Curriculum Overview

A short description of the PA curriculum is outlined below. Additional information including full course descriptions and policies governing tuition and fees, transfer credit, credit for work, credit by exam, and course work are available in the JMU Graduate Catalog . All courses in the MPAS Program are required.

Detailed curriculum sequence

Prerequisites

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Detailed Prerequisite Information

Prerequisite requirements provide that all PA students share a common educational base upon which the PA curriculum builds.

Classroom Medical Science Component

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A complete listing of all core and elective courses is available in the Physician Assistant section of the Graduate Catalog.

This sixteen-month period is devoted to preparation for the clinical rotation year that follows. The goal is to provide students with an extensive foundation in the knowledge, skills and clinical problem solving abilities that will be required in the clinical setting. Several types of courses are involved. Courses such as anatomy and pathophysiology provide a clinically oriented foundation in basic sciences. There is a group of courses devoted to clinical diseases and disorders. Another set of courses focuses on skills in communication, physical examination, and clinical problem solving. The behavioral science aspect of practice is addressed through several courses. Finally there is a group of courses devoted to examining issues of the health care system and professional practice.

Clinical Year Component

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Rotation Description Information