PA Program classes begin near the end of August each year. However, we do require completion of a summer Medical Terminology workbook and some reading assignments to prepare for fall coursework.
We do not offer a part-time option or distance learning courses.
Employment while a student is in the Le Moyne College Physician Assistant Studies Program is strongly discouraged due to the intensity of the program and the time constraints of the curriculum.
PA Students do not declare a medical specialty at any time nor need to enroll in a post-graduate internship or residency (although post-graduate residencies are available). The intense training students undergo helps prepare them to work in any number of medical specialties.
PBL is designed to help our students develop clinical reasoning skills using patient scenarios. Le Moyne combines traditional lecture-based classes with student-oriented medical provider facilitated group learning along with self-study. This is to help students develop proficiency in conducting histories and physicals as well as applying their medical knowledge to patient scenarios.
The didactic curriculum consists of several learning formats. However, the overarching philosophy of the entire program is the bio-psycho-social approach to patient care.
One aspect of our active learning is referred to as “problem-based.” This specific component emphasizes student-centered, rather than teacher-centered education. Case review and analysis sharpens clinical skills in a safe learning environment.
Lectures, seminars and discussion groups are blended with laboratory exercises and “hands-on” physical examination skills to round out the first-year experience.
Students spend their days in a mixture of traditional lectures in classes such as Clinical Medicine, Pharmacology, Medical Humanities, Anatomy and Physiology, and Research Seminar, as well as hands-on classes such as the laboratory portion of Clinical Medicine or Anatomy & Physiology, or group-involved courses, such as Problem-Based Learning or their Service Learning Activity. Time out of class is used for studying or practicing skills learned during the day.
In the second year, emphasis is placed on developing a solid, pragmatic foundation for day-to-day practice by providing patient care under the close supervision of a board-certified (or eligible) physician and licensed health care providers.
Multiple sites are utilized and multiple specialties are represented. Le Moyne strives to ensure students have exposure to a variety of sites including those in public, private, urban, suburban and rural locations. Each rotation examines the concepts of “health and wellness” in various settings and in ways that are uniquely sensitive to the prevailing cultural climate.
In addition, students continue working on their Master’s Project and Professional Skills coursework.
Our program prepares students to become lifelong learners and helps promote a more just society.
Students complete eight rotations: Adult, Pediatric, Women’s Health, General Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Behavioral Medicine, (Psychiatry and Gerontology/Long-term care), Medicine and an Elective. Students will generally be assigned to sites located within a 75 mile radius from Syracuse but may also be assigned to sites at a distance. The PA program strives to maintain sites that give the best clinical educational experiences. Students may be allowed to develop their own elective sites, and may request specific sites. The Clinical Coordinator works with students to develop individualized rotation schedules to meet the student’s needs and to fulfill the requirements of the program. Students are responsible for all costs associated with transportation and housing.
Yes, every student is expected to have reliable transportation for clinical rotations.
Students who meet strict program criteria, which include academic and professional standards, may submit appropriate paperwork to be considered for international experiences.