Physician Assistant Studies Curriculum

The first four semesters of ODU's PA Program consist of didactic and laboratory coursework in the basic and clinical sciences, including a full semester course in anatomy with cadaver dissection.

Additionally, students receive instruction in basic sciences to better understand clinical medicine. These include courses such as physiology, pathophysiology, genetics, microbiology and immunology.

Note that the curriculum is subject to change at the discretion of faculty.

View Didactic Course Descriptions

 

The clinical phase of the program lasts 12 months and consists of seven core rotations and four non-core rotations, plus a Transition to Practice course, which includes various professional practice and clinical assessments.

The program determines all clinical rotation assignments. Students are not required to provide or solicit clinical sites or preceptors.

View Clinical Course/Rotation Descriptions

 

During clinical rotations, students are required to return to campus for various assessments, presentations, and professional practice activities. Students are required to complete appropriate logging and evaluation forms as delineated in each syllabus and written assignments as assigned.

Additionally, near the end of the clinical phase, students will participate in an intensive board review course to better prepare for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) and clinical practice.

Students are required to complete all 11 clinical rotations. Students will be expected to travel to various rotation sites. While the majority of the clinical sites are in Central Ohio, some may require travel throughout the state and rarely beyond. Students are responsible for all travel expenses (e.g., housing, travel and food) to and from their assigned clinical rotation site.