Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Mission, Vision, & Goals

Goals

1. To design and implement a holistic admission process that will recruit and admit PA applicants from a variety of backgrounds and experience.
   Benchmark: Until the program has sufficient cohort data to trend and establish internal benchmarks, the program will use the mean comparisons in the PAEA annual report to identify needs of improvement in the recruitment and admission process. The program will focus in the following areas:
   • Patient care experience hours
   • Science GPA 
   • Total GPA
   • Community Service
   • Gender
   • Age
   • Race/Ethnicity 
   Outcome: Data will be posted after completion of the first admission process.
2. The NU School of PA Medicine will have an annual NCCPA PANCE pass rate at or above the national average.
   Benchmark: Achieve a PANCE first-time test-taker pass rate at or above the national average.
   Outcome: Data will be reported after first cohort graduation.
3. Prepare and deliver a comprehensive curriculum that properly equips students to provide competent, patient-centered care upon graduation.
   Survey to PA graduates – responding students will agree or strongly agree that the PA program prepared them to use the medical knowledge and technical skills in the systematic process of patient evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for an entry-level practitioner.
4. Acquire the knowledge and skills to provide holistic medical care and humanitarian service to underserved populations locally.
   Benchmark: Students will participate in local community service outreach opportunities/events
   Outcome: (1) Record the number of hours of humanitarian and community service activities. (2) Post-graduate survey – responding graduates will agree or strongly agree that their education improved their ability to recognize healthcare disparities existing in underserved populations and the impact PAs can have on those patients and the community.
5. Foster a culture of professional involvement, leadership, and advocacy.
   Benchmark: Institutional administration, NU School of PA Medicine faculty and alumni will mentor and encourage students to become involved in local and national organizations.
   Outcome: Administrative leaders, faculty and alumni will hold positions in local and national organizations within the PA community. (2) All PA students will attend one state or one national PA conference. (3) All students and will participate in advocacy day at the state capital.
6. Demonstration of institutional commitment for continuing professional development of the principal faculty, medical director, and dean.
   Benchmark:  Conference attendance and professional development supported by Northwest University.
   Outcome:  Each faculty member is allocated 100% funding and non-vacation days by Northwest University to attend at least one conference annually or complete professional development.