While volunteering at an LGBTQ+ camp, Brenna M. had an experience that permanently reshaped her approach to healthcare.

She was looking for volunteer work to add to her master鈥檚 applications when she came across Brave Trails, a national non-profit organization dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth leadership.

鈥淢y time volunteering in the LGBTQ+ community was a turning point,鈥� Brenna said. 鈥淚t changed my views on how I could use my expertise and career to advocate for those who might not have the same privileges I do.鈥�

Providing care to LGBTQ+ youth ignited Brenna鈥檚 unwavering passion and now steers her educational path as a master of physician assistant student at 国产主播-Center for Graduate Studies.

鈥淚鈥檓 excited to come into class having that lens and understand where those gaps are and how I can help fill them,鈥� Brenna said.

Brenna’s path into medicine, driven by her lifelong passion for science, initially led her to a year-long stint in a biomedical engineering lab, where she found herself missing the human-to-human interaction that medicine provides.

鈥淚 loved the science from research, but it wasn鈥檛 stimulating my need to interact with people,鈥� Brenna said.

However, a conversation with a friend who worked as a physician assistant revealed that the PA profession perfectly aligned with her desires for both science and connecting with people.

Now two-thirds of the way through her first year at 国产主播, Brenna is enthusiastic about her experience at the Center for Graduate Studies. She said she appreciates the MPA program’s hybrid model, which provides the flexibility to balance work, life, and studies.

鈥淚 think that鈥檚 a huge advantage to this program,鈥� Brenna said.

When asked what advice she would offer to those considering an MPA program, Brenna emphasized the importance of bringing a passion to your studies that extends outside the classroom.

鈥淔igure out what gets you excited and try and bring that lens to PA school because it鈥檚 definitely going to translate at the end,鈥� she said.

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In preparation for their clinical year of the Master of Physician Assistant program, 国产主播-Texas students put their bedside manner and book smarts to the test in a series of immersive simulations.

Held once a trimester and called 鈥淥bjective Structured Clinical Examinations鈥� 鈥� or OSCE, for short 鈥� the tests are a combination of classroom theory and real-life patient care that help hone the MPA students鈥� ability to diagnose and treat illnesses and communicate effectively.

鈥淭he OSCE allows them to pull all of their skills and knowledge together so that before they go out into their clinicals, they鈥檝e actually gone in and learned how to interact with patients,鈥� WCU-Texas MPA Dean Amy Bronson said.

During the OSCE, students confront a patient’s case, complete with a chief complaint and vital signs. The challenges are many: Determine the right questions to ask, perform the necessary physical examinations precisely, and even request diagnostic testing.

鈥淎ll these things come together to essentially take what is book knowledge and apply it to patient care,鈥� Bronson said.

Critical to this preparation are standardized patients, who follow a script through the scenario and help guide students toward the correct diagnoses. The simulated patients are usually individuals from the community and offer invaluable feedback on students’ performance.

鈥淲e have been strategic in having a very diverse group of standardized patients because that also helps our students learn how to take care of and care well for those across the diversity spectrum,鈥� Bronson said.

Besides helping prepare for the clinical year, Bronson said the OSCE also fosters a sense of confidence and competence with WCU students and gives them a head start on being better-equipped healthcare professionals who can more easily navigate the challenges of patient care.

鈥淭he fun part is when students come back to campus during the clinical year, and they say, 鈥業 felt so much more comfortable going in my first day because I鈥檝e done this before,鈥欌�� Bronson said.

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When you work in healthcare, meeting new people is a regular part of the job. This is where you create the provider-patient relationship: You want your patients to like you, and you need them to trust you.

As a healthcare provider, you have to make first impressions often鈥攕ometimes on a daily basis. The new patient introduction is more complicated than just a handshake and a hello because the person you鈥檙e meeting is in a vulnerable position. They may be stressed or even fearful鈥攁n actual diagnosis for this is 鈥�,鈥� in which the patient has developed physical symptoms like high blood pressure in a healthcare setting.

Meeting your patient for the first time is your opportunity to set the tone that will inform every interaction that follows, whether you鈥檙e a physician assistant, an occupational therapist, or a nurse practitioner. When done right, you can put your patient at ease, earn their trust, and open a healthy line of communication that is essential for adherence to treatment plans and improved patient outcomes.

