Welcome to the Bethel University Physician Assistant Program (BUPAP). We are pleased about your interest in our program and believe that we have developed an innovative and comprehensive curriculum that will maximize your learning experience as a Physician Assistant student. BUPAP 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 experiences. We invite you to explore our website!
Accreditation Status
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Bethel University. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.
Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be March 2024. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy.
Mission Statement
The Physician Assistant Program’s mission is to create opportunities for the members of the learning community interested in healthcare to ultimately graduate as exceptional and compassionate healthcare professionals who practice medicine within an ethical framework grounded in Christian principles.
BUPAP’s Educational Philosophy
The BUPAP faculty understands that the field of medicine is constantly evolving. The BUPAP curriculum utilizes a systems based approach of instruction to teach the Physician Assistant student. We strive to train the student to become a life-long learner adept at critical thinking. The role of the instructor is to guide and objectively evaluate the student, select and present important material, and model professional behavior, based upon the Physician Assistant core competencies and technical standards adopted by Physician Assistant organizations (See Resources page, PA Competencies and PA Technical Standards). The instructor will like-wise be a life-long learner who will be objectively evaluated on a regular basis by the student and peers.
BUPAP’s Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
BUPAP Program Goals:
1)To maintain continuous accreditation with the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc..
2)To recruit and admit highly qualified applicants.
3)To attract and graduate students who exhibit a servant’s heart.
4)To maintain a level of first time PANCE pass rates above the national average.
PANCE 5 year Pass Rate for first time takers
5)To maintain a 95% employment rate at six months of graduation.
BUPAP has established these encompassing goals to continue the education and development of the Physician Assistant for future practice in the field of medicine. The Annual Report shows BUPAPs evaluation of these goals listed above.
Student Learning Outcomes
The BUPAP graduate will:
1)Have a fully developed identity as a healthcare professional.
2)Have developed the desire to provide excellent care in a compassionate manner.
3)Have mastered the concepts of anatomy and physiology and pathophysiology.
4)Have mastered the concepts of clinical medicine, pharmacology, pediatrics, geriatrics, electrocardiograms, radiology, medical terminology, laboratory medicine and behavioral science.
5)Understand the history of the PA profession and know the applicable laws, rules and regulations concerning practice of medicine as a Physician Assistant.
6)Become proficient in the performance of clinical procedures necessary for practice as a primary care physician assistant.
7)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.
8)Have developed and refined a systematic approach to both the complete and focused history taking and physical exam skills.
9)Utilize interpersonal and communication skills that encompass verbal, nonverbal and written exchange of information.
10)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.
11)Develop 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.
12)Sharpen and refine critical analysis skills of their own practice experience, medical literature and other information resources for the purpose of self-improvement.
13)Demonstrate an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger health system of health care to provide the patient care that is of optimal value.
14)Pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
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