Accredited Physician Assistant PA Schools in South Carolina

Have you ever seen a physician assistant in the hospital executing their duties and you wish you can be like them? If you have taken up this career for instance in South Carolina, then you came to the right place.

This article will show the best way to become a physician assistant by taking up a program in any of the Physician Assistant Schools in South Carolina.

One thing is certain is that to become a Physician Assistant, it must and should come from within you. Because becoming a PA will be the most difficult career for anyone who doesn’t want it.

Starting your journey to become a PA can be exciting and overwhelming. So don’t be too excited and miss out on the right thing you should know, like making sure that the school you are applying to is accredited.

For instance, the PA program at Charleston Southern University is there to assist you on your journey by promoting your dedication to studying and academic success. Students will benefit from an engaging learning environment and the tools to foster relationships with their peers, teachers, staff, and tutors.

That said, make sure you want to, and fix your attention on the program you want to study. You can start by going through the table of content below to get an overview of what the article has for you.

What are the Duties of a Physician Assistant in South Carolina?

Now you’ve decided to become a physician assistant, one thing you should know is the duties and roles you stand to perform as a physician assistant. This is because most times PA duties are always mistaken with a nurse practitioner.

Basically, Physician assistant jobs involve providing a wide range of services that begin with the initial consultation with the patient.

From the first conversation, physician assistants often have to start a dialogue with the patient in order to find out why they are in the hospital. Then after that, from the result of their conversation, they can now go further to a physical examination.

This means a physician assistant has to give detailed information about the medical problem affecting the patient and their medical history. After that, they can present it to the doctor for a consultation.

However, in a situation when the patient’s case is more serious, physician assistants often play a supporting role. They can monitor the patient through office visits, pre or post-operative visits, or interactions with other medical specialists.

Most times, physician assistants advise patients and their families on treatments and patient management plans. They may also take on administrative duties in which they supervise nurses, assistants, and other office personnel while managing the office or clinic.

Physician assistants perform many of the same functions as a normal medical doctor, including:

  • Interview and examine patients to determine a diagnosis.
  • Request tests to determine the nature and extent of the illness and injury.
  • Prescribe medications and suggest lifestyle changes to remedy medical problems.
  • Sew the wounds and put them on the bones.
  • Administer vaccines.
  • Maintain patient records and provide documentation to insurance companies.

How Do You Become a Physician Assistant in South Carolina?

There is often a misconception that a physician assistants and medical assistants are the same. This is not the case, because there are significant differences in training between the two professions.

Medical assistants generally obtain an associate certificate or diploma from a professional school or university that takes approximately one or two years.

In South Carolina, a physician assistant, must earn a bachelor’s degree, pass the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test), and then apply for a physician assistant program.

Afterward, the physician assistant program will then lead you to a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS), Health Science (MHS), or Medical Science (MMSc). It can take from five to seven years of post-secondary education.

Finally, certification is required to get a license to practice, and all PAs must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam.

However, to remain certified, they must complete 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and every six years, as well as pass a recertification exam.

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What Qualities and Skills are Important to Becoming a PA?

If you are serious about becoming a PA in South Carolina, keep in mind that this profession involves working with people and spending a lot of time on the problems of others.

As such, to work as a PA in South Carolina you must be an excellent communicator and listener. As much as you have clinical skills, you must have the same compassion and emotional maturity to understand people.

Also, in difficult situations, you are expected to know how to work under pressure. As well you must also develop the ability to pay attention to detail and exercise due to diligence in problem-solving and patient treatment.

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How Long Does It Take To Complete A Physician Assistant Programs?

Majorly, all PA schools in South Carolina typically take between 24 and 27 months to complete PA programs.

This typically means that you will need 2 years approximately to become a physician assistant. Additionally, if you have the intention of taking up a job while undergoing the PA program, it could lead to an extension, and on a part-time basis.

This is why it is nice to have a good plan for yourself so, you don’t get stuck halfway into the program.

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Are there Accredited PA Schools In South Carolina?

In the United States, there are 173 schools with the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). And these schools offer rigorous and comprehensive academic instruction on a variety of medical topics.

Currently, the ARC-PA accredits graduate programs and post-graduate programs. Hence, we advise that it is of utmost importance that future physician assistants attend schools with ARC-PA accreditation.

Luckily, the schools in South Carolina that offer physician assistant programs are all accredited. Hence, the schools in South Carolina we have listed below are all accredited. This means choosing any of these schools, be rest assured that you will attend or doing a program that is accredited.

