Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies

College of Sciences

Dr. Karen Kettler, Ph.D., Dean

Program Advisor: TBD

Mission Statement

 West Liberty University, established in 1837, was the first institution of higher education in West Virginia. Today, we are a dynamic, inclusive, student-centered community that cultivates scholarly exploration, experiential learning, creative expression, and global citizenship.

WLU is a public university committed to providing students with a comprehensive education from undergraduate to advanced degrees while serving as the region’s leading advocate for the arts, education, research, and economic opportunity.

General Goals

Graduates of the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies will:

  • Be clinically competent primary care physician assistants who practice evidence-based medicine.
  • Reflect the highest standards of compassionate, legal, ethical, and moral conduct.
  • Be team-oriented, culturally sensitive providers who are dedicated to their communities.
  • Encourage improvement in the quality, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of patient care in their community and state.
  • Be critical-thinking and effective communicators with both patients and healthcare professionals.
  • Identify the lack of medical care in rural and underserved regions and consider practicing their discipline or providing service in such locations.
  • Have an appreciation of the greater field of knowledge beyond their discipline and recognize the importance of lifelong learning in maintaining a level of excellence in their practice.

Program Objectives

The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) degree program is intended to prepare entry level medical professionals to assist the primary care physician with all medical and patient care responsibilities within the health care system, especially for rural and underserved populations. In order to accomplish this all-encompassing, student-based objective, the program will prepare the student to:

  • Practice cognitive skills specific to the systematic diagnostic process.
  • Practice problem-solving skills specific to the systematic diagnostic process.
  • Practice patient care methodologies consistent with Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) guidelines.
  • Understand all ethical considerations within the field.
  • Critically analyze clinical literature and methodologies.
  • Perform literature reviews critical to maintaining currency within the field.
  • Engage in community interaction.
  • Provide attainable health care in rural and underserved regions. The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree program will also:
  • Establish cooperative and productive relationships with other schools, departments, and programs within the University, clinical affiliates and preceptor sites.
  • Implement continuous and periodic self-study which will provide ongoing monitoring, evaluation and improvement of program activities.
  • Encourage and provide opportunities for continued professional growth and development for Physician Assistant faculty.

Admission Requirements

  • Students qualified to apply to the WLU Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree program will have:
  • A Bachelor’s degree (B.S. or B.A.)
  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Minimum Science GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • One year of General Chemistry with laboratory (General Chemistry I & General Chemistry II with corresponding labs, 8 units minimum) – OR – Inorganic Chemistry + Organic Chemistry + Biochemistry (all three) with corresponding labs (8 units minimum), prefer majors level. Note: A single, combined course in organic, inorganic, and biochemistry will not meet this requirement.
  • Microbiology with corresponding laboratory (4 units minimum), prefer majors level.
  • One year of Anatomy & Physiology with labs (8 units minimum & “human” in nature), prefer majors level.
  • One course in Psychology (General, Introductory or Developmental)-Online courses are accepted for this prerequisite
  • One course in Humanities or Social Science (3 units minimum)-Online courses are accepted for this prerequisite
  • One year of English and/or Writing (6 units minimum)-
  • One of the following Math courses: college level Algebra, Pre-Calculus, Calculus or Statistics (3 units minimum)
  • One course in Genetics - Preferred (3 units minimum)
  • All applicants must take, report and submit results for the Graduate Records Examination (GRE) (GRE code: 4027)
  • Basic computer literacy including the ability to use Microsoft WORD, email, and conduct web-based and electronic database searches.
  • Students from non-English speaking countries and those whose primary language is not English MUST provide Evidence of English Language Proficiency.
  • Three letters of recommendation will also be required. (At least one of these must be from a professor). The reference letters must address the applicant’s personal qualities, ability to work with others, and ability to be an empathetic provider.
  • Personal statement addressing the individual’s motivation for entering the program and expectations from the program will be evaluated.
  • No more than 2 prerequisite courses may be in progress at the time of application.
  • Prerequisites will not be waived.
  • All prerequisites must be completed in the United States.
  • Would prefer all prerequisite courses to have been completed within the past 10 years.
  • All students must receive Basic Life Support Certification from the American Heart Association during the month of their June Orientation.
    • AP credit will be accepted for those applicants receiving grade of 4 or better in the following courses:
      1.  Humanities/Social Science prerequisite (3 credits)
      2.  Psychology (3 credits)
      3.  English and/or Writing (6 credits)
      If the applicant enters their undergraduate University receiving AP credit for any of the other prerequisite courses, those courses will not meet the requirements for the P.A. Program.  An applicant will meet the prerequisites by either taking the same number of credits of advanced classes in the subject area at the major’s level (preferred) – OR – by retaking the prerequisite courses at the collegiate level.

