Program Curriculum

Bethel's PA Program is designed to deliver the essential academic and clinical education necessary to prepare students for their professional roles and to satisfy the eligibility requirements to sit for the PA certification examination (PANCE). Didactic courses are delivered in person to ensure direct faculty–student interaction and active learning. Clinical courses are conducted primarily in person, providing supervised, hands-on patient care experiences. Limited telemedicine encounters may be incorporated when educationally appropriate; in these cases, clinical preceptors are physically present in the room to maintain appropriate supervision and ensure patient safety

Didactic Year

Study is divided into three didactic semesters over a 12-month period and four clinical semesters over a 15-month period. All students will complete 147 credit hours during the 27 month program, as outlined in their Didactic Handbook. The student will complete 86 credit hours during the Didactic Year. Course placement within the didactic year is subject to change.

Clinical Year

The clinical phase of the program consists of eleven rotations that must be completed to satisfy degree requirements. The eight core rotations consist of seven (7) directed rotations from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), with a second Family Medicine rotation. The remaining 3 rotations are electives that can be completed in disciplines of the core rotations or subspecialties of Internal Medicine or Surgery. Rotations are scheduled by the clinical department at qualified locations with an available clinical site. Elective rotations may be completed in a student’s hometown or hub area as available.

Core Rotations

Students may complete the eight (8) Core Rotations near Bethel’s PA Program or may be placed in another hub area. 

A “hub” is an area where BUPAP has established preceptors, who are willing to take our PA Students every year. 

If BUPAP is unable to place a student at a rotation in the assigned hub, due to the lack of availability of preceptors, the student may be relocated to another hub to complete that rotation. 

Students must be prepared to relocate to an alternative hub for up to three (3) rotations during the clinical year.

Elective Rotations

Elective Rotations may be completed in a student’s hometown or hub area when allowed by state law and facility policies. Please keep in mind that there are some states in which a student will be unable to complete rotations; these will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The BUPAP Clinical Department will assist with identifying and confirming elective preceptors. 

Elective Rotations completed with Family Medicine and other Core Rotation preceptors, must be completed as the first elective, due to the high demand of preceptors during the first two rotations for the Second-Year Clinical Students. Any exceptions to this rule must be approved by the Clinical Director, prior to setting up the elective. 

It is imperative for the student to understand that he or she will be responsible for all expenses associated with travel, housing, meals, etc., for the entire Clinical Year. BUPAP is NOT responsible for expenses incurred by the student during clinical rotations. 

Students need to be sure to include this in their budget plans at the start of the PA Program. Federal aid recipients may use their financial aid to cover any expenses associated with travel, meals, transportation, housing, as well as other miscellaneous expenses encountered during clinical rotations.

Return to Campus

Clinical year students must complete a “Return to Campus” event at the end of each rotation. These events are held either virtually or in-person as scheduled. Return to Campus events include end of rotation exams, case presentations, reviews, lectures, and clinical skills practice. PA Faculty Advisors will meet with each individual student to discuss the rotations and or any issues/concerns encountered.

Competency, Progression and Graduation Requirements

Following is an example of the course offerings for PACO 2028. Students will complete a total of 147 credit hours during the 27 month program. Please note the semester these courses are offered is subject to change for future PA Classes.

Spring 2026

Summer 2026

Fall 2026

Clinical Year

The clinical year includes Spring 2027, Summer 2027, Fall 2027, and Spring 2028. Semester placement of courses will vary based on Clinical Hub and individual student schedule.