Current Students
CURRICULUM
Physician Assistants (PAs) are trained in the medical model, similar to how physicians are trained in medical school. Students attending the Physician Assistant Studies (PAS) program at GVSU enter with diverse educational and health-related experiences. The curriculum at GVSU enables all students to build on their prior knowledge and become highly competent physician assistants upon graduation.
The PAS program at GVSU is fully accredited and includes four semesters of didactic coursework followed by three semesters of clinical training. The didactic courses include human anatomy, medical physiology, statistics, clinical applications, clinical medicine, pathophysiology, clinical problem-solving, practical therapeutics, PA professional issues, and evidence-based medicine.
TUITION, FEES, SCHOLARSHIPS
Tuition and Fees
Scholarships
Grand Valley State University currently has six scholarships available to aid in tuition for students in the Physician Assistant Studies (PAS) Program.
- Stephanie Urbanawiz Physician Assistant Endowed Scholarship
- Christos and Joan Panopoulos Physician Assistant Studies Endowed Scholarship
- Steven and Kathryn ’83 Bandstra Clinical Placement Scholarship
- Steven and Kathryn ’83 Bandstra Health Sciences Scholarship
- Budden Family Pathway Scholarship
- James R. Moyer Scholarship
TECHNICAL STANDARDS
Successful completion of the Master in Physician Assistant Studies degree at Grand Valley State University requires students meet certain intellectual and technical skills. The granting of a degree to a physician assistant student signifies that the holder is an individual prepared for employment as a PA. In such a professional role, the physician assistant can provide medical services in accordance with the applicable laws of medical practice. The services must, for the safety and welfare of the patient, be of the same professional quality that would be rendered by the supervising physician. The physician assistant must have the knowledge and skills to function in a broad variety of clinical situations and to render a wide spectrum of patient care.
[1644347952].jpg)
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Successful completion of the Master in Physician Assistant Studies degree at Grand Valley State University requires students meet certain intellectual and technical skills. The granting of a degree to a physician assistant student signifies that the holder is an individual prepared for employment as a PA. In such a professional role, the physician assistant can provide medical services in accordance with the applicable laws of medical practice. The services must, for the safety and welfare of the patient, be of the same professional quality that would be rendered by the supervising physician. The physician assistant must have the knowledge and skills to function in a broad variety of clinical situations and to render a wide spectrum of patient care.
PAS LIBRARY RESOURCES
The University Libraries has a rich collection of online information resources to support your research, including thousands of e-journals and hundreds of article databases. You can access any of these information resources by logging in with your GVSU username and password.
Physician Assistant Studies Resources
Frey Foundation Learning Commons located in DCIH, Room 205
Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons
RPC Student Society
What is RPC?
RPC stands for Richard Paul Clodfelder Student Society. Richard Paul Clodfelder was the first medical director of Grand Valley's Physician Assistant Studies (PAS) program. RPC is the official organization for PAS students at Grand Valley. The purpose of RPC is to promote academic achievement and clinical excellence, and to promote the physician assistant as a member for the health care delivery team. The students of the RPC Student Society realize that through formal organization, we can benefit ourselves, our program, and our community. RPC is a registered student society with the Student Academy of the AAPA and is represented in the Assembly of Representatives at the annual IMPACT conference.
RPC puts together events that benefit PA students and the PA program at Grand Valley State University, as well as events that benefit the community. Historically, RPC has organized a 5k race to benefit Oasis of Hope, a free medical clinic in Grand Rapids. RPC raises money through a one-time membership fee and several fundraisers, including apparel orders, Grand Rapids Griffins ticket sales and throw for dough, and Grand Rapids White Caps ticket sales. RPC also organizes a White Coat Ceremony for students entering the clinical phase of education and a special graduation ceremony for students graduating from the program.
Hypertrophy Award: Students in RPC nominate classmates for the Hypertrophy Award every month. The Hypertrophy Award recognizes a student who builds up his or her fellow classmates and goes above and beyond to help others succeed.
Who We Are....
RPC - Class of 2024
[1694119550].jpg)
President: Brendan Garfield
GR Vice President: Brooke Thompson
TC Vice President: LeighAnn Endres
Treasurer: Kellie Hoekstra
Secretary: Hannah Cross
GR Volunteer Chair: Alexis Burket
TC Volunteer Chair: Laryn Kenwabikise
GR Diversity Chair: Daniel Offei
TC Diversity Chair: Capriana Calvachi
GR Fundraising Chairs: Emily Ehrheart & Kylan Winchester
TC Fundraising Chair: Allison Scsavnicki
GR Social Chair: Kate Lutz
TC Social Chair: Sadie Buday
MAPA/AAPA Chairs: Lauren Parlette & Katie Rabine
GR Historians: Anna Faybrick & Kylie Strange
TC Historians: Karlee Dunson & Kennedy Mesnard
GR Health & Wellness: Amanda Adams
TC Health & Wellness: Molly Marlatt