, 2009

Curriculum – MCP

The physician assistant profession has experienced sharp growth over the past decade.  This has led to a competitive job market where having an advanced degree is advantageous.  Practicing physician assistants are looking for ways to obtain a master’s degree that will allow them to continue working without having to return to a campus. The Physician Assistant Program at Southern Illinois University recognizes the need for such a program and is offering a Master’s Completion Program (MCP) which will award the graduate with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPA) Degree. Students in the Master’s Completion Program will learn the latest trends in health care policy and medical ethics, as well as the new trends in medicine.  The student will also gain exposure to evidence based research and scientific writing.

The Master’s Completion Program (MCP) is a 30-credit hour, 12 months program.  This option was developed for those students who are PA-Cs and hold a Bachelor’s degree, graduated from an accredited PA Program, and is NCCPA certified.  Master’s completion programs are not accredited by the ARC-PA.

Students enrolled in the MCP may complete the program via distance education with possible periodically scheduled seminars on campus, as per requirements stated on the course syllabi.  Since the MCP may be completed via distance learning, the student will be required to have access to the internet.  Blackboard is used to post assignments for the individual courses in which the students are enrolled.  Blackboard is also utilized for students to submit assignments for classes.  Students will be enrolled in Blackboard with admission to SIU-C. 

The minimum of the program length is one year.  However, faculty and staff realize that there are extenuating circumstances that may require an extension.  Those extensions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Below is a listing of the courses that students are required to complete to receive their degree.  Descriptions of individual courses below may be found in the Course Description section of the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Graduate Catalog. 

Requirements for Master’s Completion Program

First Year Sequence……………………………………………22

Physician Assistant 540, 547, 548, 549, 599

Second Year Sequence………………………………………… 8

Physician Assistant 545, 599

Total……………………………………………………………………30

Master’s Completion Program Curriculum Guide

Semester 1 – Fall - 10 credit hours

PA 547-4                     Research Methods and Evidence-Based Medicine

PA 548-4                     Medicine in Practice

PA 599-2                    Master’s Seminar

Semester 2 – Spring - 12 credit hours

PA 540-4                     Ethical Issues in PA Practice

PA 549-4                     Medicine in Practice

PA 599-4                     Master’s Seminar

Semester 3 – Summer - 8 credit hours

PA 545-3                     Health Care Systems

PA 599-5                     Master’s Seminar

The Master’s Seminar is a longitudinal course required each semester of enrollment that is designed to equip the student with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to design and complete a clinically-based Master’s Research Project.  Students apply strategies previously learned in the Research Methods/Evidence Based Medicine Course.  The Master’s Seminar culminates with a presentation and defense of the completed Master’s Research Project. 

MCP Advisement

Application

Application Process

Additional Information:

Expenses

Reference Form 

Technical Standards

Program Technology  Requirements

SIU-C Graduate Catalog