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High impact
The PA profession is high-touch and high-impact. You'll find our graduates in clinics nationwide.
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Be prepared
Our program is intensive, but when you're done, you'll be ready to work in a variety of clinical settings.
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Faculty to student ratio
Our cohorts are small. That means you'll get quality instruction from our quality faculty.
Celebrating 50 Years
In 2022, the Department of Physician Assistant celebrates the 50th year of its PA program. In fall 2022, we'll throw a celebration.
About our program
The WMU Department of Physician Assistant offers an entry-level, full-time, 24-month, professional education curriculum that leads to a Master of Science in Medicine (MSM). After graduation you'll be prepared to take the certifying exam to become a PA.
- The first year focuses primarily on classroom and laboratory instruction, and includes a component that addresses research issues pertinent to physician assistants.
- The second, or clinical year, includes a variety of experiences in community teaching hospitals, clinics and physician offices.
What is a physician assistant?
What is a PA?
Physician assistants are medical professionals who diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications and often serve as a patient’s principal health care provider. With thousands of hours of medical training, PAs are versatile and collaborative. We practice in every state and in every medical setting and specialty, improving health care access and quality.
Information Sessions
Webinar Number: 2622 375 2135
Passcode: tWCaHpsr363
We are pleased to offer virtual information sessions for the 2022-23 application cycle. Please use the links below to join us via Webex Webinar. If you have questions, email us at pa-info@wmich.edu. This inbox is monitored regularly.
News and Events
Holistic admissions
The Department of Physician Assistant has utilized a holistic process for the last two years. The process requires more time and effort, but the result has been positive.
While it remains largely white, the profession has become more racially and ethnically diverse in recent years. Holistic admissions processes will only further aid that movement toward diversity.
Candidates are scored on more than 50 individual data points that assess academic ability, recommendations, grit and other non-academic attributes in a scoring system that more accurately reflects a whole person. Undergrad GPA is one factor, but there is no standardized test requirement.
Differentiators
Student involvement
Our students are actively engaged in our program and in our community. The WMU PA Student Society is a registered student organization at the University. Our students regularly compete (and win) quiz bowls at the MAPA annual event. And they're community advocates, leading donation drives each year around the holidays.
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WMU Pre-PA Student Society
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WMU PA Student Society
Our facilities
The College of Health and Human Services building is on WMU's East Campus. While it's not centrally located, the building's many amenities make it a comfortable home for our students.
- Close, ample parking
- Modern building with comfortable study spaces and updated teaching technology like Sim Man and Anatomage Table
- Bella VIta Cafe with grab-and-go food options and Water Street coffee
2020 CHHS Impact Report
The Department of Physician Assistant is featured in the 2020 College of Health and Human Services Impact Report, both in the photos of our safe return to campus this summer, and in an article highlighting our holistic admissions process.
Newsletters
In August 2018, the Department of Physician Assistant issued its first e-newsletter - PA Pulse. Use the links below to read them. Contact us to sign up to receive future issues.
