SIUC PA Home Page

SIUC Physician Assistant Program

Welcome to the SIUC PA Program Website! We are glad you are here!

The Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) Physician Assistant (PA) program began in 1997 and utilizes a problem-based learning (PBL) format for delivery of its medical curriculum. The SIUC PA Program is currently accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), with our next site visit being held in December 2009. The program is housed in the School of Allied Health in the College of Applied Sciences and Arts in cooperation with the SIU School of Medicine. The SIUC PA program has been a pioneer in using PBL, simulated patients, innovative evaluation techniques, and clinical mentoring programs. SIUC has an overall national certification rate of over 99% for all PA graduates and a 100% employment rate by 3 months after graduation.

The mission of the Southern Illinois University Physician Assistant Program is to prepare healthcare professionals to provide primary health care to underserved populations in rural and health professional shortage areas. We will enhance this healthcare by preparing graduates who are interdependent medical providers, dedicated to both community and profession. The academic setting will foster creative thinking and communication skills in our pursuit of excellence.

Because SIUC is a major research institution and the national trend in PA education has moved toward the Master’s Degree, the PA Program has transitioned to a Master’s level degree program beginning with the class entering summer of 2007. Two separate degree options will be offered. A Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPA) can be gained by on-campus study (26 months). This full program is for students who wish to become physician assistants. We have also added an online master’s degree completion option for those who already hold a Bachelor’s Degree and are currently practicing physician assistants. This Master’s Completion Program (MCP) can be achieved in one (1) year using distance learning and a supervising Preceptor. Detailed information about each of these programs can be found by clicking on the links on this website.

Because of the change to a Master’s level program, requirements for admission have also changed. Additionally, applicants will be required to complete a Bachelor’s degree before being considered for admission to the PA Program.

Curriculum

The Southern Illinois University Carbondale PA program utilizes a Problem Based Learning (PBL) format for its curriculum. The traditional program for students who are not already PA’s, takes 26 months to complete. The first year (Phase I) is the didactic year, which focuses more on the PBL modules, anatomy, clinical medicine, and the core sciences, as well as research methods. The second year (Phase II), is the clinical year, where students will complete clinical rotations and continue learning through PBL modules. The final two months (Phase III), is the preceptorship, which is required after all clinical rotations have been completed.

The Master’s Completion Program is designed to be completed via distance education with possible periodic scheduled seminars on campus. The program can be completed in 12 months. This option was developed for those students who are PA-Cs and hold a Bachelors’ degree, graduated from an accredited PA program, and is NCCPA certified.

More information regarding the SIUC’s PA program curriculum can be found on this webpage under the appropriate “Degree Offered” link. Descriptions of individual courses may be found in the Course Description section of the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Graduate Catalog.

Program Advisement

To speak with an academic advisor for any questions about recommended majors, the new PA Program requirements or if you need any assistance, call (618)453-5527 or e-mail paadvisement-L@listserv.siu.edu.