Here are some best practices for a patient introduction:

1. Respect Their Time

Wait time is consistently a top concern for . Of course, you can鈥檛 always control for this, but you can make sure you actively consider your patient鈥檚 time during your interaction with them.

This means efficiency during the actual consultation, examination, or treatment of your patient, so your patient isn鈥檛 there any longer than necessary and others do not have to wait longer than needed. This also means allowing ample time to explain treatments, hear concerns, and answer questions, so your patient feels they have your full and unrushed attention.

If your clinic, hospital, or office is busy and a longer patient wait time is inevitable, do what you can to manage expectations. One easy way to do this is at check-in鈥攕ee if the receptionist is able to give patients an approximation of how long until they鈥檒l be seen. You can also make quick contact with the patient yourself to show that you know they鈥檙e waiting and you鈥檒l be with them as soon as you can.

2. Be Intentional in the Meet and Greet

Once you鈥檙e able to meet your patient, be methodical in your introduction. Make sure you鈥檙e the one who initiates the introduction, and do it as soon as you walk in the room. Take charge of the interaction immediately, and personalize yourself with your name and your role.

In introducing yourself, it鈥檚 important to know your social signals: eye contact, facial expression, speech, and space. Let鈥檚 go through these one by one:

• Eye Contact: Meet your patient鈥檚 eyes right away. Direct eye contact demonstrates that you鈥檙e confident and you鈥檙e paying attention to your patient. It shows your patient that you see them, and that鈥檚 what they鈥檙e there for.

• Facial Expression: Don鈥檛 hesitate to smile at your patient. Patients, particularly those who have a concerning condition, are trying to read you for worrisome cues. Keep your expression warm, calm, sincere, and reassuring.

• Speech: How you speak to a patient says as much about you as what you say. Speak politely, clearly, and with empathy. Use Mr., Mrs., Ms., or if you aren鈥檛 sure of someone鈥檚 pronouns, you can use a first name. This bit of provider-patient etiquette might seem formal, but a small sign of respect can be meaningful to a patient who feels vulnerable.

• Space: Even though providing healthcare often requires you to get up close and personal with your patient鈥檚 body, during your introduction, give them some room. Personal space has been studied鈥攊t鈥檚 called 鈥攁nd it varies culturally, but a good rule of thumb is to give your patient at least an arm鈥檚 length of personal space while you鈥檙e getting acquainted.

Making sure you are mindful of your social signals during an introduction will go a long way toward creating and maintaining the right impression with your patient. Over time, it will become second nature鈥攑art of your muscle memory.

3. Come Prepared to Care

Check the chart or file before you walk in the room. A patient will trust you more if they believe you鈥檝e already been briefed on their needs. Show the patient that you know why they鈥檙e there, and explain to them what they can expect. Knowing information and giving the patient some agency over what happens next will help them feel secure and empowered.

Make sure you have everything you need with you, and as you come to the end of the appointment, explain what will happen next. Invite the patient to ask questions鈥攎ake it a two-way conversation鈥攁nd ask them if there鈥檚 anything they need.

Remember: Your departure is almost as important as your introduction. Don鈥檛 rush your exit. Before you leave the room and complete your first interaction, thank the patient by name. If you鈥檒l be seeing this patient again in the future, you have laid a solid foundation for trust and comfort. And if another healthcare provider will be taking it from here, you鈥檙e leaving your patient with a solid plan for ongoing continuity of care.

4. Make a Follow-up Call

One gesture that can help you stand out from other providers is a personal follow-up to your patient鈥檚 first appointment. A call, email, or message via your patient portal or clinical management system will show the patient that your concern for their health extends beyond the confines of your office or clinic.

You can do this even if there鈥檚 no new information to relay. Your follow-up communication can be as simple as an invitation to stay in touch with questions, or an inquiry about progress.

Another benefit of the follow-up is that it creates continuity between visits. This has dual benefits: It encourages patient compliance with instructions for better patient outcomes鈥攁nd for private practice or healthcare business owners, it reinforces your value as a business and may differentiate you from other providers.

Since a follow-up call is low- or no-cost, it鈥檚 both a smart and considerate improvement you can make to your patient鈥檚 experience.

