmation fee is due upon acceptance to confirm and hold a seat in the incoming class; details are included in the acceptance letter.

Course Exemptions and Substitutions
The program does not accept transfer credit in substitution for any professional program course (i.e., those with a GMPA departmental prefix). No student will be given advanced standing in either didactic or clinical courses in the program, regardless of any academic or health care experience. Prerequisite courses for admission, however, may be accepted for transfer credit; see Admissions Requirements for additional information.

Access to Admissions Records
Students who have been admitted to and enrolled in a graduate program may examine the contents of their admissions folders, with the exception of reference forms and other specific documents for which they have waived their right of review, in the presence of a faculty or staff member. All requests to view admissions folders must be made in writing.

PROGRAM POLICIES
The program abides by and operates from a set of established policies and procedures. A copy of the policy and procedures manual is distributed to accepted students. You can discuss any question regarding program policies and procedures with the program director.

Registration
You must be officially admitted and registered before attending any class. Although you will work closely with the program faculty and staff in registering for each term, you are responsible for knowing and following all University and program rules and requirements. You should read and become familiar with registration, orientation, and financial aid materials; the graduate catalog and graduate program handbook; the program policies and procedures manual; and course syllabi.

Immunizations and Health History
In accordance with Centers for Disease Control recommendations, all students are required to complete immunizations for vaccine-preventable diseases before enrolling. Specific requirements are included with program orientation materials.

You must complete all immunizations, with the exception of the final two hepatitis B immunizations and the titer demonstrating immunity, before beginning the program. Documentation of completed immunizations and the health clearance form (included in the program orientation materials) must be submitted no later than two weeks before the beginning of fall semester. Completion of the hepatitis B vaccination series and titers is required before beginning the second semester in the program. Failure to complete all requirements in a timely manner will result in program suspension or dismissal.

Interrupted Study and Leaves of Absence
Because of the cohort structure of the didactic curriculum, you must successfully complete all courses during each semester to progress to the next semester. Failure of, or withdrawal from, any course results in an administrative leave of absence until the next semester the course is offered.

In exceptional circumstances such as the sudden onset of a serious medical condition, the program director may grant a leave of absence from the program. Requests must be made in writing and must cite the specific circumstances that warrant a leave. All coursework offered during the leave of absence must be completed during the next semester offered.

Students who take a leave of absence, whether administrative or student-requested, must still complete all program requirements within the program’s time limits (see Program Requirements for details). Specific policies regarding leaves of absence and reinstatement to the program are included in the program’s policies and procedures manual.

Health, Disability, and Professional Liability Insurance
PA program students must show proof of medical insurance before enrolling. This insurance must include both health and hospitalization and must be maintained throughout the program. Any lapse in coverage will be grounds for dismissal.

Students are also are strongly encouraged to carry disability insurance to cover possible consequences in the event of a needle-stick injury or other potential exposure to HIV infection. Since disability insurance carriers for students are limited, you should explore this option with each insurance carrier.

The University covers students in health science programs, including the PA program, under a group professional liability insurance plan. The cost of this coverage is charged to your student account. Contact the administrative coordinator or the Student Accounts office for detailed information.

Program Identification Badges
PA students are required to purchase student identification badges to be worn during both the didactic and clinical phases. Additional information is provided at the beginning of the program.

Level of Courses
PA students who have completed 90 or more semester hours are considered graduate students; program course numbers range from the 400s to the 700s. Contact the Financial Aid Office to determine your status before finalizing financial aid applications.

Attendance
Attendance is mandatory for all program courses and activities and may be used in student assessment and evaluation, including final course grades. Specific program attendance policies are discussed during program orientation and are included in the program’s policies and procedures manual.

Student Employment
Because of the rigorous curriculum and the scheduling of clinical rotations, students are strongly discouraged from employment while enrolled in the PA program. Absences due to employment obligations are deemed unexcused. The program does, however, excuse absences due to military duty. Specific policies are included in the program’s policies and procedures manual.

Second-year PA students may be eligible for graduate assistantships, and University-sponsored work-study positions are also available. Additional information is available from the School of Graduate Studies, the program office, and the Financial Aid Office.

Academic and Professional Conduct
PA students are expected to comply with University policies as well as those outlined in the program’s policy and procedures manual. The manual is distributed to students at the beginning of the program and is updated as necessary.

Clinical Rotation Phase
The program’s clinical coordinator is responsible for scheduling, confirming, and managing all clinical rotations. You may provide input regarding a desired rotation to the clinical coordinator before rotations are scheduled. All rotation schedules are individualized and subject to change based on preceptor requests and changes in preceptor or site availability. Rotations are assigned at different sites to provide a variety of clinical experiences.

You are responsible for expenses associated with travel and housing during your clinical rotation phase. The program does not guarantee that all rotations will be provided at a local site (i.e., within 80 miles of the Beckley campus); many sites assist students with housing arrangements. Specific policies regarding clinical rotations are included in the program’s policies and procedures manual.

Program Retention
The PA program holds high academic and ethical standards. You must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.0 to avoid program sanctions. No examination or course with a grade below 70 may be applied toward program completion. Specific policies are detailed in the program’s policies and procedures manual.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Comprehensive and Clinical Skills Exams
You must pass a comprehensive written examination (summative evaluation) and an objective clinical skills exam at the conclusion of the clinical year to be eligible for graduation. Additional information is included in the program’s policies and procedures manual and clinical course syllabi.