  • The applicant may have a Bachelor's Degree in progress at the time of application however, it must be complete with proof of degree matriculation.

International Student Applicants

In addition to the requirements listed above, please submit:

  1. Proof of English Proficiency. Please submit one of the following test results:
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of 80 for the Internet-based test (IBT), or 550 for the paper-based test (PBT)
    • International English Language Testing (IELTS). 6
    • EIKEN. Grade Pre-1
    • Pearson Test of English. (PTE) Academic. 54
  2. Credit Certification. Have all your coursework and credits from institutions outside of the United States evaluated by a credential evaluation service provider (e.g. World Education Services (WES), Global Credential Evaluators (GCE), Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE), American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), etc.
  3. Proof of Financial Support. Submit adequate documentation of financial support for one academic year (12 months). (E.g. Official bank statement, sponsorship award letters, scholarship awards, Affidavit of Support (DHS Form I-134), etc.
  4. Copy of your ID page in your passport.

Recommended

  • Knowledge of medical terminology and statistics
  • A foundation in biochemistry and genetics
  • Shadowing a PA

Preferences for Selection

  • Patient care experience is preferred
  • A record of community service
  • WLU graduates
  • West Virginia residency >/= 30% of cohort from Appalachia
  • Additional preference given to:  Applicants from environmentally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds (as determined by CASPA), underrepresented medical minorities, and veterans

Transfer of Credit The WLU PA Program does not accept transfer of credit for any of the PA courses, either in the didactic or the clinical phase of the curriculum.

Screening Candidates will be issued screening exams during the interview. Applicants must be proficient in writing to be accepted into the program. Math, Medical Terminology, composition, and other evaluations may be used to assist with determination of acceptance into the program.

Advance Standing The WLU PA Program does not award advanced placement in either the didactic phase or the clinical phase. No advanced standing or placement will be granted for prior medical education training/experience.

Technical Requirements

The intent of the Physician Assistant Studies Program is to educate competent primary care Physician Assistants (PAs) who can evaluate, manage, and provide quality healthcare to the general population. Candidates admitted to this program are expected to complete the academic and clinical requirements of the professional program.

Candidates are reviewed for admission into the program on an individual basis. In addition to meeting the academic, professional, and administrative requirements, candidates must also have the ability to develop the intellectual capacity and technical skills required to perform the functions of a practicing physician assistant. A student must possess skills and behaviors at a level of capability to perform a variety of duties required of a physician assistant as a healthcare professional. In order to ensure that patients receive the best medical care possible, the faculty of the Physician Assistant program have identified certain skills and professional behaviors that are essential for successful progression of physician assistant students in the program.

Required Standards

Candidates who are accepted as students in the physician assistant program must meet the following standards:

Observation The student must have sufficient vision to be able to observe demonstrations, experiments, laboratory exercises, visual presentations and computer-facilitated instruction. He or she must be able to differentiate between normal and pathological states and distinguish between colors. In addition, the student must be able to observe patients closely and at a distance. Observation necessitates the complimentary use of smell, touch and hearing.

Communication The student must be able to speak, hear, read and write in order to elicit and exchange information with patients, family members, and other health care providers. He or she must be able to perceive verbal and non-verbal cues as it pertains to patients’ conditions. In addition, the student must be able to facilitate the flow of information with respect and sensitivity towards faculty, patients, families, and other members of the health care team.

Motor The student must have the motor control and coordination to perform physical examinations through inspection, palpation, auscultation and percussion in order to elicit information. He or she must be able to perform laboratory procedures, clinical skills and diagnostic maneuvers, with and without the use of equipment. In addition, the student must be able to bend, manipulate, lightly lift to approximately twenty-five pounds, and assist patients.

