School of Health Sciences Physician Assistant Studies

About Us

PA Students Each year, we admit 20 students in our intense, high-quality, 28-month program. Our graduates go on to successful and rewarding medical careers throughout the region.
    
Mission

The Physician Assistant Studies Program at the University of South Dakota provides a comprehensive primary care education that prepares graduates to deliver high quality healthcare to meet the needs of patients in South Dakota and the region.

Accreditation

Our program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Graduates of our program are eligible for the national certification examination by the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).  

NCCPA Physician Assistant National Certification Examination First-Time Pass Rate

Class Of

Class Size

First Time Takers

First Time Takers Passed

Percentage Passed-First Time Takers

Pass Rate-Overall

2005

19

19

18

94.74%

100%

2006

21

21

19

90.48%

100%

2007

19

19

16

84.21%

100%

2008

19

19

19

100%

100%

2009

20

20

17

85%

95%

2010

21

21

21

100%

100%

 
NCCPA Pass Rate Summary Report
 
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about the Physician Assistant program.

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