However, only graduates of ARC-PA accredited programs may take the Physician Assistant National Certification Exam (PANCE). Therefore, passing PANCE is a prerequisite for practicing as a Physician Assistant in the United States and getting a state license.

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Which PA Schools are Accredited In South Carolina?

The Best PA Schools in South Carolina rankings are analyzing colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in Physician Assistant. We looked at over 4 factors to determine the top and best PA Schools in South Carolina for intending students.

Ranking Methodology

In selecting the Best and Top-Ranked PA Pharmacy Schools in South Carolina in 2020, we will be considering several ranking factors. Note that this World Scholarship Forum Ranking of Best PA Schools in South Carolina is actually considering about 4 factors but we will explaining some in detail. They include:

Number of Programs: We consider these as one important criterion for ranking the Top PA Schools Rankings in South Carolina in 2020. Because some of these universities can have a good number of programs they offer which will avail you a lot of options to choose from.

Accreditation: This criterion is very much important because a school can be considered good with great programs but yet do not have quality. So, we consider the body of accreditation as well as certification for each of these schools before ranking them. Whether they fall in the category of regional or national accreditation.

Acceptance Rate: This is one aspect that is considered important because of the lower the acceptance rate the better the school. The acceptance rate of any universities in Michigan is a guide to show the quality of the university.

Graduation & Employment Rate: Here, we consider if these schools have a high tendency of graduating their students. Some can get enrolled but get stuck at the end. Also, we put into consideration whether school graduates are employable by great institutions. These factors are equally very much important.

Charleston Southern University

Number of Programs: 1

Acceptance Rate: 6%

Accreditation: Provisional Status

Basically, the Master of Medical Science (MMS) in the physician assistant studies program at Charleston Southern University consists of academic, didactic, and clinical work.

During your cause of study, the faculty will assist you on your journey by promoting your dedication to studying and academic success. Students will benefit from an engaging learning environment and the tools necessary to foster relationships with their peers, teachers, staff, and tutors.

Most importantly, graduates of the program will be eligible to take the National Certification Exam for Physician Assistant through the National Commission on Assistant Physician Certification (NCCPA) and may apply for a license from the Board of Medical Examiners in the state in which they wish to practice medicine.

Why You Should Study Physician Assistant Program at Charleston Southern University

There are several reasons why you should study at Charleston Southern University for your Physician Assistant Program. For instance;

In the last session, Charleston Southern University accepted 32 students out of the 71 that applied to the school. This implies that their acceptance rate is fair enough compared to other schools.

Also, the tuition fee cost much less ($15,500/semester) even with the high level of education of the program in the school

Most importantly, it takes about 24 months to complete this program. This is much better than other programs you can actually see because the program length of the other schools is about 27 months or more.

Above all, the ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the Charleston Southern University Physician Assistant Program. Thereby making Charleston Southern University one of the best-accredited Physician Assistant PA schools in South Carolina.

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Medical University of South Carolina

Number of Programs: 1

Acceptance Rate: 5.8%

Accreditation: Continued Status

Basically, the Physician Assistant Studies Program (PAS) at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) offers a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS).

MUSC is a teaching hospital, and the PAS program benefits from the University’s vast resources available. Including access to interprofessional experiences and simulation technology.

Why You Should Study Physician Assistant Program at Medical University of South Carolina

There are several reasons you should study at the Medical University of South Carolina for your Physician Assistant Program. For instance;

The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (PAS) program at the Medical University of South Carolina is the perfect place to gain the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to prepare students for practice in this exciting profession and constantly changing.

MUSC PAS students also support free clinics and participate in international missions. In addition to their exceptional resources and opportunities for student engagement outside of the classroom, they have dedicated teachers who take pride in the success of their students.

Above all, the ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Medical University of South Carolina Physician Assistant Program sponsored by the Medical University of South Carolina.

Hence, making Medical University of South Carolina one of the best-accredited Physician Assistant PA schools in South Carolina.

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Presbyterian College

Number of Programs: 1

Acceptance Rate: 7%

Accreditation: Provisional Status

Presbyterian College auxiliary medicPresbyterian College Physician Assistant Studies Program students practice medicine, examine patients, order diagnostic tests, assist in surgery, and conduct medical research.

Founded in 1880, Presbyterian College is home to many exceptional graduates.

