Physician Assistant Program
Graduate and Professional Programs
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine - Physician Assistant Program - Overview
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine's Rich Tradition of Education and Leadership Produces Confident Caregivers
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has been teaching students about the osteopathic medical tradition for over 100 years. Many graduates of PCOM go on to become holistic, primary-care oriented osteopathic physicians, often serving populations who have insufficient medical access. Other graduates of PCOM go on to become forensic specialists, organizational leaders, psychologists, and physician assistants -- all of whom are professionals playing key roles in the comprehensive healthcare teams of the modern world.
Osteopathic medicine has a rich tradition of focusing on the entire body, and PCOM has a rich tradition of education and leadership. The program at PCOM revolves around a multi-accredited environment with academic offerings that provide every student with the resources to become a competent, confident, and caring professional. The osteopathic philosophy focuses on the unity of all body parts, yet only 25 schools of osteopathic medicine currently exist in the country.
PCOM Offers a Well-Equipped Activities Center, Right in Philadelphia, Close to Restaurants, Galleries, and Entertainment
Being located right in Philadelphia, PCOM offers many living options for students. Students living in apartments or sharing houses can live in Center City, Wynnefield, Overbrook, Manyunk, or numerous other nearby suburbs. Many of the housing options are within walking distance of the main PCOM campus, and many more are close to public transportation, to campus, and elsewhere. Students are encouraged to explore the opportunities afforded them by Philadelphia, including museums, shopping, restaurants, galleries, and thriving social scenes.
Students who prefer to stay on campus will find plenty to do at the Activities Center, the hub of the PCOM community. The Activities Center is the center for fitness on campus, and includes a weight room with free weights, cardiovascular equipment, and plenty of other strength and conditioning machines. There are also a fitness studio, racquetball courts, and even an NBA regulation-size basketball court. Various athletic competitions and recreational events take place at the Activity Center, enriching the well-being, morale, and enjoyment of both students and staff. Fitness classes are available, and other recreational activities and events ensure that students will form interpersonal connections.
Student Organizations and Athletics Abound at PCOM, Offering Everything from Community Service to Ultimate Frisbee
Students at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine know that the college experience consists of more than just academics in the classroom. Most students are involved in a few on-campus organizations, and PCOM offers everything from research clubs to athletic clubs. Many of PCOM's student clubs are actively involved with community service, and PCOM students frequently volunteer in the community in various ways, such as providing health services at local fairs.
Athletics are popular at PCOM, even for students with schedules full of academic commitments. Organized sports teams are open to all students and staff. Students can compete in rugby, soccer, volleyball, roller hockey, and golf. Intramural sports include basketball, table tennis, flag football, floor hockey, volleyball, racquetball, Ultimate Frisbee, and dodge ball. A field and jogging track are also available on campus.
Non-athletic organizations exist as well. They range from national organizations, such as the American Medical Women's Association and the Christian Medical Association, to professional organizations such as the Business in Medicine Club and Pathology Club as well as more general interest organizations such as the Physicians for Humanity.
PCOM Offers a Strong Physician Assistant Curriculum to Prepare Students for the Challenges of Today's Compassionate Care
Physician assistants (PAs) are health professionals who practice medicine under the supervision of licensed physicians, delivering a broad range of medical services and patient care to diverse populations in a variety of settings.
The Physician Assistant Program at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) leads to the Master of Science in Health Sciences. The Physician Assistant Program at PCOM is the only program offered by an osteopathic medical school in Pennsylvania. PA students immediately receive hands-on medical education early in the professional training, working with professional PAs, osteopathic physicians, and other healthcare professionals.
The faculty at PCOM provides constant evaluation of students as future health care professionals. Students receive a comprehensive foundation in medical education, developing patient communication, technical proficiency, and clinical problem-solving skills. Candidates receive a Master of Science degree after successfully completing the 26-month program and are well-prepared to start a career as a high-quality physician assistant.
Internships Give PCOM Students Hands-On Experience, Extending the Continuum of Learning from Class to Community
PCOM knows that a medical career isn't just about reading books. Because of that, PCOM emphasizes the continuum of learning for the individual physician assistant through the years of school, the preceptorship, and his or her professional life. To assure the quality and continuity of the physician assistant program, PCOM had made sure that the program has accreditation from the ARC-PA (Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc.) and that its graduates are eligible to sit for the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) Examination.