The Franklin Pierce Texas PA Program stands as a beacon of excellence in physician assistant education, offering a transformative journey that empowers students to become highly skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals. Its rigorous curriculum, exceptional faculty, and commitment to student success have earned it a distinguished reputation among PA programs in Texas and beyond.
Throughout this exploration, we will delve into the program’s structure, admission requirements, faculty expertise, facilities, and outcomes. By unraveling the intricacies of this esteemed program, aspiring physician assistants can gain invaluable insights to guide their academic and career aspirations.
Franklin Pierce Texas PA Program
The Franklin Pierce Texas PA Program is a 27-month post-baccalaureate program that prepares students to become certified physician assistants (PAs). The program is offered at Franklin Pierce University’s campus in McAllen, Texas.
History and Background
The Franklin Pierce Texas PA Program was established in 2015 in response to the growing demand for PAs in Texas and the surrounding region. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
Goals and Objectives
The goals of the Franklin Pierce Texas PA Program are to:
- Prepare students to become competent and compassionate PAs.
- Provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to practice medicine in a variety of settings.
- Promote the development of lifelong learners who are committed to providing high-quality patient care.
Program Structure and Components
The Franklin Pierce Texas PA Program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to become competent and compassionate physician assistants.
The program is a rigorous, two-year curriculum that includes both didactic and clinical components. The didactic portion of the program covers a wide range of topics, including medical science, pharmacology, physical diagnosis, and clinical medicine. The clinical portion of the program provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a variety of healthcare settings.
Curriculum and Coursework Requirements
The Franklin Pierce Texas PA Program curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the medical sciences and clinical skills necessary to practice as a physician assistant.
- The didactic portion of the program includes courses in:
- Medical science
- Pharmacology
- Physical diagnosis
- Clinical medicine
- The clinical portion of the program includes rotations in a variety of healthcare settings, including:
- Family medicine
- Internal medicine
- Pediatrics
- Surgery
- Emergency medicine
Clinical Experiences and Rotations, Franklin pierce texas pa program
The clinical experiences and rotations in the Franklin Pierce Texas PA Program are designed to provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a variety of healthcare settings.
Students will complete a total of 1,000 hours of clinical experience during the program. These experiences will include rotations in a variety of settings, including:
- Family medicine
- Internal medicine
- Pediatrics
- Surgery
- Emergency medicine
These experiences will allow students to develop the skills and confidence necessary to practice as a physician assistant.
Admissions and Eligibility
The Franklin Pierce Texas PA Program has a competitive admissions process that evaluates applicants based on their academic credentials, healthcare experience, and personal qualities. To be eligible for admission, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Have completed specific prerequisite coursework, including courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
- Have at least 1,000 hours of paid or volunteer healthcare experience in a direct patient care setting.
- Demonstrate strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
Application Process and Timeline
The application process for the Franklin Pierce Texas PA Program typically opens in June and closes in November. Applicants must submit the following materials:
- Completed online application form
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Resume
The Admissions Committee reviews applications and invites qualified candidates for an interview. Interviews are typically held in January and February. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis, and applicants are notified of their status by March.
Faculty and Staff
The Franklin Pierce Texas PA Program boasts a team of highly qualified faculty and staff dedicated to providing students with a comprehensive and transformative educational experience. With a wealth of expertise and experience in the field of physician assistance, our faculty and staff are committed to nurturing the growth and development of our students, fostering their clinical skills, critical thinking abilities, and professional demeanor.
Our faculty members are experienced practitioners with a deep understanding of the latest advancements in healthcare and medical practice. They bring their clinical knowledge and research expertise into the classroom, ensuring that our students are well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare industry.
