Master of Physician Assistant -West Coast University

The Master of Physician Assistant (MPA) program at West Coast University is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become competent and compassionate physician assistants. The program is offered at several locations, including Anaheim, Los Angeles, and Ontario, California, and Dallas, Texas. The curriculum is structured to cover a wide range of topics, including anatomy, pharmacology, clinical medicine, and patient care. In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of the MPA program at West Coast University.

Admission Requirements:

To be considered for the MPA program at West Coast University, applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. In addition, applicants must have completed the following prerequisite courses:

• General Chemistry with Lab (one year)
• Organic Chemistry with Lab (one year)
• Biology with Lab (one year)
• Microbiology with Lab (one year)
• Anatomy and Physiology (one year)
• Psychology (one semester)
• Statistics (one semester)

Applicants must also provide evidence of clinical experience, which can include shadowing, volunteering, or working in a healthcare setting. The program requires a minimum of 500 hours of direct patient care experience, although applicants with more experience are given preference.

The admissions process also includes an interview, which is conducted by faculty members and clinical preceptors. The interview assesses the applicant’s communication skills, professionalism, and interest in the PA profession.

Curriculum:

The MPA program at West Coast University is a 27-month program that consists of 148.5 quarter units. The curriculum is structured to provide students with a strong foundation in the basic sciences and clinical medicine, as well as develop the necessary clinical skills and knowledge to practice as a physician assistant.

The program is divided into didactic and clinical phases. The didactic phase covers the first 12 months of the program and consists of classroom instruction, laboratory sessions, and simulations. During this phase, students will complete coursework in anatomy, pharmacology, pathophysiology, clinical medicine, and patient care. They will also participate in simulated patient encounters, which allow them to practice their clinical skills in a controlled environment.

The clinical phase of the program covers the remaining 15 months and consists of supervised clinical practice. During this phase, students will complete rotations in a variety of clinical settings, including primary care, surgery, emergency medicine, and pediatrics. The program requires a total of 2,000 hours of clinical practice, with a minimum of 500 hours in primary care and 500 hours in specialty care.

Clinical Preceptors:

Clinical preceptors are an essential part of the MPA program at West Coast University. They are experienced healthcare professionals who provide guidance and supervision to students during their clinical rotations. The program has a network of over 3,000 clinical preceptors across California and Texas, who work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

The program also has a Clinical Preceptor Development Program, which provides training and support to preceptors. The program includes online modules, in-person workshops, and ongoing communication with program faculty. The goal of the program is to ensure that preceptors have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach and mentor students.

Clinical Sites:

The MPA program at West Coast University has partnerships with over 800 clinical sites across California and Texas. These sites are carefully selected to provide students with a diverse range of clinical experiences and exposure to different patient populations. The program has partnerships with hospitals, clinics, and private practices, and students are placed in a variety of settings, including rural and urban areas.

The program also has a Clinical Site Development Team, which is responsible for establishing new partnerships and maintaining existing ones. The team works closely with clinical sites to ensure that they meet the program’s standards for clinical education and provide high-quality learning experiences for students.

Faculty:

The faculty of the MPA program at West Coast University are experienced healthcare professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the classroom. Many of the faculty members are practicing physician assistants, who are able to share their real-world experiences with students. The faculty also includes physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who provide a multidisciplinary approach to education.

The faculty is dedicated to providing a supportive and engaging learning environment for students. They are available to answer questions and provide guidance throughout the program. The faculty also plays an important role in the clinical phase of the program, working closely with preceptors to ensure that students are receiving the best possible clinical education.

Accreditation:

The MPA program at West Coast University is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). This accreditation ensures that the program meets the highest standards of education and prepares students to practice as competent and compassionate physician assistants. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE), which is required for licensure as a physician assistant in the United States.

Student Support:

West Coast University is committed to providing comprehensive support services to students throughout the MPA program. These services include academic advising, tutoring, career services, and personal counseling. The program also provides a range of resources for students, including access to online libraries and databases, clinical practice guidelines, and medical software.

The program also has a strong alumni network, which provides opportunities for networking and professional development. Graduates of the program are able to connect with other physician assistants and healthcare professionals, attend continuing education events, and participate in community outreach programs.

Conclusion:

The Master of Physician Assistant program at West Coast University is a rigorous and comprehensive program that prepares students to practice as competent and compassionate physician assistants. The program’s emphasis on clinical education, diverse clinical experiences, and supportive faculty and staff make it an excellent choice for those seeking a career in healthcare. The program’s accreditation by ARC-PA ensures that graduates meet the highest standards of education and are well-prepared to enter the workforce as practicing physician assistants.

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