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Problem-Solving Before Instruction PS-I: A Protocol for Assessment and Intervention in Students with Different Abilities
Published on: September 11, 2021
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Course Prerequisites: Here, There, and Everywhere. Time to Standardize?
Jennifer Snyder1,2,3, Darwin Brown1,2,3, Brenda Quincy1,2,3
1Jennifer Snyder, PhD, PA-C , is a professor and associate dean, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Summary
Physician assistant (PA) programs show varied prerequisite course requirements nationwide. These differences may increase costs and create barriers for aspiring PAs.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Health Professions
Background:
- Physician assistant (PA) programs have evolving prerequisite requirements.
- Understanding current prerequisites is crucial for prospective PA students and programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze current prerequisite course requirements for entry-level PA programs.
- To compare these requirements with previous studies and identify variations based on program characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Data on prerequisite courses, number of courses, and semester hours were extracted from 265 PA program websites (Oct-Dec 2020).
- Requirements were analyzed based on program location, phase, Carnegie Classification, medical school affiliation, and institution type (public/private).
Main Results:
- Over 50% of 264 PA programs required anatomy, physiology, microbiology, statistics, general chemistry, and psychology.
- Total prerequisite hours and courses were higher for master's programs, private not-for-profit institutions, newer programs, and those without medical school affiliation.
- Regional differences were observed, with the South Region requiring the most prerequisites and the Mountain Division requiring the fewest.
Conclusions:
- Significant variations in PA program prerequisite requirements exist across the United States.
- These disparities may lead to increased educational costs and pose potential barriers for individuals seeking a career as a physician assistant.
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