Intellectual, Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative The student must have the ability to comprehend, memorize, interpret, analyze and synthesize information presented in the classroom, laboratory and clinical settings. He or she must also be able to measure, calculate, formulate, reason and make diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. The student must be able to assimilate and integrate information through a variety of modalities such as classroom instruction, group interaction, research, individual study, and presentations. In addition, the student must be able to integrate the use of computer programs and web-based resources into learning.

Behavioral and Social Attributes The student must have the emotional health for full utilization of his or her intellectual capabilities, to exercise good judgment, to promptly complete all responsibilities and assignments attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients, and the deportment to exercise sensitive, empathic, mature and effective relationships with patients, their families, peers and other members of the health care team. The student should be able to recognize limitations of his or her education and training. The student should also be willing to seek consultation when appropriate, and be able to recognize, handle and/or assist in life-threatening situations. He or she must also have the humility to accept constructive critique and the perseverance to complete an arduous course of study.

All students are expected to perform physical examinations on both males and females and on each other. Breast and pelvic examinations will be conducted on anatomic models and/or simulated patients during the didactic (1st) year, and on real patients during the clinical year. Candidates who are unable to meet this requirement based on religious beliefs or other reason must inform the program by the end of the first full week of class so that reasonable arrangements may be made.

Chronic or recurrent illnesses or problems that may interfere with patient care or safety, or may lead to a high likelihood of absenteeism are incompatible with PA training or clinical practice. Deficiencies in knowledge, judgment, integrity, character, professional attitude or demeanor may jeopardize patient care. Reasonable accommodations will be made for applicants with disabilities. However, all applicants must be able to perform all listed technical requirements.

Applicants / Students with Disabilities Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) prohibit discrimination against otherwise qualified students and applicants with disabilities, solely on the basis of the disability, in any program or activity that receives federal financial assistance. In compliance with the ADA and Section 504, the University provides reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities in order to provide them with an equal opportunity to participate in the University’s programs, services and activities. A reasonable accommodation does not, however, guarantee that students will be successful in meeting the admission requirements and/or requirements of any course, program or clinical activity.

All applicants and students are evaluated in accordance with the Technical Standards and must possess not only the academic abilities, but also the physical, cognitive and emotional capabilities required to undertake the full curriculum and achieve the levels of competence required by the faculty of the WLU PA program.

The University provides reasonable accommodations but is not required to lower or substantially modify essential program requirements. The University also is not required to make adjustments to any program service, or activity that would fundamentally alter the nature of the service, program, or activity, or that would result in an undue financial or administrative burden. Finally, the University is not required to provide personal services including but not limited to personal attendants, individually prescribed devices, wheelchairs, readers for personal use or study, or other devices or services of a personal nature, including but not limited to tutors and typing for out of class studying.

Applicants and students are required to provide verification of disabilities that are not readily apparent.

Whether or not an accommodation is reasonable will be determined on an individual basis. Determining what is a reasonable accommodation is an interactive process between the disabled individual, the Program Coordinator, and the course instructor.

All services for students with disabilities are coordinated through the Learning and Student Development Center (LSDC). There is no standardized form or set of requirements regarding what students must share about their disabilities. Thus, a student needs to decide what, if anything, they want to reveal. If the student chooses not to disclose their disability and decides, at a later time, to make a disclosure, accommodations will not be made retroactively. Any coursework and grades completed before the disclosure will remain. Approved accommodations will be implemented after the student has completed the registration process with the LSDC. For this reason, students are strongly encouraged to contact the LSDC to register for services at the outset of each academic course. Recent documentation of a student’s disability from a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, or other subspecialty physician must be provided to the LSDC to establish accommodations. In addition to reviewing documentation to facilitate arrangements for specific classroom accommodations, ongoing individualized guidance is available from the LSDC’s disabilities specialist to include referrals to outside agencies for testing and assessment as necessary.

Applicants and students may obtain information about the accommodation request and ADA grievance procedure by contacting:

Bridgette Dawson, Director/ADA Coordinator

Office of Tutoring and Accessibility Services, Learning and Student Development Center, Main Hall 140 Office 144

304.336.8018 (phone) 304.336.8398 (fax) http://westliberty.edu/lsdc/disability-services

Health Insurance Students must submit proof of health insurance coverage by the time of matriculation. See health insurance policy under Program Costs.

Health Screening and Immunization WLU requires that its students and faculty be up to date on the following immunizations and skin tests. Students are expected to have these immunization current upon matriculation and updated as needed prior to beginning their clinical clerkships.

