Discovering the University of Utah PA Program: What Prospective Students Should Know
The University of Utah PA Program is a highly competitive and rigorous program designed to prepare students for a rewarding career as a physician assistant (pa).
Located on the University of Utah’s Health Sciences campus in Salt Lake City, the program combines classroom instruction with clinical experience to provide students with a comprehensive education in healthcare to become skilled and compassionate healthcare providers.
With a low acceptance rate and a strong emphasis on academic excellence, the program attracts some of the most talented and dedicated students from around the country.
Graduates of the program are well-prepared to enter the workforce as competent and compassionate healthcare professionals, equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to make a positive impact on the lives of their patients.
With this in mind, let’s explore the University of Utah Physician Assistant Program in more detail, including its curriculum, admission requirements, and other important information.
Table of Contents
Overview of the Program
The University of Utah PA Program is a master’s level program that is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). The program is 27 months long and consists of didactic coursework, clinical training, and a capstone project.
The University of Utah PA Program has dedicated faculty who are committed to the education and success of their students. The program also has access to world-class facilities, including the University of Utah Health Care system, which includes hospitals, clinics, and research facilities.
The program trains physician assistants to work with physicians as part of a healthcare team to improve the quality and access to primary care. At the successful completion of training, students are awarded a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree.
Admission Requirements for the University of Utah pa program
The University of Utah PA Program has a highly competitive admissions process. In order to be considered for admission, students must have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Having a minimum of a 3.0 GPA is recommended to be a competitive applicant
- completed specific prerequisite coursework in anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry.
- In addition to these academic requirements, students must have experience working in healthcare and have completed a minimum of 2,000 hours of direct patient care experience.
- All non-native speakers must produce a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score. Exceptions are made only to candidates who have fully completed high school in the U.S. and who also have a U.S. bachelor’s degree. High school transcripts may be requested.
Read more on the University admission portal
Program Curriculum
The University of Utah PA Program’s curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of healthcare and prepare them for clinical practice. The program is divided into three phases: the didactic phase, the clinical phase, and the capstone phase.
The didactic phase consists of classroom lectures, small group discussions, and hands-on laboratory experiences. Students take courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, clinical skills, medical ethics, and more. The didactic phase also includes simulated patient encounters to help students develop their clinical skills. This phase takes place over 4 semesters of graduate-level academic coursework and includes clinical experiences once weekly beginning at mid-year.
The clinical phase is where students gain practical experience in a variety of clinical settings. Students work under the supervision of licensed physicians and physician assistants and rotate through specialties such as family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, Psychiatry, and surgery. Students are required to complete a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical training.
The clinical phase takes place during the second year and includes full-time clinical rotations under the direct supervision of a preceptor; students are not required to supply their own clinical sites or preceptors. Additionally, all students must produce and present a master’s project and pass a summative examination. Graduates of the Utah Physician Assistant Program earn a Master of Physician Assistant Studies Degree (MPAS).
The capstone phase is the final phase of the program and includes a research project or clinical case presentation. Students work with a faculty advisor to select a topic and complete the project.
The University of Utah PA Program Tuition
The tuition for the University of Utah Physician Assistant Program varies depending on whether a student is considered a Utah resident or a non-resident. The current tuition rates for the summer, fall of 2022, and spring of 2023 per semester are as follows:
Utah Resident: $11,738 per year.
Non-Resident: $21,812 per year.
It is important to note that these tuition rates do not include additional fees, such as books, equipment, and living expenses. The tuition fees are subject to change without notice.
While the cost of tuition and fees for the University of Utah PA Program may seem high, it is important to consider the potential return on investment in terms of career opportunities and earning potential as a physician assistant. The program offers financial aid and scholarship opportunities to eligible students, and students are encouraged to explore these options to help offset the cost of tuition and fees.
University of Utah PA Program Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate for the University of Utah Physician Assistant Program varies from year to year and is highly competitive. According to the program’s website, the acceptance rate for the class entering 2022 was approximately 4.5%.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum requirements for admission does not guarantee acceptance into the program. The program considers a variety of factors when reviewing applications, including academic performance, healthcare experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
While the acceptance rate for the University of Utah PA Program is low, it is not uncommon for competitive graduate programs in healthcare fields.
Prospective students should focus on building a strong application and gaining relevant healthcare experience to increase their chances of being accepted into the program.
University of Utah PA Program Location and Program PrerequisiteÂ
Location
The University of Utah Physician Assistant Program is located on the University of Utah’s Health Sciences campus in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Health Sciences campus is situated on the eastern edge of the University of Utah’s main campus and is adjacent to the University of Utah Hospital, Huntsman Cancer Institute, and other healthcare facilities.
Salt Lake City is the capital city of Utah and is home to a population of approximately 200,000 people. It is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and is known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.
The city offers a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries, as well as a thriving food and beverage scene.
The University of Utah’s Health Sciences campus located at 50 North Medical Drive Salt Lake City, Utah 84132 is easily accessible by car, public transportation, and bike.
The campus is located just off of I-80 and I-215, two major highways that run through Salt Lake City and is served by several public transportation routes. The university also offers free parking to students who commute to campus.
Overall, the location of the University of Utah Physician Assistant Program provides students with easy access to a variety of healthcare facilities, as well as the many recreational and cultural opportunities available in Salt Lake City and the surrounding area.
Prerequisite
the University of Utah Physician Assistant Program has a set of prerequisites that all applicants must complete before they can be considered for admission.
These prerequisites ensure that students have a solid foundation in the basic sciences and are prepared for the rigorous coursework of the PA program. The following is a list of the program’s prerequisites:
Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs (8-semester credit)
Microbiology with lab (4 semester Credit) lab credit can be included
General Chemistry I and II with labs (8-semester credit)
Human Physiology (4-semester credit)
Human Anatomy (4-semester credit)
All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher. The program strongly recommends that applicants complete additional coursework in genetics, psychology, and medical terminology to better prepare for the program.
In addition to these academic prerequisites, applicants must have completed a minimum of 2,000 hours of direct patient care experience. This experience can come from a variety of healthcare settings, including but not limited to, nursing, paramedic, medical assisting, or scribing.
It is important for prospective students to carefully review the program’s prerequisite requirements and ensure that they have met all of the requirements before applying to the program.
Career Opportunities for Utah University PA
Graduates of the University of Utah PA Program are well-prepared to enter the workforce as physician assistants. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physician assistants is projected to grow 31 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Graduates of the University of Utah PA Program have a high job placement rate and are in high demand in a variety of healthcare settings.
Conclusion
The University of Utah PA Program is a highly regarded program that prepares students to become skilled and compassionate healthcare providers. The program’s rigorous curriculum, experienced faculty, and world-class facilities make it an excellent choice for students who are looking to pursue a career in healthcare in general and Physician Assistant to be specific.
References
https://medicine.utah.edu/dfpm/physician-assistant-studies/program
