School of Health Professions - Palm Beach Atlantic University (2024)

PBA’s new Master of Medical Science in Physician Associate Medicine (MMSc) is a comprehensive 27-month graduate program that seamlessly integrates faith-based principles with training for individuals pursuing certification and licensure as a physician associate (PA). Over the course of 7 consecutive academic terms, students will complete 125 graduate credits, including 10 months of clinical rotations meticulously designed to blend didactic education with real-world clinical experiences, effectively preparing students for clinical practice, with a focus on diverse rotations within our local community.

Palm Beach Atlantic University PA Medicine envisions enrolling 56 students per cohort, fostering a collaborative and enriching environment for both students and faculty. PA Medicine builds upon the esteemed reputation of Palm Beach Atlantic University’s nationally recognized pre-health, nursing, pharmacy, and other health science programs. Through immersive experiential learning, integration of faith, and dedicated mentorship from our faculty, graduates will be equipped to deliver exceptional, patient-centered, and compassionate care to all individuals in need.

FULL TIME FACULTY

Phil Tobin (2021)
Professor of Health Sciences
Dean, School of Health Professions

Founding Program Director
B.S., M.P.A.S., University of Nebraska; DHSc., Nova Southeastern University.

Kara-Ann Valentine (2022)
Assistant Professor of Health Sciences
School of Health Professions
B.S., Barry University; MMS, Nova Southeastern University.

Shawn McPartland (2023)
Professor of Health Sciences
School of Health Professions
BS, Stoneybrook University; MD, Downstate Medical Center; JD, Indiana State University

Martin Clinard (2023)
Assistant Professor of Health Sciences
School of Health Professions
BS, Grand Valley State University; MMS, Western Michigan University.

Justin Minnerly (2023)
Assistant Professor of Health Sciences
School of Health Professions
BS, Florida Atlantic University; PhD., Florida Atlantic University.

Jason Yarsley (2024)
Assistant Professor of Health Sciences
School of Health Professions
PharmD, University of Florida; DO, Nova Southeastern University.

Regan C (2024)
Assistant Professor of Health Sciences
School of Health Professions
MMS, Nova Southeastern University; DMSc, Lynchburg University.

Aaron Bishop (2024)
Assistant Professor of Health Sciences
School of Health Professions
MMS, AT Still University.

Accreditation for PA Medicine A3.12a

• The Palm Beach Atlantic Physician Associate Medicine program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Associate (ARC-PA)
• ARC-PA, 3325 Paddocks Parkway, Suite 345, Suwanee, Georgia 30024; 770.476.1224, web site www.arc-pa.org

Accreditation (A3.12a, D1.02c)

• Anticipating ARC-PA approval, PBA will begin interviewing for the inaugural class in the fall of 2023 and matriculate the first class on October 1, 2024.

Palm Beach Atlantic University PA programhas applied for Accreditation–Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).PBA PA programanticipates matriculating its first class inOctober 2024, pending achieving Accreditation–Provisional status at theJune 2024ARC-PA meeting. Accreditation–Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PAStandardsor when a program holding accreditation-provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with theStandardsas it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.

• Note: In the event accreditation is not obtained, all deposits will be refunded to cohort members.

PA Medicine Mission Statement and Goals

PA program Mission Statement

The Mission of PBA PA Medicine is to develop PAs whom patients seek because of their compassion spirituality, knowledge, and servant leadership.

All PA Medicine programs emphasize the following five goals.

• Provide academic content and diverse clinical experiences equipping graduates with the ability to provide competent medical care, strengthening the services of the medical profession through life-long learning.
• Transform patient centered medical care through a team-based approach by collaborating with other members of an interdisciplinary health care team.
• Use their education and training to make significant contributions to the health of the community with the highest ethical standards.
• Improve access to medical services by providing whole patient care with compassion and excellence to those living in diverse populations or underserved communities.
• Attract and support qualified students and faculty/staff from diverse backgrounds that will represent the diversity of our community and who can accomplish our program mission.

West Palm Beach Campus Facilities

The Palm Beach Post -

The Palm Beach Post contains the Palm Beach Atlantic Physician Associate Medicine Program in its entirety.All Faculty and Staff, Classrooms and Laboratories are housed on the third floor.

Graduation Requirements

Graduation for Master of Medical Science in PA

The PA cohort graduation date on the diploma is in December; those decelerating will have a later graduation date. Official diplomas will be issued to those in compliance with both the degree requirements and the university requirements (e.g., business office). Official diplomas and transcripts are held until all requirements are met.

Graduation Audit for Master of Medical Science in PA

The Program Director, P&A Committee, and Medical Director, in conjunction with the Clinical Coordinator, will prepare the program level graduation audit and participate in the university’s graduation audit system. More specifically, the registrar’s office will send a list of PA students to PBA PA Medicine to approve for graduation. PBA PA Medicine will verify the potential graduates(assuming continued progression) and note those who should be removed from the graduation list. The registrar’s office will use the final grades in CANVAS to issue diplomas.

Application for Graduation (Degree Candidacy)

Students need to submit an Application for Graduation to the Office of the Registrar. The submission deadline for December completion is the last day of the previous January. Applicants who apply for graduation and fail to meet requirements by the specified projected graduation date will be deferred to a later semester. The application is available on myPBA, under the students tab, on the Commencement page.

To locate the online application:

• Go to: https://my.pba.edu/ICS/Students/Commencement.jnz
• Log into myPBA.
• The “Application for Graduation” is highlighted. Click the link, in the window, to get started.

Master of Medical Science in PA

The faculty of the PBA PA Medicine is charged with the responsibility for educating students as well as determining the capacity of every student for professional competency and responsibility. The Program, therefore, has established requirements that must be met prior to graduation.

A student will be recommended for the Master of Medical Science in PA degree provided the following stipulations are met:

1. Completion of all program courses with a minimum grade of 70 or as specified in the syllabus and maintenance of a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
2. Completion of all EPA PLOs at a level 3 or higher.
3. Completion of the 2 Formative and satisfactory completion of 1 Summative evaluation which includes an OSCE and End of Curriculum exam.
   1. Failure to satisfactorily complete both would result in an evaluation of the P&A committee and delay in graduation.
4. Overall satisfactory rating on professionalism upon completion of the program
5. Has fulfilled all legal and financial obligations to Palm Beach Atlantic University, completed a program exit survey, and submitted an online Graduation application to the Office of the Registrar.
6. Has satisfied all financial obligations at the clinical teaching sites, teaching hospitals, and/or other institutions or individuals associated with student instruction.
7. Recommendation of the faculty to the Program Director.
8. Attends, in person, Hooding Ceremony unless special permission has been granted by the Program Director or the Dean of Health Professions.