Tuberculosis (TB) Must be completed within the two months after entering the program. Applicants with a history of positive tests must provide documentation of appropriate screening and treatment. A history of receiving the BCG vaccine is not a contradiction to skin testing. Two-step testing is required

Diphtheria-Pertussis-Tetanus Primary series of 4 doses with DTaP or DTP. TdaP booster must be within the last 10 years.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Series of 2 doses. Dose 1 at 12-15 months or later, dose 2 at 4-6 years or later and at least one month apart from the 1st. (and/or provide MMR titer results).

Influenza Immunization is required each year.

Hepatitis B Immunization is required for all students. This series of three immunizations and post-vaccination antibody titer for proof of immunity is required.

Chicken Pox (Varicella) History of disease is acceptable (titer still required). If no history, two doses of vaccine at least one month apart and titer are necessary.

Bacterial Meningitis (highly recommended)

Application and Admission Process

The applicant will fill out and submit a CASPA Application

The applicant will complete and submit West Liberty University's supplemental application & $25.00 application fee (Applicants educated outside of the United States must also submit the additional required materials.)

The applicant will take and submit the GRE General examination to CASPA using GRE Code #4027.

Select applicants will be invited to West Liberty University campus for personal interviews. During the interview process, all applicants will be asked to write a brief composition on a particular topic & screened in Medical Terminology.

All candidates will be notified in writing of the admissions committee's decision. Candidates who are chosen to interview could possibly be notified of the admissions committee's decision as early as the day of their interview as we do offer seats on a "rolling basis”. Successful candidates will be contacted personally by the PA program director and invited to take a seat in the program. The official letter of acceptance from our University's Admissions Office will follow.

A confirmation and deposit in the amount of $500.00 is required to accept your place in the class and to confirm your acceptance. You will not be registered for classes until your deposit has been received. Additionally, we require a second deposit of $500.00, not later than 1-month before orientation. Both deposits will be applied towards your first term's tuition. Should you decide not to attend after sending in your deposits, please keep in mind that they are non-refundable.

*Note: It is not necessary to send transcripts directly to the University in addition to what the applicant has already submitted to CASPA during the application process unless:

  1. The applicant has courses in progress at the time of application.
  2. The applicant is in the process of completing an undergraduate degree.
  3. The applicant is offered a seat in the program: (Should the applicant accept a seat in the program, admittance is contingent on receipt and verification of all "official" transcripts and any other supporting documents. Selected candidates are also required to pass a Background Check as well as a Drug Screening. All will be complete and successful BEFORE matriculation.)

Estimated Program Costs

Program cost is subject to change.

In-state students

Tuition only: $60,249.00

All Expenses:

1st year on-campus: $45,423.50 2nd year on-campus: $44,344.50 Program Total: $89,768
1st year off-campus: $46,468 2nd year off-campus: $45,344.50 Program Total: $91,823

Out-of-state students:

Tuition only: $96,000

All Expenses:

1st year on-campus: $63,344 2nd year on-campus: $62,220 Program Total: $125,564
1st year off-campus: $64,344 2nd year off-campus: $63,220 Program Total: $127,564

Transportation

Students must have reliable transportation in order to report to clinical sites and other scheduled program events.

Didactic Phase Summative Evaluation

Didactic Phase Summative Evaluation. Occurs at the end of the 1st year (June). In order for a student to progress to the Senior Year (year two), he/she must:

  1. Pass all courses with a minimum passing grade of “C.”
  2. Have an overall G.P.A. of not less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  3. Pass a graded OSCE.
  4. Pass a comprehensive written examination.
  5. Pass all decision points (done at the end of each term).
  6. Meet all professional requirements.
  7. Be recommended by the Student Progress Committee for advancement to the senior year.

Program Summative Evaluation (Graduation Requirements)

Program Summative Evaluation (Graduation Requirements) occurs at the end of the program (June). In order for a student to graduate from the program he/she must:

  1. Pass all didactic courses with a minimum passing grade of “C.”
  2. Pass all clinical clerkships with a “Satisfactory” grade.
  3. Have an overall G.P.A. of not less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  4. Pass a graded OSCE.
  5. Pass a comprehensive written examination.
  6. Pass all decision points (done at the end of the 3rd, 6th and 9th (final) clerkship).
  7. Meet all professional requirements.
  8. Be recommended by the Student Progress Committee for graduation from the program.
  9. Meet all of the University’s requirements for graduation (tuition paid up to date/successful check-out).
  10. Receive a passing grade in Professional Issues II.
  11. Complete final two weeks clinical year of on-campus instruction/testing/study.

