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The paramedic program consists of 16 courses for a total of 41 credit hours over two semesters. Classroom instruction covers anatomy/physiology, patient assessment, advanced airway procedures, cardiovascular emergencies, medical and trauma emergencies, EMS operations, hospital clinical and EMS field practicum. The program prepares students for the NREMT-Paramedic Certification Examination., Program accreditation, The paramedic certificate programs is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP).  Learn more about our accreditation., Institutional accreditation, The UT Health San Antonio is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools,  1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, to award certificates and baccalaureate, master's, doctoral, and professional degrees. The institution was last reviewed and reaffirmed in 2008. The institution's accreditation extends through 2018 and includes all programs…,  Note:,  The Commission should only be contacted 1) to learn about the institution's accreditation status, 2) to file a third-party comment at the time of the institution's accreditation review, or 3) to file a complaint against the institution for alleged non-compliance with a standard or requirement. All normal inquiries about admission requirements, financial aid, educational programs, etc. should be…,  

Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care (Online)
Fall Spring $244 per credit hour* $244 per credit hour* $1,949 (8 semester credit hours)  $1,949 (8 semester credit hours)  *Charges shown are for Texas residents and are based on the number of credit hours taken each semester plus any fees; taking less than 3 courses will reduce the cost per semester. Note: Only Direct Costs are required by the students. 

Master of Physician Assistant Studies
The Master of Physician Assistant Studies program at UT Health San Antonio prepares physician assistants for their roles within the health care setting. Our classroom, laboratory and supervised clinical practice experiences emphasize quality care and clinical skills in the primary care setting. Our program consists of 126 credit hours of coursework and the class size is limited to a total of 45…, More Information, For more information about this program, contact the Physician Assistant Studies Department, or see the UT Health San Antonio course catalog . 210-567-4240 pastudies@uthscsa.edu

Master of Physician Assistant Studies
The clinical practicum is a vital part of the Physician Assistant student’s education. During this time, the student transitions from lectures and laboratories to working within the clinical setting. Our students receive training in all disciplines. This allows our students to see what interests them through real-life experience. We offer students the chance to become health care professionals…

We already know you’ll be in demand when you graduate from this program, because our graduates usually find employment within the first few months following graduation. Our graduates are employed at many of the local and regional health care providers, including Community Medicine Associates, Seton Healthcare, Texas Liver Institute and University Health System. The class of 2014 currently has 46.…

What are the steps to apply to the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program at UT Health San Antonio?, The MPAS program requires two separate applications: The first step is to complete the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) online application and submit all documents, materials, and requirements. The second step is to complete the Physician Assistant Studie Supplemental Application and load the document onto your CASPA online application. The final step is to submit your…, When does the application cycle open and close?, The application period opens in April and closes in September. Please review CASPA’s website for full deadline details. We encourage all applicants to plan accordingly and APPLY EARLY in the application cycle and ensure a quality application review of the CASPA’s “Before Applying” section for instructions on the CASPA website., Where do I send my application materials?, Send ALL application materials, including transcripts, to CASPA. Please see the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio Admissions Requirement Checklist for full instructions., What is included in the supplemental application?, The supplemental application and full instructions can be found at Physician Assistant Studies (PAS) Supplemental Application. A Petition for Course Review should be sent with this application ONLY if needed. Even if you are petitioning for a course, you do not send your transcripts to the registrar., Where else can I get tips on applying?, We hold  Open House Workshops typically from February-June. Questions will be answered at these workshops, and tips on applying and strengthening your application will be shared. To attend a workshop, you must RSVP in advance. The event is free and recommended for prospective applicants who are within two years applying. Please note that the Physician Assistant Studies Department does an annual…, How many applications are received and how competitive is acceptance?, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio receives a large volume of completed applications annually. The total number of applications varies per year. Applicants are welcome regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability., How can I ensure a successful application submission?, Please plan early and accordingly for the CASPA and UT Health Science Center San Antonio listed application deadlines and document submissions. It is recommended that students apply and finalize their CASPA application before they submit their MPAS Supplemental Application and online supplemental application fee. Please ensure enough delivery time for any mailed items before the deadline. Account…, Do you interview candidates for your program and what is the format?, Yes. A multiple mini-interview is conducted for the most competitive applicants to the MPAS program. Typically about 140 invited students are interviewed each year.  Interview dates typically take place October through January. The class size is anticipated to be 45 students., If I am reapplying, what do I need to do?, Students will be required to send in all new materials, transcripts, CASPA applications, supplemental applications, etc. Records of past applicants are not kept on file at UT Health Science Center in San Antonio., If I have a question about the application process, who should I contact?, The first step for advice about the application process is the School of Health Professions Admissions Office at 210-567-6220; Toll-free 1-866-802-6288; Fax 210-567-6230; or email at SHPwelcome@uthscsa.edu . We also offer an  Open House  where prospective students can come to campus to learn more about the program and application requirements.

