Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies

a degree of difference

The University’s mission is to improve lives in our global community by educating

diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate health professionals.1898

The University was founded in

DOCTORATE

Podiatric MedicineOsteopathic Medicine

Physical Therapy

MASTER’S

Physician AssistantPublic Health

Health Care AdministrationAnatomy

Biomedical Sciences

8 graduateprograms Students and faculty

are highly engaged in community service and professional

involvement.

Exceptional preparation for a powerful profession

3.63Average cumulative GPA

with a 2.86 to 3.92 range

306Average GRE score

TOTALverbal 153, quantitative 153

male

female

26%

74%

3.55Average science GPA Approximately

of the students are Iowa residents

48%24 yrsAverage age

PA

graduation rate

96% 98%

First-time pass rate for national

certifying exam

Student-to-faculty ratio

14:1

Alumni reside in

44 stateswith the highest numbers in Iowa, Minnesota,

Wisconsin, South Dakota and Nebraska.

CLASS OF 2019 PROFILE

QUICK FACTS

(2017)

Class size

students

50

DMU’s PA program holds

accreditation-continued status from the

Accreditation Review Commission on

Education for the Physician Assistant.

Des Moines University’s physician assistant program

combines the best in medical education: a rigorous,

comprehensive curriculum; active and engaging

learning opportunities; outstanding facilities; and

personal attention from expert faculty active in

health care and in the community.

The DMU PA program prepares highly competent and

compassionate physician assistants who are committed

to prevention of disease, maintenance of health, patient

education and treatment of disease.

Exceptional preparation for a powerful profession

of PA students receive DMU-funded

scholarships

30%

Students complete a Capstone Project

designed to let them gain further information on a selected medical topic.

The program’s clinical year faculty have more than

of combined teaching experience at DMU. (2017)

55 yrs

Why DMU?

DIG IN AND DISCOVER

In addition to their supervised clinical

practice experiences during the second

year of the PA program, students com-

plete their Capstone Projects using skills

and information gained through the

didactic phase of the curriculum. Each

student selects a topic and the research

method to be applied, culminating in

an in-depth paper and oral presentation.

These Capstone Projects reflect a wide

range of students’ interests, from various

diseases and health conditions to the

effectiveness of medications, alternative

treatment approaches and patient educa-

tion methods.

GAIN PREPARATION

Des Moines University’s physician

assistant program will prepare you to

work and lead in a growing profession

focused on helping people live health-

ier lives. Physician assistants are key

members of health care teams in hos-

pitals, multispecialty clinics, physician

offices, long-term care residences and

other settings in rural and urban areas.

DMU IS A GREAT PLACE TO LEARN, COLLABORATE AND PREPAREStudents across programs enjoy collegial

interactions with each other and with

faculty. The curriculum includes opportu-

nities for interprofessional education to let

you learn with, from and about students

pursuing other health professions. Those

experiences will help equip you for

interprofessional practice: working with

patients, families and other clinicians to

deliver the highest quality of care.

The experienced and student-centered faculty

at Des Moines University lead our students through

a challenging and rewarding adventure that prepares

them to do well on the Physician Assistant National

Certification Examination and opens a world of lifelong

opportunity for successful practice as physician assistants.

Our graduates are valued and sought out because of

their clinical competency and professionalism.”

Jason Kessler, M.D., FAAP

PA program director/ department chair

For all the right reasons.

CLINICAL EXPOSURE EARLY ON

DMU offers PA students a number of clin-

ical experiences beginning early in the

first year. Most are within a one-hour

drive of Des Moines. Some sites are

free clinics that provide care to un-

derserved patient populations. These

experiences provide a meaningful

opportunity to apply knowledge

and skills beyond the rigors of

the classroom.

These clinical experienc-

es also serve as a bridge

between the largely didactic

first year and the supervised

clinical practice experiences

of the second year. With

many DMU PA graduates

serving as second-year clinical

preceptors, students have the

advantage of networking with prac-

ticing PAs and seeing firsthand the

outcomes of the program.

I’m really happy I chose DMU.

The faculty are great, and I’ve made

a lot of wonderful friends!”

Melissa Truong, PA Class of 2017

LEARN FROM THE BEST

The DMU PA faculty have years of

clinical experience and share a

deep commitment to student

success. They are great role

models in patient care, clin-

ical expertise, community

service and professional

leadership. Many hold

leadership positions

in state and na-

tional professional

organizations. You

will enjoy close

interaction with

faculty as well as

your classmates

in a collaborative

– not competitive –

environment.