Curriculum

The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies is a twenty-four (24) month program divided into didactic and clinical sections. The didactic portion of the program will include a combination of basic science courses and laboratories as well as classes and laboratories in the applied medical sciences. This portion of the curriculum will occur during the first twelve months of the degree program. The final twelve months of the program will include nine, 5-week clinical rotations with the supervision of licensed clinical preceptors. The twenty-four month program will cycle from July of the entrance year through June of the second twelve months.

Year one: Didactic (59 Credits)

  • Four terms (11 and 12 weeks)

Summer Term

PA 501Human Anat & Physio I

4

PA 503Clinical Ethics

2

PA 504Research I

1

PA 512PA Professional Issues I

1

PA 516Clinical Lab Science

2

PA 520Prin of Physical Diagnosis I

3

PA 538Medical Microbiology

2

Total Credit Hours:15

Fall Term

PA 502Human Anat & Physio II

4

PA 505Research II

1

PA 510Pathophysiology of Disease I

2

PA 521Prin of Physical Diagnosis II

3

PA 526Clinical Pharmacology I

2

PA 528Clinical Medicine I

3

Total Credit Hours:15

Winter Term

PA 511Pathophysiology of Disease II

2

PA 519Hlth Promo & Preventive Med

2

PA 522Prin of Physical Diagnosis III

3

PA 527Clinical Pharmacology II

2

PA 529Clinical Medicine II

4

PA 536Clinical Skills I

2

Total Credit Hours:15

Spring Term

PA 518Behavioral Medicine

2

PA 530Clinical Medicine III

4

PA 531Clinical Medicine IV

3

PA 535Women's Health

2

PA 537Clinical Skills II

2

PA 532Clinical Genetics

1

Total Credit Hours:14

Year two: Clinical (46 Credits)

  • Nine 5-week clinical rotations
PA 570Family Medicine Clerkship

5

PA 571Internal Medicine Clerkship

5

PA 572Emergency Medicine Clerkship

5

PA 573Fam Med-Peds & Adoles Clerkshp

5

PA 574Women's Health Clerkship

5

PA 575General Surgery Clerkship

5

PA 576Behavioral Med/Psych Clerkship

5

PA 577Elective I Clerkship

5

PA 578Elective II Clerkship

5

PA 549PA Professional Issues II

1

Qualities that are consistent with the standards set forth by ARC-PA, and medical practice; integrity, cultural sensitivity, communication skills, commitment to lifelong learning and service, and practical knowledge are cornerstones within the physician assistant profession, and are the framework upon which the WLU program is based.

Background Check and Drug Screenings

All WLU PA program matriculates must have at least two background checks and urine drug screenings (UDS) at the program prescribed times. All PA students are required to complete and pass their background checks and drug screenings before beginning their program of training and again prior to clinical rotations at the WLU PA program prescribed time. In addition, students enrolled in the WLU PA program are subject to random drug screenings at any point during the PA program. Failure to perform or successfully pass a drug screen will result in postponement of academic activities and clinical experiences and/or dismissal from the program.

Policy Governing Student Employment

  1. This is a fast-paced, intensive program with a finite amount of time to assimilate coursework and complete assignments. Due to the rigorous academic coursework of the WLU PA Program, students are strongly discouraged from working during the course of study.
    1. Didactic Phase: Although students are strongly discouraged from working in the didactic phase, they are permitted to do so. Students who choose to work must inform the Program Director in writing. If employment affects a student’s performance or causes a pattern of concern (e.g. failing grades, interfering with academic performance/duties, or sustained marginal performance), the student will be subjected to administrative action up to and including dismissal from the program.
    2. Clinical Phase: Students are NOT permitted to work during the clinical phase. If a student is discovered by the program to be employed against policy, whether or not it does or does not affect their performance or causes a pattern of concern, the student will be subjected to administrative action by the PA program up to and including dismissal from the program. A student who fails a clinical rotation will be required to repeat the rotation. Any student who fails a repeated course or clinical rotation will be dismissed from the program.