Introduction
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. With its top-notch academics, world-renowned research, and cutting-edge facilities, it is no wonder that students from all over the globe flock to this university in hopes of receiving the best education possible. But does UCLA have a Physician Assistant (PA) program?
UCLA’s PA Program
UCLA does indeed have a PA program, and it is one of the most respected in the country. The program is offered through the David Geffen School of Medicine and is designed to prepare students to become certified Physician Assistants. The program is highly competitive, and the admissions process is very rigorous.
The program is a four-year program with two years of didactic coursework and two years of clinical experience. During the first two years, students will take courses in medical sciences, health care systems, and clinical skills. During the clinical years, students will gain hands-on experience in a variety of medical settings, such as hospitals, doctors’ offices, and clinics. At the end of the program, students will take a national certification exam to become certified Physician Assistants.
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements for the UCLA PA program are quite stringent. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.2, and they must have completed a minimum of 48 semester units of college-level coursework. This coursework must include at least three semesters of biology, two semesters of chemistry, two semesters of mathematics, and one semester of physics.
In addition to these academic requirements, applicants must also have completed a minimum of 500 hours of direct patient care experience in a health care setting. This experience must be documented and verified by a licensed health care provider.
Application Process
The application process for the UCLA PA program is highly competitive. Applicants must submit a completed application form, a current resume, and official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. In addition, applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a statement of purpose.
The application deadline for the UCLA PA program is typically in late January or early February. After the applications are reviewed, selected applicants will be invited to attend an on-campus interview with the faculty. The interviews are used to evaluate the applicants’ academic qualifications, communication skills, and knowledge of the PA profession.
Curriculum
The curriculum for the UCLA PA program is divided into two parts: didactic coursework and clinical experience. During the didactic portion, students will take courses in medical sciences, health care systems, and clinical skills. These courses will cover topics such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and medical ethics.
During the clinical portion, students will gain hands-on experience in a variety of medical settings. They will learn how to diagnose and treat patients, as well as how to order laboratory tests and interpret the results. At the end of the program, students will take the national certification exam to become certified Physician Assistants.
Costs
The cost of the UCLA PA program varies depending on the student’s residency status. For California residents, the estimated cost of the program is approximately $50,000. This includes tuition, fees, books, and supplies. For non-residents, the estimated cost is approximately $90,000.
In addition to the cost of the program, students may also be responsible for travel and living expenses. These expenses can vary depending on the student’s individual situation.
Conclusion
UCLA does indeed have a Physician Assistant program. The program is highly competitive and the admission requirements are quite stringent. The curriculum is divided into two parts: didactic coursework and clinical experience. The cost of the program varies depending on the student’s residency status. If you are interested in becoming a Physician Assistant, UCLA’s PA program is an excellent choice.