In summary: You want to create a first patient experience that is respectful, open, and professional. Adhere to these guidelines during your introduction to a patient and you鈥檒l not only make a positive and professional impression, you鈥檒l also lay the groundwork for a healthy provider-patient relationship going forward.

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While working for a biomedical company, Lawson Scott discovered that his interactions with clinical trial participants were the most valuable part of his role and the best part of his day. 

鈥淚 wanted to connect with people, know their stories and identify how I can help them,鈥� he said.

That’s when he realized he wanted a career that allowed him to help people as soon as they walked in the door.

鈥淚n clinical trials, we have participants. We would monitor them and analyze their results after months,鈥� Scott said. 鈥淎s a physician assistant, you have patients. With patients, you can potentially help them by the end of the visit.鈥�

Scott explored several different areas within the medical field while looking for a more hands-on approach to helping others. Ultimately, the career options offered as a physician assistant led to his final choice.

鈥淵ou have more flexibility with your career long-term,鈥� Scott said. 鈥淵ou can do orthopedics for five years and then go do primary care.鈥�

Scott said he is still thankful for his experience in clinical trials because it helped guide him to his correct path. His advice to others is that it鈥檚 OK to take time to make the right decision.

鈥淚 have friends who recently completed their undergrad, and they feel rushed to apply to PA or med school right away,鈥� he said. 鈥淗aving the experience beforehand can help lead you and guide you in the right direction.鈥�

Now a Master of Physician Assistant (MPA) student at 国产主播-Texas, Scott is looking forward to beginning his second year in the program and starting his clinical rotations. He is looking forward to connecting with his patients and providing care.

鈥淭o have someone come in with a problem and potentially leave with a solution is very fulfilling,鈥� Scott said. 

The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the 国产主播 Physician Assistant Program sponsored by 国产主播. Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program鈥檚 ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation. Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students. Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class. The program鈥檚 accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at To become a certified PA (PA-C), one must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). In addition, students must obtain state medical board registration/licensure. The licensure requirements will vary from state to state. A PA may not begin working as a Physician Assistant in most states until he/she has successfully passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) AND has been licensed/ registered by the state in which they practice. There may be exceptions for certain state licensures or for federal employment, such as the military and Veterans Administration. Failure to complete all necessary steps may constitute practicing medicine without a medical license. Upon graduation, students are responsible for ensuring they obtain all required licenses and certifications. 国产主播 is not responsible for registration or licensing; the student is solely responsible for all such requirements and verifying proper authorizations to practice medicine have been obtained.

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When Destiny W. joined her father on a mission trip to St. Andrews Island at 10 years old, she knew she wanted to pursue a career in healthcare.  

鈥淲e were doing outreach and I could see the people had health care needs, but I didn鈥檛 have the knowledge to supply it,鈥� she shared. 鈥淚 wanted to help people, and I realized the best way to do that was through the lens of healthcare.鈥�  

Destiny also grew up inspired by her mother, an obstetrics and gynecology surgical technician. Hearing her fascinating stories influenced Destiny to explore her own path in healthcare, leading her to that of a physician assistant.  

鈥淲hat really gravitated me towards the PA profession was that I wasn鈥檛 limited to one specialty,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檒l be able to switch specialties throughout my career, prescribe medication, create a treatment plan, and work on a healthcare team.鈥�   

As part of the first cohort of students in the 国产主播-Texas Master of Physician Assistant program, Destiny鈥檚 goal is to help others by providing quality and affordable healthcare, and by making an impact on patients’ lives. 

鈥淢y purpose is still doing missionary work. I think it is very important for PAs to build that bridge between healthcare and underserved communities,鈥� she shared. 鈥淧As make a huge impact on the healthcare profession, and I want to do my part by being a great provider. I want to build a great rapport with my future patients and improve their quality of life as much as possible. I want to truly serve my community.鈥�  

Now well into her program, Destiny鈥檚 advice to future WCU-Texas MPA students is to 鈥渟tay on top of your studies, stay organized, do assignments two days before they’re due, be adaptable, make lifelong friends, but also maintain balance life.鈥�  

