Physicians Assistant Agreement with CBU

Students entering Christian Brothers University who wish to pursue a career in a health related area may be interested in the opportunity to apply for entry into the MSPAS program after the conclusion of their third year of undergraduate studies. To be eligible to apply, certain courses must be completed. The paradigm below shows a normal three year schedule for taking these courses. This paradigm is similar to the paradigms for Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Chemistry or Natural Science majors, and a degree in any of these majors can be pursued if early entry into the MSPAS program is not obtained. Upon successful completion of the MSPAS program, the student earns a joint B.S. in Natural Science and an MSPAS degree.

Students wishing to pursue the joint B.S. in Natural Sciences/MSPAS degree must meet the following criteria:

• Successful completion of first three years of Natural Sciences pre-PA pathway curriculum.
• Minimum of 3.5 GPA on four-point scale.
• Average of 3.25 or greater on all science courses attempted.
• Meets prescribed Technical Standards for Admission.

Prior to admission into the remainder of the PA pathway the student must successfully complete an interview designed to determine the suitability of the candidate to continue to pursue the joint degree. Upon recommendation by the Admissions Committee, students will enter the summer term of the pre-PA pathway curriculum which consists of a six hour course entitled PAS 400, Introductory Clerkship I. This course consists of practical experience precepted by a certified Physician Assistant in a clinical setting. It includes shadowing experiences, specific assignments and weekly meetings with a PA faculty advisor. The purpose of the meetings would be to assess prior week’s activities and assignments, basic clinical observatory skills, critical thinking skills and level of maturity. Upon successful completion of PAS 400, the student would formally apply to the MSPAS Program and be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. The student would not be required to take the GRE as part of the application process but would do so for data analysis for the program. In addition they will complete a personal statement, interview and background check. If denied admission into the fourth year of the joint B.S./MAPAS curriculum, students would return to the Natural Sciences curricular paradigm for completion of the baccalaureate degree.

The first four years of the joint B.S./MSPAS curriculum consists of the following:

Begin PA classes during the summer – PAS 400 Introductory Clerkship I (6)

1. Upon successful completion of the spring semester of the MSPAS curriculum, the students will have attained a total of 127 credit hours and meet the requirements for the baccalaureate degree in Natural Sciences.
2. In Clinical Clerkship I students will be assigned to shadow a practicing PA to develop greater insight into the role and practice of the Physician Assistant. Students will have set assignments that would be evaluated for the development of critical thinking skills required for education and practice.
3. Introductory Clerkship II: A continuation of PAS 400.to the previous course wherein students will be assigned to shadow a practicing PA to develop greater insight into the role and practice of a Physician Assistant. They will continue to have set assignments that would be presented to the Course Instructor and evaluated for the development of critical thinking skills necessary for that of a PA. (6 semester hours)
4. Health Professions Introduction: This will be a course that will introduce the undergraduate PA student to a variety of health and allied health professions and particularly how each inter-relates. It will build upon the exposure the student has experienced in the Introductory Clerkship I. (2 semester hours)
5. If course not available during fall term, PAS 403 Medical Terminology for the Physician Assistant will be developed.