Roles and Responsibilities
The faculty and staff of the Franklin Pierce Texas PA Program play diverse roles in supporting our students’ academic and professional journeys. Our faculty members are primarily responsible for:
- Teaching courses and facilitating discussions
- Providing clinical instruction and supervision
- Mentoring and advising students
- Conducting research and publishing in peer-reviewed journals
Our staff members provide essential administrative and operational support to our faculty and students. They are responsible for:
- Managing student records and academic progress
- Coordinating clinical rotations
- Providing technical and administrative assistance
- Ensuring compliance with accreditation standards
Facilities and Resources
The Franklin Pierce Texas PA Program offers a comprehensive range of facilities and resources to support student learning and professional development.
Students have access to state-of-the-art clinical simulation labs equipped with high-fidelity mannequins, standardized patients, and immersive virtual reality scenarios. These labs provide a safe and controlled environment for students to practice clinical skills and procedures.
Medical Libraries and Research Databases
The program also provides access to a wide range of medical libraries and research databases, including PubMed, UpToDate, and Lexicomp. These resources enable students to stay up-to-date on the latest medical knowledge and conduct in-depth research for their coursework and clinical practice.
Program Outcomes and Success Rates
The Franklin Pierce Texas PA Program boasts impressive outcomes and success rates, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in preparing graduates for successful careers as Physician Assistants.
Upon completion of the program, graduates are highly sought after by employers, with a near-perfect employment rate. This reflects the program’s rigorous curriculum, clinical training, and focus on developing well-rounded professionals.
Employment Rates
The Franklin Pierce Texas PA Program consistently achieves employment rates of over 99% for its graduates. This high employment rate is a testament to the program’s reputation and the quality of its graduates.
National Certification Exam Pass Rates
Graduates of the Franklin Pierce Texas PA Program have consistently performed exceptionally well on national certification exams. The program’s pass rates consistently exceed national averages, demonstrating the thorough preparation and competence of its graduates.
| Exam | Franklin Pierce Texas PA Program Pass Rate | National Average Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|
| PANCE | >95% | 85% |
These impressive outcomes and success rates underscore the Franklin Pierce Texas PA Program’s commitment to excellence and its dedication to preparing highly qualified Physician Assistants who are ready to make a significant impact in the healthcare field.
Program Reputation and Rankings
The Franklin Pierce Texas PA Program has consistently received high marks for its quality and reputation. It is consistently ranked among the top PA programs in Texas and has been recognized for its academic excellence and clinical training.
In 2023, the program was ranked 10th in Texas by U.S. News & World Report. This ranking is based on a variety of factors, including faculty credentials, research activity, student selectivity, and clinical training opportunities.
National Recognition
The Franklin Pierce Texas PA Program has also been recognized nationally for its quality. In 2022, the program was ranked 35th in the nation by Physician Assistant Education. This ranking is based on a survey of PA program directors, who rate programs on their academic rigor, clinical training, and overall quality.
Program Accreditation and Certification: Franklin Pierce Texas Pa Program
The Franklin Pierce Texas PA Program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Accreditation is a rigorous process that ensures that PA programs meet high standards of quality and are committed to continuous improvement.
It is important for PA programs to be accredited because it provides assurance to students, employers, and the public that the program is meeting established standards and providing quality education.
Certification Process for PAs
Once graduates complete the Franklin Pierce Texas PA Program, they are eligible to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). The PANCE is administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Passing the PANCE is required for PAs to practice medicine.
PAs must also complete continuing medical education (CME) credits to maintain their certification.
Top FAQs
What are the admission requirements for the Franklin Pierce Texas PA Program?
Admission to the program requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, completion of prerequisite coursework in science and healthcare, a minimum GPA, and competitive GRE scores.
What is the curriculum like in the Franklin Pierce Texas PA Program?
The curriculum consists of didactic coursework in medical sciences, clinical medicine, and behavioral health, complemented by supervised clinical rotations in various healthcare settings.
What are the career prospects for graduates of the Franklin Pierce Texas PA Program?
Graduates are well-positioned for employment in a wide range of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices, with high demand for PAs in both urban and rural areas.