鈥淒on鈥檛 forget to laugh and enjoy the process,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 know you鈥檙e in school but it鈥檚 good to have a balance and live life while getting your education.鈥�  

The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the 国产主播 Physician Assistant Program sponsored by 国产主播. Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program鈥檚 ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation. Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students. Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class. The program鈥檚 accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at To become a certified PA (PA-C), one must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). In addition, students must obtain state medical board registration/licensure. The licensure requirements will vary from state to state. A PA may not begin working as a Physician Assistant in most states until he/she has successfully passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) AND has been licensed/ registered by the state in which they practice. There may be exceptions for certain state licensures or for federal employment, such as the military and Veterans Administration. Failure to complete all necessary steps may constitute practicing medicine without a medical license. Upon graduation, students are responsible for ensuring they obtain all required licenses and certifications. 国产主播 is not responsible for registration or licensing; the student is solely responsible for all such requirements and verifying proper authorizations to practice medicine have been obtained.

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A part of the first Master of Physician Assistant (MPA) cohort at WCU-Texas, Alexandra A. wants to help rural communities get the healthcare they need by advocating and educating as a physician assistant.

As a child, Arnold had to travel 45 minutes after suffering a foot injury when her leg became stuck between two rocks while walking along a lake near her home.

鈥淏y the time we got to the hospital, it was all hands-on deck,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 had lost so much blood, and there was nothing my parents could鈥檝e done because that was our closest hospital.鈥�

Looking back, Arnold realized the level of care needed to treat her injury would have been much lower if she had closer access to healthcare.

鈥淲e can have all these physicians, but if we need them in larger areas focusing on the high scale stuff,鈥� Arnold said. 鈥淲e need those physician assistants who can focus on the rural stuff.鈥�

Arnold is looking forward to putting her skills to practice and making a difference for her patients and the community she serves.

鈥淵ou can make an impact at different levels by advocating and educating people to equip themselves to embrace their health and not rely on others,鈥� she said.  

Arnold began the WCU鈥檚 MPA program in January 2022.

鈥淚 solely moved to Texas from Virginia for 国产主播,鈥� she said. 鈥淯pon walking in, it was just seeing the welcomeness of the whole faculty and staff and the school in general. As well as the innovation of using halo lenses, anatomage and other resources that apply to whatever type of learner you are.鈥�

She and her cohort are working towards their goal of graduating, and every day they are forging a new trail for the next cohort to follow.

鈥淭heir path is going to be easier, but at the same time, we are putting our stamp in, not only the profession but also the school,鈥� Arnold said. 聽

The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the 国产主播 Physician Assistant Program sponsored by 国产主播. Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program鈥檚 ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation. Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students. Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class. The program鈥檚 accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at To become a certified PA (PA-C), one must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). In addition, students must obtain state medical board registration/licensure. The licensure requirements will vary from state to state. A PA may not begin working as a Physician Assistant in most states until he/she has successfully passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) AND has been licensed/ registered by the state in which they practice. There may be exceptions for certain state licensures or for federal employment, such as the military and Veterans Administration. Failure to complete all necessary steps may constitute practicing medicine without a medical license. Upon graduation, students are responsible for ensuring they obtain all required licenses and certifications. 国产主播 is not responsible for registration or licensing; the student is solely responsible for all such requirements and verifying proper authorizations to practice medicine have been obtained.

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The is richly intertwined with American history. Before it was a recognized profession, military medics who had received 鈥渇ast track鈥� medical training were helping provide healthcare during World Wars I and II. Around the same time, rural doctors were informally training employees to assist them in treating populations in pastoral areas, far from hospitals.

The same skilled armed-forces medics who were already providing care to soldiers in combat would return home as vets seeking work. Many became among the first physician assistants, as the profession emerged in response to a doctor shortage in the late 1950s. In 1965, the first official PA program began at Duke University, using the 鈥渇ast track鈥� model.

If you鈥檙e thinking of pursuing this respected profession, we encourage you to check out our Master of Physician Assistant program to learn more about what it takes to carry on this tradition of essential medical professionals. As a PA, you鈥檒l provide care in any of an array of medical settings, from hospital operating rooms to rural primary care centers.

Table of Contents

Physician Assistant Job Duties

Career Opportunities

Degree Requirements

WCU PA Program

Next Steps

Physician Assistant Job Duties

What Does a Physician Assistant Do?

