Physician Assistant Studies - Medical University of South Carolina

Physician Assistant Studies from Medical University of South Carolina is a Campus Master Health Aide degree that prepares you for a Healthcare career. Overview The purpose of the program leading to a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies is to provide the comprehensive didactic, laboratory, and clinical instruction necessary to produce superior physician assistants. Graduates will be prepared to practice with physician supervision and as members of the health care team in areas of primary care (i.e., family practice, pediatrics, ob/gyn, emergency medicine, general internal medicine) and to support the more cost effective delivery of specialty care. Students are taught lifelong learning skills including literature search, critical examination of clinical research, and interpretation of medical literature. Throughout the educational experience, students are encouraged to develop those basic intellectual, ethical, and moral attitudes that are essential for gaining and maintaining the trust of those with whom they work and the support of the community they serve. PAs are formally educated to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventative health care services with the direction of a physician. PAs extend essential services in settings where physicians are less likely to settle, including rural settings, the prison systems, and other underserved areas. They are cost-effective, productive members of the health care team. The PA program at the Medical University of South Carolina strives to provide the highest quality, comprehensive didactic, laboratory, and clinical instruction necessary to produce superior primary care physician assistants . The program seeks to support the growth of the profession in underserved and culturally diverse areas. The program strives to establish a diverse student body and faculty. It continually seeks to improve the program by making curricular changes and increasing student awareness of unique health care challenges and special needs and prepares its graduates to provide the highest quality care. The Profession The physician assistant (PA) is a licensed health professional qualified by specialized academic and clinical education to perform medical tasks traditionally undertaken by physicians, while practicing under the supervision and responsibility of a licensed physician . PAs provide essential diagnostic, therapeutic, preventative, and health maintenance services in both primary and specialty care settings. Skills Needed Basic understanding of the sciences including chemistry, biology, anatomy, physiology, and microbiology Intellectual curiosity, strong interpersonal skills, extensive training along with an attitude of social consciousness Career Options Introduced into the American health care system in the late 1960s, physician assistants are extending access to essential health care services throughout the country. Physician assistants increase access to care in medical underserved areas, such as rural and inner city areas. They are employed in: private physicians' offices clinics hospitals nursing homes research education the Armed Services as commissioned officers View more details on Medical University of South Carolina . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Health Aide courses.