Thesis or Project
Because of the demanding schedule of both the didactic and clinical phases of the program, you are strongly encouraged to meet early with your program advisor to construct a plan for completing a graduate capstone project (traditional thesis or project). Specific requirements for each track are presented in GMPA 516.

Time Limit for Program Completion
From initial entry into the PA program, no student will be allowed more than 36 months to complete the didactic phase courses. The entire length of the program (didactic and clinical phases) may not be greater than 48 months.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
The following criteria are used by the program faculty as the basis for awarding the Master of Science in Physician Assistant degree:

• Attainment of a grade of at least 70 (C) on all program examinations and courses.
• Being free of, or having completed appropriate remediation for, any designation of academic probation, in accordance with established program policies and procedures.
• Passing scores on the written summative evaluation and clinical skills exams at the conclusion of the program.
• A cumulative PA program GPA of at least 3.0 or remediation to the satisfaction of the program.
• Demonstration of acceptable levels of maturity, integrity, and other attitudes and behaviors normally expected of health professionals. The following behaviors are examples of behaviors not consistent with professionalism: cheating; lying; plagiarism; fabrication of clinical data; repeated unexcused absences; engaging in criminal activity; falsifying preceptor or faculty grade evaluations; collaborating on individual take-home assignments; copying or reproducing examination questions; informing other students of examination questions; misrepresentation of role or identity in a clinical setting; breach of patient confidentiality; use of substances (drugs or alcohol) during assigned program activities that may result in harm to patients or others; sexual harassment of patients, peers, or colleagues; engaging in discrimination on the basis of sex, age, race, creed, or socioeconomic or political status; performing any clinical activities without adequate training and supervision; breaking state or federal laws governing physician assistant practice; and exploiting the professional role for personal gain. This list is not meant to be wholly inclusive. Other behaviors deemed unprofessional by the program faculty will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• Freedom from any impediments to licensure or performance as a physician assistant in accordance with the West Virginia Board of Medicine and West Virginia Board of Osteopathy guidelines and/or the established American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) Code of Ethics.
  

Students who fail to meet all promotion criteria may be either dismissed from the program or required to remediate any deficiencies, if appropriate, as prescribed by the program faculty.

BACHELOR’S DEGREE OPTION
Students who complete the prerequisite and professional phases may apply for and be granted a Bachelor of Medical Science degree simultaneously with the M.S.P.A. The Bachelor of Medical Science degree alone does not permit graduates to be certified as a physician assistant.

SEQUENCE OF STUDY
Students must complete all courses during each semester of the curriculum sequence to be eligible for advancement to the next semester. Failure of any course during the semester automatically results in an administrative leave from the PA program; the student must remediate or retake any courses failed the next time offered.

First Year Fall
GMPA 415 Gross Anatomy 7
GMPA 421 Medical Physiology 6
GMPA 426 PA Profession, Legal, and Bioethical Issues 2
Total 15

First Year Spring
GMPA 401 History Taking and Physical Exam Skills 4
GMPA 416 Medical Science Module 4
GMPA 424 Clinical Pharmacology I 4
GMPA 440 Psychosocial Medicine 2
GMPA 516 Biomedical Research 5
Total 19

First Year Summer
GMPA 525 Clinical Medicine I 4
GMPA 526 Biomedical Statistics 3
GMPA 530 Clinical Skills I 1
GMPA 580 Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine 2
GMPA 581 Obstetrics and Gynecology 2
Total 12

Second Year Fall
GMPA 524 Clinical Pharmacology II 2
GMPA 535 Clinical Medicine II 4
GMPA 540 Clinical Skills II 1
GMPA 542 Health Delivery Systems and Risk Management 2
GMPA 582 Emergency Medicine 2
GMPA 584 Geriatric Medicine 2
GMPA 616 Prof Writing & Presentation 3
Total 16

Second Year Spring
GMPA 432 Contemporary Medical Lit 3
GMPA 624 Clinical Pharmacology III 2
GMPA 625 Clinical Medicine III 4
GMPA 630 Clinical Skills III 1
GMPA 642 Health Promotion & Policy 3
GMPA 653 Surgical Technique and Clinical Skills 2
GMPA 660 Project Development / Thesis Implementation 2
Total 17

Second Year Summer through Third Year Spring (no required sequencing)
GMPA 699 Thesis or Project Presentation/Defense 1
GMPA 700 End of Rotation Seminar 6
GMPA 701 Family Medicine Rotation 5
GMPA 702 Internal Medicine Rotation 5
GMPA 703 Emergency Medicine Rotation 5
GMPA 704 Surgery Rotation 5
GMPA 705 Geriatrics Rotation 5
GMPA 706 Pediatrics Rotation 5
GMPA 707 Rural Medicine Rotation 5
GMPA 708 Psychiatry Rotation 5
GMPA 709 Women’s Health Rotation 5
Total 52

Prerequisites 66
PA program total 131
M.S.P.A. total 197

NATIONAL CERTIFYING EXAM
Before they can be licensed, graduates must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination, or PANCE. MSU’s pass rates for the past five years, as well as the national average, are listed below.