WesternU’s PA Program has received an unfavorable decision from their accreditor, ARC-PA, which impacts our accreditation and admissions of future students. Please review this important information to ensure you understand how this may impact you as an applicant.
Welcome
As health care changes, Physician Assistants are increasingly valued as vital members of the health care team. WesternU’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) graduates are in high demand and enjoy careers that are rewarding both personally and professionally.
Functions and tasks of a PA graduate
A graduate from WesternU’s two-year MSPAS program will be able to:
- Elicit a comprehensive history and perform a complete routine physical examination on patients of any age group; elicit a pertinent and accurate history and perform a problem-oriented physical examination in situations requiring an interval evaluation.
- Select, perform, and/or interpret the appropriate routine patient laboratory and diagnostic studies/procedures.
- Identify patient problems, organize, and integrate data, and record patient findings.
- Accurately present an oral case.
- Implement a management plan.
- Instruct and counsel patients regarding physical and mental health to include diet, health maintenance, therapy, normal growth and development, family planning, referral, and follow-up services.
- Provide life support and emergency evaluation/care in response to life-threatening situations in the absence of a physician and/or other appropriate health professionals.
- Initiate and follow up on appropriate referrals to specialists.
You can find additional information on our Department of Physician Assistant Education web page.
Go directly to pages with information regarding: Accreditation | Attrition and Completion | Goals/Competencies
The MSPAS program will prepare students to demonstrate:
- Competency in established and evolving core medial and clinical sciences knowledge with an application to patient care in diverse settings
- Interpersonal and communication skills that result in effective information exchange with patients, families, health care providers, professional associates, and the health care system
- Care that is effective, patient-centered, compassionate, timely, efficient, and equitable for the treatment of health problems and the promotion of wellness
- A high level of responsibility, ethical practice, sensitivity to a diverse patient population, and adherence to legal and regulatory requirements
- Critical analysis, evaluation, and improved patient care practices throughout their ongoing education and practice
- An awareness of and responsiveness to the larger system of health care to provide patient care that is of optimal value
Why choose WesternU?
We have a nationally recognized program and offer you:
- A record of consistently high first-time pass rates on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE)
- A small, private, health-focused institution that fosters interprofessional learning
- Clinical experiences that develops professional and communication skills at a wide range of clinical sites
- Top faculty who interact with the students
- A well established program accredited by the Accreditation Review Committee on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA)
- Long humanistic tradition of treating patients as people first; treating students with respect; and fostering camaraderie among students
- Outstanding student support services including tutoring and disability resources
- Diverse student body and rich array of student club and volunteer opportunities
- Southern California location with tremendous clinical training opportunities as well as access to
major cultural and recreational resources - A chance to join WesternU’s well-respected Physician Assistant alumni, who are in high demand and who enjoy a lifelong connection with the University
Important Program Information
- Due to the demands of the curriculum, students are not permitted to work while in the PA program. This provides the best opportunity for learners to be successful in the program.
- Despite previous expertise and experience, students are not permitted to substitute for or function as, instructional faculty during any phase of the PA curriculum. This helps to protect learners from divided attention while in the program
“At WesternU I received a well-rounded education. Not only did I gain the medical knowledge necessary to fulfill my role as a Physician Assistant, but I learned to always listen and be compassionate.”
– MSPA Student
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Take a look at our visit options and consider attending a WesternU Preview. If you’d like to discuss specifics with an advisor, schedule an advising appointment, online, on campus, or over the phone. When you request additional information we’ll make sure you receive program updates and deadline reminders. Of course, you can always find us on Instagram @westernu_mspa.