GRADUATE AMONG THE BEST

High student outcomes in job placement,

certifying exam pass rates and career

satisfaction demonstrate the strengths

and advantages of the DMU PA program.

You will master the knowledge and skills

to competently and compassionately treat

patients of all ages with diverse needs in

different health care settings. Because all

of DMU’s programs are in medicine and

the health sciences, you also will have ac-

cess to interprofessional experiences with

other future health care professionals.

Physician Assistant Program – Class of 2017

YEAR 1

2015 2016

MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY

OR

IEN

TA

TIO

N

YEAR 2

YEAR 3

Clinically Oriented Anatomy

Physical Diagnosis - A

Pathology

Flex Care

Physiology

Clinical Skills - A

Nutrition

PA Professional Issues - A

Clinical Preventive Lab Medicine 2

Clinical Patient Assessment - A

Medical Genetics

Clinical Preventive Lab Medicine 3

Clinical Preventive Lab Medicine 4

Introduction to Ethics

Research and Epidemiology

Clinical Preventive Lab Medicine 1

Immun/Microbiology

Medical Pharmacology Introduction to Health Care Delivery

Physical Diagnosis - B Clinical Patient Assessment - B

Program to Practice I

PA Professional Issues - B

Clinical Skills - B Clinical Skills - C

WIN

TE

R B

RE

AK

FA

LL

BR

EA

K

SP

RIN

G B

RE

AK

Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences • Required SCPEs in Family Medicine (12 weeks), Internal Medicine (12 weeks), Surgery (4 weeks),

Emergency Medicine (4 weeks), Pediatrics (2-4 weeks), Psychiatry (4 weeks), and Women’s Health (2-4 weeks) • Electives (up to 8 weeks)

25th Month Assessments& Capstone Project Presentations

THE PA CURRICULUM:

Rigorous, real-world preparation for improving patients’ lives

The 25-month physician assistant program emphasizes the interrelation-ships of functions and organs and heightens students’ awareness of the

unique social, psychological and medical needs of each patient. The curriculum is divided into two major parts: 13 months of classroom

study and 12 months of clinical experiences. Students complete course work the first 12 months and then have 12 months of supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs). They then return to the classroom for the last month and present their Capstone Projects.

The didactic curriculum is designed to prepare students to work with phy-sicians in primary care and medical specialties. Courses in ethics, health care delivery systems, epidemiological principles and research enrich the program.

INNOVATIVE TEACHING TOOLS FOSTER LEARNING

You will develop clinical, communication and inter- professional teamwork skills in the Iowa Sim-ulation Center at DMU. It combines clinical scenarios with lifelike high-fidelity manne-quins and equipment, allowing students to perform real-world, hands-on assessments and procedures, interacting with the manne-quins as though they were human patients.

The Standardized Performance Assessment Lab (SPAL) enables students to interact with and examine people trained to portray a variety of medical conditions. Students review videos of their patient encounters and learn from evaluations by faculty and “patients.” These experiences hone the students’ diagnostic skills and ability to establish relationships with patients and other health care providers.

The Surgery Skills Center includes simulation model labs, a computer technology lab, an operating room lab, laparoscopic and other special equipment. Students learn basic aseptic technique theory and applications. They are introduced to suturing, knot tying, surgical instrumentation, the process of donning surgical gown and gloves, dissection, intravenous insertion practices and other clinical/surgical procedures and equipment.

YOU’RE PART OF A GREAT PROFESSION

The physician assistant students at DMU are members of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Iowa Physician Assistant Society. Being part of these pro-fessional organizations allows you to learn, interact with practicing physician assistants and build your network.

THE PA CURRICULUM:

Rigorous, real-world preparation for improving patients’ lives

The thing I enjoy

most about DMU is the

faculty-student interaction.

The faculty are very helpful

and always available to

address any issues or

questions you may have.

They are here to help you

succeed and guide you in

the beginning of your

professional career.”

Nate Stocco, PA Class of 2017

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

More than 40 clubs and organizations offer speakers, presentations, hands-on workshops, opportunities to attend conferences and a wide variety of social and community service activities. Many are affiliated with national professional organizations; others focus on special interests, from pediatrics to infectious disease to holistic medicine. Student govern-ment and club leadership are great ways to network, have a voice and develop or sharpen leadership skills as you gain lifelong friends.

