Eleanor Dana Hall
30 Hazel Street
Telephone: (203) 576-2400
Curriculum
The PA curriculum is a rigorous 28-month Master of Science program composed of didactic and clinical phases. In the didactic phase of the program, students learn the tenets of basic medical sciences, clinical medicine (pathophysiology of disease and pharmacology), clinical skills (history taking and physical exam along with clinical procedures), global and public health, and patient education and counseling. The research semester teaches the basics of evidence-based medicine and research methods, where students develop necessary skills to successfully complete a capstone research project. Prior to the clinical phase, students are oriented to each clerkship in the Clinical Seminar course. The clinical phase of the program, during the last 13 months of the program, includes 7 core clerkships (internal medicine, general surgery, pediatrics, emergency medicine, family medicine, behavioral health, obstetrics/gynecology), an elective and a special population selective clinical clerkship. During the didactic phase, instruction is provided by experienced faculty from the basic science departments and the PA Institute. During the clinical phase, students are instructed by their clinical preceptors who are licensed and board-certified practicing clinicians.
Program Goals
The University of Bridgeport PA Institute (PAI) has established goals that support the mission and outcomes of the program. Each goal has defined benchmarks and associated data that demonstrate how they are being met. For the most current report on goals please visit the program’s website: https://www.bridgeport.edu/academics/programs/physician-assistant-ms/goals-outcomes
Program Competencies
Graduates of the University of Bridgeport Physician Assistant Institute will be able to demonstrate competence in the following areas:
PO1: Elicit and interpret an accurate medical history from a patient. (PK)
PO2: Perform an appropriate physical examination and accurately interpret findings. (PK)
PO3: Utilize pertinent patient data and diagnostic interpretation to formulate a differential diagnosis. (PK)
PO4: Demonstrate clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills to create a management plan. (PK)
PO5: Accurately perform the technical skills utilized in care of the patient. (PK)
PO6: Demonstrate effective communication skills necessary to work in healthcare teams. (HLC, ICP)
PO7: Demonstrate culturally sensitive care with a patient-centered approach. (PK, HLC))
PO8: Counsel and educate for disease prevention and promotion of healthy lifestyle. (PK, SPH, HLC)
PO9: Understand the role of the PA and adhere to professional standards in healthcare settings. (ICP, PL, HCF)
PO10: Identify the roles of various providers in the healthcare team including alternative or complementary practitioners. (HCF)
Definitions of the abbreviations are as follows: Patient-Centered Practice Knowledge (PK), Society and Population Health (SPH), Health Literacy and Communication (HLC), Interprofessional Collaborative Practice and Leadership (ICP), Professional and Legal Aspects of Health Care (PL) & Health Care Finances and Systems (HCF). Abbreviations are based on the Competencies for the Physician Assistant Profession.
Program Prerequisites
Admission requirements must be completed at the time of application. Applicants may apply with one prerequisite coursewhich meets requirements in progress if it will be completed prior to matriculation.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Overall science GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Required coursework: taken within the last ten years, with a “C” or better, from an accredited school. English, Statistics, and Psychology within the last 15 years): Quarter credits will be converted to semester credits by CASPA, using their conversion ration (1.0 quarter hour = 0.667 semester hours)
- Anatomy and Physiology with labs: 8 credits. Must include labs. Must be human or mammalian. Acceptable courses include 4 credits of physiology with lab plus 4 credits of anatomy with lab, OR 8 credits of “Anatomy and Physiology” with labs
- Biology with lab: 4 credits. Must include lab. (see additional microbiology requirement below)
- Chemistry with labs: 8 credits. Must include labs. General/inorganic chemistry. One semester may be replaced by an upper level chemistry with lab. (see additional organic or biochemistry requirement below)
- Microbiology: 3 credits. Lab not required. (this is in addition to the other biology requirement)
- Organic chemistry or biochemistry: 3 credits. Lab not required. (this is in addition to the other chemistry requirement)
- English: 3 credits. must be offered by English or Writing departments
- Psychology: 3 credits
- Statistics: 3 credits
- Admission FAQ
- 1000 hours of direct patient care experience
University of Bridgeport’s PA program does not favor any specific group or individuals, however the most desirable applicants will show evidence of: GPAs above the minimum requirements; a rigorous and successful undergraduate and prerequisite academic career; a personal mission that aligns with the program mission; a strong understanding of the PA profession; excellent self-awareness and interpersonal skills; direct patient care experience that exceeds the minimum requirement and is of high quality (hands-on contact with patients and/or high level decision making in a medical environment).
Required Materials
Please submit all materials below to the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). No applications or supplemental materials will be accepted by University of Bridgeport directly. Application deadline is August 1 (see important details below in “deadline” section):
- Application
- Official transcripts from all schools attended
- Three letters of recommendation
- Preferred sources include a clinical supervisor, a healthcare provider with whom you have had a professional relationship, an academic professor, or an employer.
- CASPA personal statement
- Supplemental essays for University of Bridgeport
- Document duties for patient care experiences and health care experiences accurately and in detail. Adequate clinical hours must be submitted at the time of application. Hours earned after submission of the application will not be reviewed.
- All admitted students will be subject to a background check and drug screen, conducted by a secure third party, prior to matriculation. All information is maintained confidentially.
- Interview by invitation only
Deadlines
- August 1 for January start.
Applications must be VERIFIED by CASPA by 11:59pm ET on August 1. Applications can only be verified once all payments, transcripts, and letters of evaluation have been received by CASPA.
**To ensure an application is verified on time, the application should be completed at least four weeks before the deadline**
Apply through CASPA starting in April for the following January. On-campus interviews commence in August.
Additional questions?
Phone1‑800‑392‑3582
Email: admit@bridgeport.edu
