What is a Physician Assistant?
The Physician Assistant (PA) is an academically and clinically prepared health practitioner. The PA provides services under the direction and supervision of a doctor of medicine or osteopathy in a variety of medical services and settings.

The functions of the PA include performing diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventative activities and services to allow more effective use of the physician's knowledge, skills and abilities.

The PA will take medical histories, order laboratory tests, determine treatment, give medical advice, counsel patients, perform physical exams, diagnose common illnesses, assist in surgery and promote wellness.

Preparation for Entrance into PA Training
Most of the 80 PA training programs in the country that complete the educational and clinical preparation to be a PA are upper division 24-27 month programs. The student must fulfill entrance requirements and apply for entrance into the program the year prior to admittance. Greenville College is very able to provide the educational component necessary for entrance.

Greenville has a strong science division where required science classes provide a background necessary for future clinical training. Greenville tries to educate the whole person, which gives the student a better understanding of themselves and a broad understanding of people.

The liberal arts components of Greenville gives the student a world view and information that will enhance the patient/PA relationship. Our emphasis on building servant leaders provides good modeling and training for the PA. Jesus Christ, the greatest healer, is taught about and emulated on campus.

Requirements for Admission into most PA Training Programs:
General education requirements frequently include three classes in english and communication, four classes in humanities, religion, and philosophy and several classes in behavioral science.

Specific Requirements:

• General Chemistry (with labs) - 8 credits
• General Biology - 8 credits
• Microbiology - 4 credits
• Medical Terminology
• Psychopathology - 4 credits
• Statistics - 4 credits

Electives:

• Developmental Psychology - 4 credits
• Human Anatomy and Physiology - 4 credits
• General Physiology - 4 credits

Computer literacy is often expected and practical medical experience is always expected.

The student will need to be sure that the required courses for the PA school of their choice are taken.

PA School Admission Competition
The student should be aware of strong competition around the country for positions in PA schools. An average of seven applications exist for each opening. Therefore, students need to be certain that all the prerequisites for entrance into the school of their choice are completed.

Most schools have a requirement of hands-on medical experience, either volunteer or paid. So, students need to get CNA or emergency training or volunteer to help with patient care in some way before attempting to be admitted into a PA program. This training could be accomplished during the first two academic years.

Accreditation
Greenville College is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, as well as several other academic affiliations.