GET FIT AND HAVE FUN

DMU is the nation’s first and only uni-versity or college to earn platinum status for its wellness program, the highest recognition granted by the Wellness Councils of America. In the wellness center on campus, you’ll find sup-portive staff members, treadmills, spinning and elliptical machines, free weights, a basketball and volley-ball court, exercise classes, intramu-ral sports, healthful cooking sessions and more. It’s a great place to take a break and stay in shape.

YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME

The DMU campus is welcoming and user-friendly. In the Student Education Center, you can study with friends, use the library, grab a beverage and a bite to eat in the cafeteria, curl up by the fireplace, take a TV break or unwind with a game of pool or table tennis in the game room.

RESOURCES THAT SUPPORT YOU

Our mission is to prepare high-ly competent and compassionate health care professionals, and the University provides students with re-sources to fulfill that goal. The Center for Teaching and Learning offers individual and group services in areas including study strategies, test-taking skills, time management skills and more. The Student Counseling Center helps students meet the personal chal-lenges in accomplishing academic, career and life goals with counseling services, workshops, support group facilitation and referral services.

DO A WORLD OF GOOD

DMU students frequently volunteer in the community and at campus events such as the University’s highly popular annual Senior Health Fair and Girls in Science Day. PA students and faculty often provide no-cost sports physicals at schools in underserved areas in Des Moines and throughout Iowa, and they help provide blood pressure checks and screenings for lung disease during DMU Day at the Iowa State Fair. Other activities among PA students have included Salvation Army bell-ringing and service to the Ron-ald McDonald House, Easter Seals of Iowa and Youth and Shelter Services of Iowa.

A great place to live and learnYou aren’t one-dimensional; life at DMU isn’t, either.

Dive into an engaged campus and vibrant community

with virtually unlimited options.

Your ultimate goal is to become an exceptionally well prepared health care professional, so choose a university that will get you there. At DMU, you will learn from and

with faculty and students who all share a common focus on the health sciences and patient care. You will become ready for both autonomous and interprofessional practice in providing the highest quality of care.

DMU will heighten your skills and deepen your compassion for changing people’s lives for the better. You will be ready for a rewarding career in a high-demand profession, developing meaningful relationships with patients and colleagues.

DMU: because of where you want to go afterward

I chose DMU

because it stood out

in so many ways

compared to other

schools I was looking

at. The facilities are

top-notch, faculty

members are always

willing to lend a helping

hand, and interaction

with the other health

care programs here pro-

vides great opportunities

to network and develop

professional relationships

for the future.”

David Roberts, PA Class of 2017

GAIN PERSPECTIVES

The multicultural affairs office strives to help students become culturally compe-tent. Its programs help and challenge members of the DMU community to examine their own cultural biases as they learn about other cultures, pop-ulations and perspectives, enhanc-ing their ability to deliver positive health outcomes in our increasingly diverse society. I’m always looking

for new opportunities to

broaden the horizons

of our students.

I want to help

them become more

sensitive toward

their patients,

and I want them

to gain confidence

they have great

diagnostic skills.”

Laura Delaney, MPAS, PA-C, assistant professor

#4BEST CITY FOR

YOUNG FAMILIES

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One of the

“UNDERAPPRECIATED AMERICAN CITIES

YOU SHOULD TOTALLY MOVE TO”

top

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#4 BEST CITY FOR

MAKING A LIVING

top 10Among the

PLACES TO LIVE IN THE MIDWEST

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Des Moines features safe neighborhoods, great public and private schools, a wide variety of entertainment and shopping

venues, many family-friendly events and attractions, three lakes and multiple bike paths and parks. Like DMU, Iowa’s capital is collegial and accessible.

The city has a diverse and thriving economy, but its cost of living is distinctly affordable. Nearly 635,000 people call the metropoli-tan area home.

DMU is located in a lovely historic neighborhood in the heart of the city. While many students live nearby,

the campus is also easily accessible for those who choose to live in Des Moines’ suburbs.

GET A REAL GLIMPSE OF DMU ON THE WEB. Watch campus videos on YouTube, become a fan on Facebook, post comments and meet DMU people. Or read the blog, “Dose of DMU,” for news about campus events, people, activities around Des Moines and more. Find these links and additional information at www.dmu.edu.

