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Physician Assistant Degree Programs in Georgia – South University – Savannah

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Physician Assistant Studies programs offered at South University—savannah

Program Information

In your search for physician assistant programs in Georgia, choose South University in Savannah. Our physician assistant courses offer fundamental medical concepts and theories, provides students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to function, with physician supervision, as medical professionals who will serve as valued members of the health care team.

Physician assistants perform medical functions that include, but are not limited to, evaluation, monitoring, diagnostics, therapeutics, counseling, and referral. The scope of the practice varies according to state laws, the medical setting, and the training of the physician assistant. In many states, physician assistants can prescribe and/or dispense medicine.

The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program at South University’s Savannah campus in Savannah, Georgia, is designed to provide students with effective learning opportunities that will prepare them to perform their expected competencies in an ethical, legal, safe and effective manner upon graduation.

The Physician Assistant Studies program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc., 1000 North Oak Avenue, Marshfield, WI 54449-5788; 1-715-389-3785.

South University PA program graduates are eligible to pursue licensure in all 50 states across the U.S. once they have passed the national Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). This exam is developed jointly by the National Board of Medical Examiners and the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

South University does not guarantee third-party certification/licensure. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University.

Our required overall GPA will be increasing with the next CASPA application cycle opening April 18, 2012. Please check back on this site in early April for the new requirement.

Program Outcomes

Physician assistants (PAs) are healthcare professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. PAs employed by the federal government are credentialed to practice. As part of their comprehensive responsibilities, PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and in virtually all states can write prescriptions. Within the physician-PA relationship, PAs exercise autonomy in medical decision making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. A PA's practice may also include education, research, and administrative services.

PAs are trained in intensive education programs accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) and receive a broad education in medicine. PA education is ongoing after graduation through continuing medical education requirements and continual interaction with physicians and other healthcare providers. Today, PAs are found in all areas of medicine. They practice in the areas of primary care medicine -- family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, and gynecology -- as well as in surgery and the surgical subspecialties.

Because of the close working relationship the PAs have with physicians, PAs are educated in the medical model designed to complement physician training. Upon graduation, physician assistants take a national certification examination developed by the National Commission on Certification of PAs in conjunction with the National Board of Medical Examiners. To maintain their national certification, PAs must log 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and sit for a recertification every six years. Graduation from an accredited physician assistant program and passage of the national certifying exam are required for state licensure.

*Courtesy of American Academy of Physician Assistants

Tuition Data for this program at South University, Savannah, GA

Below is the current tuition cost for this program for a full-time student completing the entire program in normal time. All tuition and fees are subject to change.

Program Fees$3115
Tuition$64305
Books & Digital Resources$3600
Room & Board*$27315

The financial aid office uses an estimate of direct and indirect costs to determine how much financial aid a student may be eligible for. Direct costs include tuition, fees, some books and supplies, and institutional housing. Indirect costs include estimates of other living expenses, transportation and personal expenses. Housing costs may be considered direct or indirect. Examples of the costs of attendance estimates used can be found by clicking here.

*optional where available



  • Gainful Employment Information for this program -

    Program Costs
    Q:

    How much will this program cost me?

    A:

    Below is the institution tuition cost for this program for a full-time student completing the entire program in normal time. All tuition and fees are subject to change.

    Program Fees$3115
    Tuition$64305
    Books & Digital Resources$3600
    Room & Board*$27315
    *optional where available

    Median Debt
    Q:

    What are my financing options to pay for the program?

    A:

    In addition to any grant and scholarship aid for which they are eligible, 94% of graduates used loans to finance their education. The median debt for program graduates:

    • Federal Loans: $111755
    • Private Educational Loans: $0
    • Institutional Financing plan: $0

    Success
    Q:

    How long will it take me to complete this program?

    A:

    Data for this program is unavailable. If you have questions, please talk with your admission representative.

    Q:

    What percentage of students find employment in their field or a related field?

    A:

    According to EDMC calculations, the job placement rate for students who graduate from this program is 83%.

    Q:

    What are the job opportunities for graduates of this program?

    A:

    For more information on job opportunities in this field of study: ONET Online. The job opportunities link is for general information purposes. The program you have selected could have different outcomes. Please check with your admissions registrar for detailed information.