Curriculum

The Physician Assistant Program curriculum is developed by the University of Wisconsin — LaCrosse in collaboration with Mayo School of Health Sciences.

PreClinical Phase
The first portion of the program, the PreClinical Phase, lasts approximately 12 months (June through May). During this phase, you will complete classroom and laboratory activities in LaCrosse, Wis.

Clinical Phase
The clinical phase of the program runs from June of the second year through May of the final year. Clinical rotations are based both in LaCrosse, Wis. and Rochester, Minn.

The Clinical Phase courses primarily involve supervised practice experiences in a variety of settings and specialties. These courses involve an average of 35-40 hours of practice experience each week.

In many rotations, one night per week and one weekend per month of on-call experience is expected. You will follow a self-directed discipline of study to develop the clinical and cognitive skills required in each course.

Grading or Evaluation
Evaluation of student performance in each of the Clinical Phase experiences includes the preceptor(s) evaluation of clinical performance, a written examination of cognitive performance and, where appropriate and possible, a site visit by program faculty. Students return to campus approximately one day every six weeks for written examinations, evaluation of clinical skills, participation in program seminars and clinical activities. Successful completion of all clinical rotations, program seminars, activities and the program final exam is required for graduation.

The tools use to evaluate student performance include:

• Written examination
• Demonstration of skills
• Self-assessment exercises
• Faculty reviews

This system of evaluation provides students and faculty with a comprehensive look at individual performance, allowing students who are experiencing academic difficulty to be directed to appropriate support resources, including tutoring programs and counseling opportunities.

Curriculum Enhancements
Mayo School of Health Sciences is committed to developing and maintaining the very best education programs. Changes may be made to the curriculum and other aspects of this program as necessary to assure the highest-quality training.

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