CENTRALLY LOCATEDMinneapolis ..........243 milesChicago .................329 milesOmaha ..................135 milesKansas City ...........192 milesSt. Louis ................339 miles

I love that as a physician assistant, I will have

the freedom to practice in virtually any specialty and

will be able to change specialties throughout my career.”

Jessica Wilson, PA Class of 2017

For more info about the Des Moines area, go to WWW.CATCHDESMOINES.COM

Among the nation’s

MID-SIZED CITIES

top 10Gogobot.com

“hippest”

Des MoinesA WONDERFUL COMMUNITY FOR ALL AGES AND STAGES

Des Moines University reserves the right to make program changes without notice. 12-17/WO

REQUIRED COURSES

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES: 16 semester hours• A semester each of human anatomy, physiology,

microbiology and genetics

• Physical education and exercise science courses are not acceptable.

• Labs are required, when available, for all biology courses.

CHEMISTRY: 16 semester hours• A semester each of inorganic chemistry, organic

chemistry and biochemistry

• Labs are required, when available, for all chemistry courses.

ENGLISH: 6 semester hours• Including one course of English composition and

one course of speech

PSYCHOLOGY: 9 semester hours• Including one course of abnormal psychology

STATISTICS OR BIOSTATISTICS: one course

MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY: one course

➊ Submit an online application from CASPA no later than December 1 prior to the year you anticipate entering the program.

➋ Submit transcripts to CASPA for all postsecondary schools you’ve attended.

➌ Submit at least two letters of recommendation to CASPA. A letter from a physician assistant is strongly encouraged.

➍ Send GRE scores to CASPA (DMU’s code for CASPA is 0447).

DMU evaluates applications throughout the year as they are completed. By the nature of this process, the entering class could be filled early during the admissions cycle. For the PA program, applicants are interviewed and accepted starting in August and continuing until the class and alternate lists are full. By applying early, you have a greater likelihood of being interviewed and accepted into the program.

Select candidates will be invited to campus for interviews. The day includes inter-views with faculty, a campus tour, lunch with current PA students and a meeting with faculty and staff to learn more about the program. Interviewees are typically informed whether they are accepted within two weeks after their interviews.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Do you have what it takes?

The application processApply to the PA program online via the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) offered through the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA). The website is http://portal.caspaonline.org.

To be considered for admission, you must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university prior to the start of orientation. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.8 is required for consideration.

The courses below are required for admission; you may apply while course work is in progress. Courses must be completed prior to matriculation. Science prerequisites must be completed within five years of matriculation.

See www.dmu.edu/pa for more detailed information.

PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTSAs an applicant, you must have completed at least 750 hours of direct patient care experience as an employee or volunteer in a medical office, hospital or extended-care facility. Shadowing a physician assistant is required. Your experiences may be combined, but all acceptable clinical experiences must involve hands-on care of patients.

GRE SCORESAll applicants must complete the GRE and send their scores to Des Moines University via CASPA before they will be considered for an interview. DMU’s CASPA GRE code is 0447. See www.ets.org/gre for more detailed information.

NON-U.S. CITIZENS – Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents are not eligible for admission to the physician assistant program at Des Moines University.

ACCREDITATION – DMU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. At its September 2015 meeting, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) placed the DMU physician assistant program on accreditation-probation status. This temporary status is conferred when a program does not meet the standards and when the capability of the program to provide an acceptable educational experience for its students is threatened.

Once placed on probation, programs that still fail to comply with accreditation requirements in a timely manner, as specified by ARC-PA, may be scheduled for a probation site visit and/or risk having their accreditation withdrawn.

Specific questions regarding the program and its plans should be directed to the program director and/or the appropriate institutional official(s).

Des Moines

QUESTIONS? We welcome all inquiries!

MAILPA Program Admissions, Des Moines University3200 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312-4198

EMAIL PAadmit@dmu.edu

PHONE515-271-1499Outside the 515 area code: 800-240-2767, x1499

WEB www.dmu.edu/pa

The best education in health care in

a uniquely supportive environment.

Don’t settle for less.

Choose DMU and you’ll get ...

ACCREDITATION: Des Moines University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The physician assistant program holds accreditation-continued status granted by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION: DMU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, creed, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or marital status in employment, ad-mission or access to education programs, activities or health care. Education programs within the University also have professional accreditation within their respective fields. Information about professional accreditation is available from the colleges and degree programs.