Frequently Asked Questions   Q: What types of experience meet the requirement for direct patient contact hours or clinical experience? A: The preferable experience(s) would involve a clinical relationship between a patient and a provider and may be one of direct interaction or active observation. Examples include experience as a RN or LPN, EMT, paramedic emergency room technician/clerk, medical office assistant, shadowing of a PA or physician, hospital volunteer, or applicable experience in other health-related fields. Many will have a combination of unique and varied experiences, some of which may be in academia (i.e., teaching, research, etc.), and all of which total to meet the 500 hour requirement. Q: Can I do my clinical rotations out of the area? A: Yes. We presently have a number of rotations which are "out of the area" and we encourage and make every effort to assist students in finding other rotations which will broaden their academic experience. Q: What are the required six-week clinical rotations? A: Students are required to complete six 6-week clinical clerkships. These include: Pediatrics, Women's Health/Psychiatry, Orthopedics, Emergency Medicine, General Surgery, and an elective. In addition the student must complete a 6-month Preceptorship of which a minimum of 3 months must be in Internal Medicine or Family Practice. Q: What type of prerequisite courses do you need in order to transfer into Marywood's graduate PA program? A: The required courses are 2 semester of Biology with lab, 2 semester of Chemistry with lab, 2 semesters of Anatomy and Physiology, and one semester of Microbiology with lab. There is some leeway with these requirement if the individual has had comparative course work, research, and/or teaching experience in these academic areas. Bottom line is to always request an informal review from the PA Program if you have any doubts about meeting the requirements. Q: How do Marywood students apply to the Professional Phase of the Program?  A: Marywood students submit a supplement application directly to the PA Program, all other students apply through CASPA. Q: How long does it take most students to complete the PA program? A: The professional phase begins in May and is 27 months in duration. Q: What type of financial assistance is available? A: Most students receive a combination of loans, grants, and,in the case of our Pre-PA students, work-study. Merit scholarships are awarded at the Graduate Level. Please refer to our Student Resources page. Q: Do I have to complete all of the required course work by the time I apply? A: No. Individuals who will not complete the required course work until the end of the spring semester of the year they wish to commence the program will be reviewed on the basis of their completed work. If they are accepted to the program this acceptance will be "conditional" based on satisfactory completion of the required academic and/or clinical work. Q: Do you require taking the GRE? A: We do require the GRE before matriculation for those entering May 2009. For more information please refer to the ETS website. The Marywood GRE code is 2407. Q: Is there any special equipment required for PA classes? A: Equipment required for PA classes includes: Oto-ophthalmic Scope (approx. $450) Stethoscope (approx. $75-$150) Lab coat/patch (approx. $30) Reflex hammer, tuning fork (approx. $20) A vendor is normally on site on Orientation Day for new PA students. If you are planning on purchasing your lab coat prior to orientation, please keep in mind that we require a short lab coat. Q: What is the pass rate for the PANCE? A: Class Year Pass rate of first time test takers Aggregate pass rate 2007 86% 97% 2006 81% 93% 2005 87% 93% 2004 94% 100% 2003 57% 93% Q: On average, what are the expenses (tuition, fees, etc.) for PA students at Marywood University? A: Costs of the PA program at Marywood include tuition, fees, and books/equipment. Total tuition for the didactic and clinical phases of the program (77 credits) is currently $53,515. Fees, on average, are $3800. Finally, books and equipment generally cost approximately $2000.     For More Information: Call the PA Program at (570) 348-6298 or email paprogram@marywood.edu

Comments to the PA Program Pagemaster:swanchak@marywood.edu

Last update April 1, 2006
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