About the Program
Mission Statement
- Bethel University's mission is to create opportunities for members of the learning community to develop to their highest potential as whole persons - intellectually, spiritually, socially, and physically, in a Christian environment. It is Bethel University's Physician Assistant program's specific mission to create opportunities for the members of the learning community interested in health care to graduate as competent, caring healthcare professionals who practice medicine within an ethical framework grounded in Christian principles.
Continued Accreditation Awarded
- The Bethel University Physician Assistant program has been awarded continued accreditation through the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Continued accreditation is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA standards. For more information regarding accreditation please visit: ARC-PA.
Matriculation
- Our program matriculates a class one time per year in January. We accept 50 students each year. For application deadline, refer to the Admissions page under Requirements.
- Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies M.S.P.A.S. Degree
- Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies M.S.P.A.S. Degree The Bethel University Physician Assistant Program will confer a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies upon completion of the 27 month educational program. Our program consists of 12 months of didactic education and 15 months of clinical medicine experience.
BUPAP Educational Philosophy
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The BUPAP faculty understands that the field of medicine is constantly evolving. Therefore, we strive to train students to become life-long learners adept at critical thinking. The role of the teacher is to guide and objectively evaluate students, select and present important material, and model professional behavior. The teacher will likewise be a life-long learner who will be objectively evaluated on a regular basis by students and peers.
Goals of the BUPAP:
- To maintain continuous accreditation with the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc.
- To graduate students who will achieve a passing score on their certifying exam (PANCE) on the first attempt.
- To attract and graduate students who exhibit a servant's heart.
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To graduate medical providers who have achieved an acceptable level of proficiency in:
- effective and appropriate application of medical knowledge,
- interpersonal and communication skills,
- patient care,
- professionalism,
- practice-based learning and improvement, and
- systems-based practice.
- To graduate medical providers who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to continual learning, professional growth and the physician-PA team.
- Functions and Tasks that Students are Expected to Perform upon Graduation
The Bethel PA Graduate will/will be able to:
- have a fully developed identity as a healthcare professional
- have developed the desire to provide excellent care in a compassionate manner
- have mastered the concepts of anatomy and physiology and pathophysiology
- have mastered the concepts of clinical medicine, pharmacology, pediatrics, genetics, geriatrics, electrocardiograms, radiology, medical terminology, laboratory medicine, and behavioral science
- understand the history of the PA profession and know the applicable laws, rules and regulations concerning the practice of medicine as a Physician Assistant
- proficient in the performance of clinical procedures necessary for practice as a primary care physician assistant
- have medical knowledge sufficient to understand pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, patient management, surgical principles, and health promotion and disease prevention in a typical primary care practice
- have developed and refined a systematic approach to both the complete and focused history taking and physical exam skills
- utilize interpersonal and communication skills that encompass verbal, nonverbal and written exchange of information
- have developed an understanding of the PA role in the health delivery system to include patient care that is effective, patient centered, timely, efficient, and equitable for the treatment of health problems and the promotion of wellness
- have developed professional relationships where the graduate demonstrates a high level of responsibility, ethical practice, sensitivity to a diverse patient population and adherence to legal and regulatory requirements
- sharpen and refine critical analysis skills of their own practice experience, medical literature and other information resources for the purpose of self-improvement
- demonstrate an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger health system of health care to provide the patient care that is of optimal value
- pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE)
Information Availability
- Information on this web site is available in the Bethel University College of Health Sciences catalog which will be given to students upon matriculation. Prior to that date, information will be available via the web site or standard mail. Those wishing to receive program-related information via standard mail should Contact Us.