A physician assistant works on a team with a supervising physician in a medical setting to provide preventative care, treatments, and procedures. A PA’s specific duties vary by specialization and place of work. For example, a pediatric physician assistant might perform a child鈥檚 physical examination or administer vaccines. A surgical physician assistant may assist in the preoperative, performance, and postoperative aspects of a procedure.

While specializations may dictate what treatments you鈥檒l perform within your placement, physician assistant responsibilities will generally include the following (as cited by the ):

• Reviewing and evaluating the patient鈥檚 condition and history
• Performing examinations
• Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and labs
• Diagnosing conditions, illnesses, and injuries
• Administering treatments, such as immunizations and splints
• Providing patient education and counseling
• Prescribing medication
• Assessing and recording progress
• Researching and staying up to date with treatment options
• Participating in patient and population outreach and education

What Is the Difference Between a Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner?

Let鈥檚 start with PAs. Physician assistants study and practice medicine broadly in a medical school and will typically work in and for a particular medical field: orthopedics, internal medicine, urology, etc. Physician assistants then work closely with specialists within each field. Studying for a PA degree resembles study toward an MD, with a disease-centric approach.

By contrast, nurse practitioners (and nurses more generally) are educated to work with a specific patient population: children, women, geriatric patients, and more. Within those populations, they may specialize further: neonatal, acute care, family care, etc. A nursing course of study is highly patient-centric.

What Can Physician Assistants Specialize In?

The list of PA specialties is long and diverse. Focuses of specialty can include both general and subspecialty disciplines. There are literally dozens of possible paths to advance your physician assistant career to choose a specialty, but the American Academy of Physician Assistants lists the following :

• Cardiovascular and thoracic surgery
• Emergency medicine
• Family medicine
• Geriatrics
• Hospital medicine
• Internal medicine
• Nephrology
• Obstetrics and gynecology
• Oncology
• Orthopedic surgery
• Pediatrics
• Psychiatry/mental health

And the list goes on. PAs work in all areas of medicine, so you may find yourself teamed with an anaesthesiologist or endocrinologist 鈥� or any of a number of other specialists not listed above.

Career Opportunities

Where Do Physician Assistants Work?

Curious what you can do with a MPA degree? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, once you鈥檙e licensed to practice as a physician assistant, you may have the opportunity to work in a including:

• Physicians鈥� offices
• Hospitals
• Outpatient care centers
• Educational services
• Government healthcare facilities

Degree Requirements

How Long Does It Take to Become a Physician Assistant?

Completing an MPA degree is typically a two-year program (the WCU鈥檚 MPA program is 24 months). You鈥檒l also need an undergraduate degree in order to apply as a graduate student. After that, you will need to pass your certification exam so you can begin working as a PA.

Consider preparation for exams an extension of your school-based study. Field experience is often built into your degree curriculum.

What Subjects Are Covered in a PA Program?

Depending on your school and program, your precise curriculum will vary. We invite you to view the for a detailed look at what your education will include. You can expect your course of study at WCU to touch upon all of the topics below:

• Medical Science
• Clinical Anatomy and Physiology
• Patient Assessment and Counseling
• Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics
• Clinical Diagnostics
• Disease and Society
• Mental Health
• Evidence-Based Medicine
• Art of Care
• Clinical Experience (Women鈥檚/Pediatric/Behavioral/Surgical)

These disciplines and subjects will be taught in the classroom, labs, and through practice experience.

What Is the PANCE Exam?

The (PANCE), administered through the (NCCPA), is the credentialing test you must pass after graduation from an MPA degree program, before you are allowed to practice as a physician assistant.

The provide for more details on eligibility, testing protocols, and more.

Steps for Taking the PANCE Exam:

1. Complete an accredited MPA degree program.
2. on the NCCPA website.
3. Submit your application and pay the $550 exam fee.
4. Receive your exam acknowledgement through NCCPA.
5. and schedule your exam within the 180-day required timeframe.
6. Prepare for your exam. (NCCPA offers some study resources.)
7. Take and pass your exam, or retake the test (up to six times within six years).
8. Receive your Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) certification.
9. Optional: Consider earning a in a PA specialty.
10. Renew your certification prior to expiration (varies by state).

