Curriculum

The course of study is 26 continuous months in length. Starting in June, the education of physician assistant students at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University includes a solid foundation in the fundamentals of basic and clinical science. Students are introduced to various medical disciplines as well as the principles of physical diagnosis, diagnostic evaluation and medical therapeutics. The didactic session (14 months) is taught in an integrated approach, closely tying basic science concepts to clinical medicine, professionalism and medical ethics. Core courses are taught in “block” fashion that includes intense instruction and training in an organ system approach. Students are taught epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation and treatment management and planning for one system at a time. The William Maul Measey Institute for Clinical Simulation and Patient Safety allows students to learn basic clinical skills and teamwork in a safe learning environment throughout the curriculum under the teaching and guidance of the PA program faculty.

During the second, clinical year, students will experience seven required and two elective 5-week clerkships. Thus, graduates are exceptionally well prepared to successfully complete the NCCPA certification examination and practice clinically.

All students must successfully complete the following to meet the graduation requirements for the degree of Master of Medical Science:

• Successful completion of all courses (117 credits) with a 3.0 GPA or higher
• Successfully complete all Supervised Clinical Experience
• Pass a comprehensive written examination
• Pass the Objective Standardized Clinical Examination (OSCE)
• Demonstrate professional conduct throughout the program

Download a copy of the PA Program Curriculum (PDF)

For more information about the Physician Assistant Program's accreditation status, please view the Accreditation Statement.