Southern Illinois University (SIU) Carbondale's Physician Assistant (PA) program is a prestigious and highly competitive graduate program that prepares students to become primary care physicians. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the medical sciences, clinical practice, and research, preparing them to provide high-quality patient care as a physician assistant.
History and Accreditation
The SIU Carbondale PA program was established in 1997 and has since maintained accreditation from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). The program has a strong reputation for producing well-rounded and competent physician assistants who are equipped to practice in a variety of medical settings.
Curriculum and Program Structure
The SIU Carbondale PA program is a 24-month graduate program that leads to a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree. The program consists of 12 months of didactic instruction followed by 12 months of clinical rotations. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the medical sciences, including:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Biochemistry and pharmacology
- Pathophysiology and medical genetics
- Microbiology and immunology
- Clinical medicine and patient assessment
In addition to the didactic instruction, students participate in clinical rotations in a variety of medical settings, including:
- Family medicine
- Internal medicine
- Surgery
- Pediatrics
- Obstetrics and gynecology
- Emergency medicine
Admissions Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the SIU Carbondale PA program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Complete a set of prerequisite courses, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and microbiology
- Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
- Submit a personal statement and letters of recommendation
- Participate in a personal interview with the program's admissions committee
Clinical Experience and Rotations
The SIU Carbondale PA program provides students with a wide range of clinical experiences and rotations, including:
- Family medicine: Students participate in clinical rotations in family medicine clinics, where they work with patients and families to provide preventive care and manage chronic conditions.
- Internal medicine: Students participate in clinical rotations in internal medicine clinics, where they work with patients to diagnose and manage complex medical conditions.
- Surgery: Students participate in clinical rotations in surgical clinics, where they work with surgeons to prepare patients for surgery and manage post-operative care.
- Pediatrics: Students participate in clinical rotations in pediatric clinics, where they work with pediatricians to provide care for infants, children, and adolescents.
- Obstetrics and gynecology: Students participate in clinical rotations in obstetrics and gynecology clinics, where they work with obstetricians and gynecologists to provide care for women's health issues.
- Emergency medicine: Students participate in clinical rotations in emergency departments, where they work with emergency medicine physicians to diagnose and manage acute medical conditions.
Program Outcomes and Job Placement
The SIU Carbondale PA program has a strong track record of program outcomes and job placement. According to the program's website, the program's graduates have achieved a 100% pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) and have secured employment in a variety of medical settings, including primary care clinics, hospitals, and specialty clinics.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The tuition for the SIU Carbondale PA program varies depending on the student's residency status and other factors. According to the program's website, the estimated tuition for the 2022-2023 academic year is:
- In-state tuition: $15,000 per year
- Out-of-state tuition: $25,000 per year
Students may be eligible for financial aid, including federal student loans and scholarships. The program also offers a limited number of graduate assistantships and teaching assistantships to qualified students.
Why Choose the SIU Carbondale PA Program?
The SIU Carbondale PA program is a highly competitive and prestigious program that offers students a comprehensive education in the medical sciences and clinical practice. Here are some reasons why students may want to choose the SIU Carbondale PA program:
- Strong reputation: The program has a strong reputation for producing well-rounded and competent physician assistants.
- Comprehensive curriculum: The program's curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the medical sciences and clinical practice.
- Clinical experience: The program provides students with a wide range of clinical experiences and rotations in a variety of medical settings.
- Job placement: The program has a strong track record of job placement, with graduates securing employment in a variety of medical settings.
- Affordable tuition: The program's tuition is competitive with other PA programs in the region.
Gallery of Siu Carbondale Physician Assistant Program
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of the SIU Carbondale PA program?
+The SIU Carbondale PA program is a 24-month graduate program.
What is the tuition for the SIU Carbondale PA program?
+The tuition for the SIU Carbondale PA program varies depending on the student's residency status and other factors. The estimated tuition for the 2022-2023 academic year is $15,000 per year for in-state students and $25,000 per year for out-of-state students.
What is the job placement rate for the SIU Carbondale PA program?
+The SIU Carbondale PA program has a strong track record of job placement, with graduates securing employment in a variety of medical settings. According to the program's website, the program's graduates have achieved a 100% pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the SIU Carbondale PA program. If you have any further questions or would like to learn more about the program, please don't hesitate to contact us.