WCU Physician Assistant Program: Campus & Hybrid Options

At 国产主播, we provide multiple options for completing your Master of Physician Assistant degree. You can enroll in our Texas MPA degree program, which is completed at our Richardson campus in the Dallas Metro area. Or, you can sign up for our hybrid MPA degree program in California,¹ which includes both remote study and some attendance at our Center for Graduate Studies in Los Angeles.

Our campuses have technologically advanced simulation centers that allow students to learn patient care techniques in a safe and realistic practice environment. We also use innovative tools such as virtual dissection tables and augmented reality to improve our students鈥� learning experiences.

Next Steps

Being a physician assistant is a meaningful career that is indispensable to patient outcomes and a functioning healthcare system. If you鈥檙e interested in pursuing an MPA degree and beginning your path as a future physician assistant, tap the Request Info button on this screen or call us at (866) 508-2684 to discuss your education options. We want to help you achieve your educational goals!

¹ The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the 国产主播 Physician Assistant Program sponsored by 国产主播.

Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation (if fully implemented as planned) of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program鈥檚 ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards, or when a program holding Accreditation-Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.

Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class. The program鈥檚 accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at .

To become a certified PA (PA-C), one must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). In addition, students must obtain state medical board registration/licensure. The licensure requirements will vary from state to state.

A PA may not begin working as a Physician Assistant in most states until he/she has successfully passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) AND has been licensed/registered by the state in which they practice. There may be exceptions for certain state licensures or for federal employment, such as the military and Veterans Administration. Failure to complete all necessary steps may constitute practicing medicine without a medical license. Upon graduation, students are responsible for ensuring they obtain all required licenses and certifications. 国产主播 is not responsible for registration or licensing; the student is solely responsible for all such requirements and verifying proper authorizations to practice medicine have been obtained.

WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.

With the COVID-19 endemic, the university is currently offering some on-ground courses in the distance education modality, as needed. As the situation changes, students may be expected to return on-campus to complete their program on-site in the regular learning modality as outlined in the university catalog.

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We are excited to announce that 国产主播, which has been educating the next generation of healthcare professionals for more than 100 years, will be expanding access to its Physician Assistant program. WCU is launching a new MPA degree program in California to add to the one it already offers at the WCU-Texas campus.

The new program, which received its provisional accreditation from the ARC-PA in June of 2022, is accepting applications now and will enroll its first cohort of students in January 2023. (See the last section of this post for more information about our ARC-PA provisional accreditation.)

鈥淎t its core, our Physician Assistant program has been designed to produce clinically and culturally competent medical providers prepared to deliver compassionate and person-centric care to all communities served.”

Elizabeth Bunting, Program Director, WCU MPA of California Program

What to Expect in the MPA Degree Program in California

Once an MPA student has begun their classes, the path to commencement will take two years to complete with students splitting their time evenly between a year of (mostly online) class-based training and a year of fully on-site clinical training.

In the first year, students can expect synchronous and asynchronous classes combined with one week of on-site intensives (or in-person, immersive learning experiences) each trimester in the first year, and one at the end of the program. These on-site intensives will be held at WCU鈥檚 Center for Graduate Studies in Los Angeles.

In the second year, students will complete nine 5-week clinical rotations comprised of seven core rotations (emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, surgery, and women鈥檚 health) and two elective rotations (in any of the available core areas or a specialty practice).

Admission Requirements

Students who are interested in joining this first cohort must have completed their bachelor鈥檚 degree from a regionally accredited college 鈥� and all required prerequisite courses (applicants will be allowed to have one class pending in the fall) 鈥� by Sept. 1, 2022. Additionally, they must complete all steps in the application process by Dec. 1, 2022.

The steps in the application process include the following:

• Completing a Application (Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants) with official transcripts for all previous higher education institutions attended
• Submitting three letters of recommendation
• Completing the supplemental admissions application
• Participating in an admissions interview

Learn more about the California MPA degree program and its admissions requirements, or reach out to MPA 国产主播 at CGSGradAdmssions@westcoastuniversity.edu with any questions you have about enrollment.

ARC-PA Provisional Accreditation Disclosure

The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the 国产主播 Physician Assistant Program sponsored by 国产主播.

Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation (if fully implemented as planned) of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program鈥檚 ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards, or when a program holding Accreditation-Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.

Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class. The program鈥檚 accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at .

To become a certified PA (PA-C), one must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). In addition, students must obtain state medical board registration/licensure. The licensure requirements will vary from state to state.

A PA may not begin working as a Physician Assistant in most states until he/she has successfully passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) AND has been licensed/registered by the state in which they practice. There may be exceptions for certain state licensures or for federal employment, such as the military and Veterans Administration. Failure to complete all necessary steps may constitute practicing medicine without a medical license. Upon graduation, students are responsible for ensuring they obtain all required licenses and certifications. 国产主播 is not responsible for registration or licensing; the student is solely responsible for all such requirements and verifying proper authorizations to practice medicine have been obtained.

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Exploring the Differences Between an NP and a PA

Of all the degrees in nursing and medicine, Nurse Practitioner (NP) and Physician Assistant (PA) are the two most commonly compared by aspiring healthcare students. From a patient perspective, there may be little or no apparent difference; patients are simply seeing a provider for care.

Both NPs and PAs have advanced education. NPs earn their degrees in nursing and must achieve a minimum of a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from an accredited school to become licensed within a state. PAs need a minimum of a master鈥檚-level degree from a PA program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

Both are certified to prescribe medications鈥揘Ps in most states and PAs in all states, including controlled substances when appropriate. Both can order and interpret diagnostic testing (e.g., laboratory and imaging tests), and both can perform office-based and hospital-based procedures. Additionally, both NPs and PAs can manage patients with acute, subacute, and chronic conditions and preventive care. At first glance, the careers have some commonalties, but the training is much different.

At second glance, you鈥檒l find the distinction between an NP and a PA meaningful, and it significantly affects how each studies and approaches patient care.

Approach to Learning

Let鈥檚 start with PAs. Physician assistants are instructed and practice in the 鈥渕edical model,鈥� following a training very similar to that of medical school. This training is most commonly following an allopathic model focusing on diagnosis, testing, and treatment of medical disorders through a patient-centric approach.

Similar to medical school, all PA programs train in a generalist approach, allowing graduates who subsequently pass their national boards to pursue practice in any medical specialty and any practice setting, including outpatient, inpatient, emergency room, and surgery. Unlike physicians, PAs generally do not need to complete post-master鈥檚 internships and residencies, although many are open to pursue such training upon graduation.

By contrast, advanced practice registered nurse practitioners (APRNs) build medical expertise upon previous registered nurse knowledge and experience. Nurse practitioners are educated in a holistic model combining both nursing and medical science. Nurse practitioners specialize by patient population: family, pediatric, women, geriatric, and more. And within those populations they may specialize further: neonatal, acute care, etc. NPs train to focus on the patient and how they are affected by a disorder. A Nurse Practitioner course of study is highly patient-centric.

Approach to Practice

This major distinction in educational approach presents a philosophically different, if equally important, approach to practicing medicine. In oversimplified terms, the NP focuses on the individual while the PA focuses on holistic patient care, which includes the patient, the family, the environment, and the underlying medical condition. PA training has considerable foundation in medical sciences and NP training has considerable foundation in nursing sciences.

In many circumstances, the patient鈥檚 primary point of contact throughout diagnosis, treatment, and management can be an NP or a PA, with both serving as primary care providers and PAs also serving as specialty care providers. Research has shown that both NPs and PAs can improve access to high-quality and excellent care.

Autonomy

Depending on the practice specialty, years of experience, and state, both NPs and PAs can be autonomous outpatient providers with the ability to practice on their own licenses. NPs are generally licensed by state nursing boards. Meanwhile, PAs are generally licensed by state medical boards with some states having separate PA boards functioning within or under the medical board. Both NPs and Pas can choose to be a partner in a group clinical practice, choose a private practice, or work in a hospital-based practice.

In deciding which of these professional paths to pursue, consider the requirements of the relevant degree programs, the approach that each profession takes to patient care, and the opportunities of autonomy that both paths provide. Whichever path you choose, and wherever you opt to practice, you鈥檒l be an indispensable authority on medicine and care.

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