Physician Assistant Studies
What characteristics would make me a competitive candidate for admission?, We look for well-rounded individuals. A history of academic success, service to the community and/or to others, strong motivation to be a PA, excellent critical thinking skills and interpersonal skills are examples of characteristics of what we look for in applicants., How important is a candidate's GPA in getting an interview and how do I make myself more competitive?, A minimum overall GPA and overall science GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale are required for eligibility of review. All required courses must be passed with a grade of “C” or better. As with other universities or colleges, higher GPA’s make a more competitive candidate. The goal is for candidates to be competitive and academically prepared to successfully handle the demands of the MPAS program…, Can I work while enrolled in the program?, The MPAS program is a full-time endeavor. Students are encouraged to devote the maximum time possible to their studies while enrolled in the Physician Assistant Studies Program. The curriculum is intense, demanding, time-consuming, and requires long hours of class and study time. Any activity that takes time away from a student’s efforts within the program is discouraged., What are the average statistics of admitted students?, Although it varies per year, please see the entering 2016 MPAS class statistics below. Number of applicants in 2016 841 Class size 45 Average number of PA shadowing hours 249 Average direct patient care hours 3049 Average number of community service hours 549 Average overall GPA 3.45 (range: 3.03 - 3.95) Average science GPS 3.38 (range: 3.05 - 3.97) Average age of incoming class 25.6 years (range…, How can I strengthen my application?, Get to know as much as you can about the Physician Assistant profession. Review our website and become familiar with our program. Be able to tell us how you would be a good match for our program. Take additional science courses in college and earn high marks in all the classes. Learn a second language, if you already know a second language, improve your language skills. Consider learning medical…, Where can I learn more about the PA profession?, Here are some helpful resources: Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) Texas Academy of Physician Assistants (TAPA) AAPA Youtube Channel

What are the educational objectives and goals of the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program?, Educational Objectives: Educate physician assistants who are qualified by academic and clinical training to provide patient care services with the appropriate supervision of a licensed physician. Provide a course of professional study that will provide graduates with appropriate knowledge of physical and mental function and disease and the skills to accurately and reliably perform the range of…, Is the UT Health San Antonio MPAS program accredited?, Yes. The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has been granted to the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio Physician Assistant Studies Program. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards. You can learn more about accreditation at www.arc-pa.org., When does the MPAS program begin?, Orientation for new students is typically the first week of June and classes start the following week., How many applicants do you accept a year?, Forty-five candidates are accepted in the San Antonio Campus and up to 15 at the Laredo extension program once a year., Is the program a full-time program or can it be taken part-time?, The program is a full-time program. There are no part-time options., If I have questions about the Physician Assistant Studies program at UT Health San Antonio, who should I contact?, You can email pastudies@uthscsa.edu or call 210-567-4240 to speak with our PA department.

How many hours of health care experience is required in order to apply to the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program?, None.  Health care experience is not required to apply to this program.  To be competitive, health care experience is highly recommended and considered application enhancing., Is it required to shadow a certified Physician Assistant prior to the application to the PA program?, No.  Shadowing a PA or any other medical provider is not required to apply to this program.  To be competitive, observing and/or shadowing a certified physician assistant is highly recommended and considered application enhancing., How do I obtain physician assistant shadowing hours?, Take a HIPAA class so that you can tell prospective practitioners that you are HIPAA compliant. Volunteer to work in any capacity in an office or emergency room where PA’s are employed. In the course of your volunteer work, you might become acquainted with a PA who may be willing to let you shadow - separate from your volunteer time. Approach smaller practices or rural practices where they might…

Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care
Our recent graduates have found employment across the country including at Mission Trails Baptist, Children's Hospital of San Antonio, North Central Baptist Hospital, Texas Children's Hospital, Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Dallas Children's hospitals.  Our students participate in internships that often lead to offers of employment prior to graduation. Respiratory care is one of the fastest-growing…