Des Moines University

Program Information

Degree Offered

M.S. - Physician Assistant Studies

Format: Campus

Program Description:

As a student in the Physician Assistant program at Des Moines University, you are part of a professional academic environment. We offer only graduate educational programs in medicine and the health sciences, so students across campus have a common orientation toward patient care. Students spend the first 12 months in dicactic education, followed by 12 months of clinical education and one month for their master's projects.

Technology is interwoven throughout the curriculum, with innovative teaching tools like "Harvey" the life-like cardiac simulator; human simulation lab with adult, O.B., and pediatric simulation models, and the Standardized Performance Assessment Lab (SPAL) that simulates the PA/patient relationship.

Averages for students matriculating in 2007: Overall GPA 3.49; science GPA 3.37; GRE score 1040; healthcare experience 28 months. Average age is 25.

Class size is 48-50. Faculty:student ratio is 1:7.

Graduates of the PA program can practice in a wide variety of settings and specialties, such as rural family medicine, pediatrics, OB/Gyn, cardiology, and many more.

Accreditation:

DMU's Physician Assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant. Graduates of approved programs are eligible to take the certification examination given by the national Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Des Moines University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Eligibility Requirements:

Seat deposit ($250).

International Student Requirements:

International students must meet all SEVIS requirements for studying in the U.S. Students who have completed their undergraduate work outside the U.S. are encouraged to spend at least one year studying in the U.S. prior to attending DMU.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: No

Classification: Medical Schools/Medical Centers

Institution Sector: Private not-for-profit

Locale: Midsize City

Size & Settings: 1,000 - 4,999