Program Details
The Weber State University (91风流) Physician Assistant Program is a two-year, full-time, intensive graduate-level program that trains individuals with clinical experience and a strong academic background to become physician assistants and leaders in the field of medicine.
The curriculum is integrated and experiential, providing an innovative structure that helps students move from learning, understanding and applying the science of medicine to analyzing and integrating medical information in the context of complex patients with multiple comorbidities. Students who complete 102 credit hours, as well as a Master’s Project and Summative Competency Assessments, are eligible for graduation.
Why the 91风流 PA Program?
Our small cohort of 20 students fosters a sense of community and enhances opportunities for classroom participation and collaborative learning. A small faculty-to-student ratio creates a strong rapport and provides students with personalized attention.
The program has a unique dual emphasis on primary care and inpatient hospital internal medicine. As part of their clinical training, students complete a 3-month primary care rotation and a 3-month inpatient hospital medicine rotation. In addition, students complete 4-week emergency medicine and surgical rotations, and a 4-week elective rotation in an internal medicine subspecialty.
The program employs cooperative learning and instructional methods to amplify student engagement and the overall quality of learning. Teaching strategies include:
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Inquiry-based learning
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Team-based learning
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Problem-based case studies
The program is housed in a beautiful facility with abundant natural light and scenic views of the Wasatch mountains. The building has two dedicated classrooms, a dedicated, state-of-the-art clinical skills lab that features five outpatient exam rooms, a hospital room, and a control room equipped with advanced simulation technology. Four debriefing rooms support small-group observation, feedback, and discussion, serving as flexible spaces for learning and study. Students have a dedicated lounge space and access to the building 24/7.
Affordable tuition and fees. We understand that graduate school is a major financial decision. Our tuition and fees are competitive with other physician assistant programs, and we work to provide real value through a strong educational experience. Financial aid, scholarships, and flexible payment plans are available to help make the program more accessible.
Our passionate and dedicated faculty and staff are committed to student success. With over 60 years of combined clinical experience, our faculty bring practical knowledge and informed perspectives that provide students with valuable insights and support a comprehensive, well-rounded medical education.
From the first semester, students engage in weekly simulated medical training scenarios that facilitate the transition from learning and understanding the science of medicine to analyzing, interpreting, and applying medical information within the context of complex patients with multiple comorbidities and social issues. By working in small groups, students improve interpersonal and communication skills and learn to collaborate effectively as compassionate members of the healthcare team.
Our 24-month program is designed to equip students with the comprehensive medical knowledge, clinical training, and professional skills needed to excel as physician assistants. While many PA programs span 27 months or longer, our efficient format allows students to complete their education in just two years—supporting a faster transition from the classroom to clinical practice and enabling earlier entry into the workforce.
End-of-semester comprehensive summative exams help students solidify their knowledge, reinforce the acquisition of program competencies, and enhance readiness for clinical training and the PANCE exam. These assessments also provide valuable feedback on academic progress, identify areas for improvement, and ensure students are meeting the rigorous standards required for professional practice.
Our comprehensive POCUS curriculum provides each student with a Butterfly Ultrasound probe for hands-on training throughout the program, both in class and during clinical rotations. This practical experience builds confidence and proficiency, giving graduates a competitive edge in emergency medicine, primary care, and hospital medicine. At Weber State, students gain advanced diagnostic skills that elevate patient care and set them apart in the field.
The majority of our clinical rotations are located within the surrounding local region. However, for students assigned to out-of-state rotation sites, the program provides a stipend to help offset the cost of temporary housing. This support is intended to ease the financial burden and ensure students can focus on gaining valuable clinical experience, regardless of location.
Curriculum
Didactic courses are taught using a systems-based approach that helps students achieve clinical acumen by creating meaningful applications between biomedical science, clinical science, pharmacotherapy and professional practice.
The content integrates various teaching methods, including lectures, labs, problem-, team- and inquiry-based learning, simulation, interprofessional activities, evidence-based practice and community engagement.
After successfully completing didactic training, students begin Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPEs) in their second year. This involves various clinical settings in multiple medical disciplines under the supervision of a clinical preceptor. In direct patient care environments, students expand and apply basic medical knowledge, practice clinical and technical skills, and participate in the team-based practice of medicine.
Only students admitted to the 91风流 PA Program can take courses within the department. The curriculum is sequential, meaning students must complete the program by passing each exam and course before progressing to subsequent classes and semesters.
Before you apply, understand what our program looks like over the 24-month duration:
Year One
- Semester 1 (22 total credit hours)
- Semester 2 (21 total credit hours)
- Semester 3 (20 total credit hours)
Year Two
Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs)
Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) are the observable and measurable professional activities a PA must be competent to perform upon entry into professional clinical practice. Upon completion of the program, 91风流 physician assistant students can be entrusted to:
EPA 1
Interview a patient/family to obtain a medical history.
EPA 2
Perform technically proficient physical and mental status exams.
EPA 3
Prioritize a differential diagnosis following the collection of medical history and exam data.
EPA 4
Recommend, order, and interpret diagnostic and screening tests.
Perform clinical and technical procedures when indicated during the course of patient care.
EPA 6
Identify patients requiring a higher level of care and initiate appropriate evaluation and management.
EPA 7
Develop and implement treatment plans that include clinical and/or pharmacologic interventions, referrals to members of the healthcare team and patient counseling/education.
EPA 8
Document and present a clinical encounter.
EPA 9
Collaborate as a member of an interprofessional team.
EPA 10
Contribute to a culture of safety and quality.
Upon Graduation
Upon graduation, students become eligible for board certification by the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants () and can sit for the Physician Assistant National Certification Exam (). Once certified, Physician Assistants can apply for a medical license in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.