The Milligan University Physician Assistant (PA) program is a highly competitive and reputable program that prepares students for a rewarding career in healthcare. As a prospective student, it's essential to understand the program's requirements and what it takes to be a successful applicant. In this article, we'll delve into the Milligan University PA program requirements and provide you with an insider's guide to help you navigate the application process.
Why Choose Milligan University's PA Program?
Before we dive into the program requirements, let's take a look at what makes Milligan University's PA program stand out. Located in Milligan, Tennessee, the university offers a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree that is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the medical sciences, as well as hands-on clinical training in a variety of healthcare settings.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the Milligan University PA program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Earn a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Complete a minimum of 40 hours of shadowing or volunteering with a PA or physician
- Complete a minimum of 500 hours of direct patient care experience
- Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and achieve a minimum score of 300
- Complete the following prerequisite courses:
- Biology: 2 semesters
- Chemistry: 2 semesters
- Organic Chemistry: 1 semester
- Physics: 2 semesters
- Biochemistry: 1 semester
- Psychology: 1 semester
- Statistics: 1 semester
Prerequisite Course Requirements
The Milligan University PA program requires applicants to complete a set of prerequisite courses, which are designed to provide a foundation in the sciences and prepare students for the rigors of the program. Here's a closer look at the prerequisite course requirements:
- Biology: 2 semesters
- The program requires applicants to complete two semesters of biology, which should include courses in introductory biology, cell biology, and genetics.
- Chemistry: 2 semesters
- The program requires applicants to complete two semesters of chemistry, which should include courses in general chemistry and organic chemistry.
- Organic Chemistry: 1 semester
- The program requires applicants to complete one semester of organic chemistry, which should include a course in organic chemistry I.
- Physics: 2 semesters
- The program requires applicants to complete two semesters of physics, which should include courses in introductory physics and biophysics.
- Biochemistry: 1 semester
- The program requires applicants to complete one semester of biochemistry, which should include a course in introductory biochemistry.
- Psychology: 1 semester
- The program requires applicants to complete one semester of psychology, which should include a course in introductory psychology.
- Statistics: 1 semester
- The program requires applicants to complete one semester of statistics, which should include a course in biostatistics or statistics for healthcare professionals.
Clinical Experience Requirements
In addition to completing the prerequisite courses, applicants must also complete a minimum of 500 hours of direct patient care experience. This experience can be gained through volunteering, shadowing, or working in a healthcare setting.
- Direct Patient Care Experience: 500 hours
- The program requires applicants to complete a minimum of 500 hours of direct patient care experience, which should include hands-on experience in a healthcare setting.
Clinical Experience Options
Here are some examples of clinical experience options that can help applicants meet the 500-hour requirement:
- Volunteering at a hospital or clinic
- Shadowing a PA or physician
- Working as a medical scribe or medical assistant
- Participating in a healthcare internship
Application Process
The application process for the Milligan University PA program typically begins in the summer or fall of the preceding year. Here's an overview of the application process:
- Submit the application through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA)
- Pay the application fee
- Submit transcripts and letters of recommendation
- Complete the personal statement
- Take the GRE and submit scores
Application Deadlines
The application deadlines for the Milligan University PA program are as follows:
- Summer application deadline: June 1
- Fall application deadline: September 1
Tuition and Fees
The tuition and fees for the Milligan University PA program are as follows:
- Tuition: $43,000 per year
- Fees: $1,500 per year
- Total: $45,500 per year
Financial Aid Options
The university offers a variety of financial aid options to help students fund their education. Here are some examples:
- Federal student loans
- Private student loans
- Scholarships
- Grants
Curriculum and Program Length
The Milligan University PA program is a 28-month program that includes a combination of classroom and clinical instruction. Here's an overview of the curriculum and program length:
- Classroom instruction: 12 months
- Clinical instruction: 16 months
- Total program length: 28 months
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum for the Milligan University PA program includes a combination of didactic and clinical coursework. Here are some examples of courses that are included in the curriculum:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Pharmacology
- Pathophysiology
- Clinical medicine
- Surgical procedures
Accreditation and Certification
The Milligan University PA program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Here's an overview of the accreditation and certification process:
- Accreditation: ARC-PA
- Certification: National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
Certification Exam
Graduates of the Milligan University PA program are eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) administered by the NCCPA.
Conclusion
The Milligan University Physician Assistant program is a highly competitive and reputable program that prepares students for a rewarding career in healthcare. By understanding the program's requirements and what it takes to be a successful applicant, you can increase your chances of getting accepted into the program. Remember to complete the prerequisite courses, gain clinical experience, and submit a strong application package to stand out from the competition.
What are the admission requirements for the Milligan University PA program?
+The admission requirements for the Milligan University PA program include a bachelor's degree, prerequisite courses, clinical experience, and a strong application package.
What are the prerequisite courses for the Milligan University PA program?
+The prerequisite courses for the Milligan University PA program include biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, psychology, and statistics.
How long is the Milligan University PA program?
+The Milligan University PA program is a 28-month program that includes a combination of classroom and clinical instruction.