Why You Should Study Physician Assistant Program at Presbyterian College

There are several reasons you should study at Presbyterian College for your Physician Assistant Program. They include:

Basically, all graduates of Presbyterian College are always in high demand. This because they are always trusted in the medical field. The school trains them not only in executing their duties as a physician assistant but also to hold on to their integrity.

Also, the total tuition and fees are much more affordable ($53,400 for 1year) when you compare it with other schools. Though, admission to the Presbyterian College PA Program is very competitive. 

Above all, the ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the Presbyterian College Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Presbyterian College. Thereby making Presbyterian College one of the best-accredited Physician Assistant PA schools in South Carolina.

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North Greenville University

Number of Programs: 1

Acceptance Rate: 4.3%

Accreditation: Provisional Status

The PA Medical Program at North Greenville University is a professional degree program designed to prepare students academically and professionally for responsibilities and services as PA.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will receive a Master of Medical Science (M.M.S.) and may take the PA National Certification Exam (PANCE).

Why You Should Study Physician Assistant Program at North Greenville University

There are several reasons you should study at North Greenville University for your Physician Assistant PA Program. They include:

Also, the total tuition and fees are much more affordable ($18,530/semester for residents) when you compare it with other schools. Though, the PA program in North Greenville University is quite competitive, due to their low acceptance rate, 4.2%

Above all, the ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the North Greenville University Physician Assistant Degree Program sponsored by North Greenville University. Thereby making North Greenville University one of the best-accredited Physician Assistant PA schools in South Carolina.

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Francis Marion University

Number of Programs: 1

Acceptance Rate: 5%

Accreditation: Probation Status

The Francis Marion University Physician Assistant Program aims to train excellent primary care physician assistants to become compassionate, ethical, and clinically competent graduates who are ready to provide health services with integrity.

The PA department is located in the Carter Center for Health Sciences, which contains state-of-the-art equipment that gives you an excellent opportunity to learn.

It is equipped with the latest teaching technologies in medical education. Including a simulation center, an OSCE suite, anatomy, and physical examination laboratories, large classrooms, and space for students to study and study. gather.

Graduates of the Francis Marion University Physician Assistant Program will receive a Master of Science in Assistant Medicine. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible for the National Medical Assistant Certification Examination (PANCE).

Why You Should Study Physician Assistant Program at Francis Marion University

There are several reasons why you should study at Francis Marion University for your Physician Assistant Program. They include:

Also, the total tuition and fees cost much less ($23,812/semester for non-residents) when you compare it with other schools. In fact, according to CollegeFactual.com who gave FMU the ranking of the lowest cost of attendance of any college in South Carolina.

Above all, the ARC-PA placed the Francis Marion University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by the Francis Marion University on Accreditation-Probation status until its next review in September 2024. Thereby, making Francis Marion University one of the best-accredited Physician Assistant PA Schools in South Carolina.

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University of South Carolina

Number of Programs: 1

Acceptance Rate: 9%

Accreditation: Probation Status

Physician Assistant Studies faculty is dedicated to helping you succeed in an increasingly vital health role.

During your studies, you will have clinical experience, in-depth classroom training, and access to advanced technologies. This will teach you how to work in an interprofessional healthcare team.

The Accreditation Review Commission provisionally accredited the master’s degree program in Physician on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

Thereby making its graduates eligible to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) and professional licensure in the state of South Carolina. 

Why You Should Study Physician Assistant Program at the University of South Carolina

There are several reasons you should study at the University of South Carolina for your Physician Assistant Program. They include:

Basically, all graduates of the University of South Carolina are always in high demand. This is because they are always trusted in the medical field. The school trains them not only in executing their duties as a physician assistant but also to hold on to their integrity.

Also, the total tuition and fees cost much less ($13,128 per semester) when you compare it with other schools. And they have scholarships you apply and save yourself some cost.

Regardless, you’ll get personalized attention thanks to their small student / teacher ratio.

Above all, the ARC-PA placed the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program sponsored by the University of South Carolina on Accreditation – Probation status until its next review in June 2024.

Hence, making the University of South Carolina one of the best-accredited Physician Assistant PA schools in South Carolina.

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Are There Schools in South Carolina That Accept Without GRE Scores?

In South Carolina, GRE is also one essential admission requirements for all the accredited Physician Assistant PA Schools.

In fact, they go as far as demanding that your Combined Quantitative and Verbal GRE scores should be above 290, with a minimum of 140 on each of the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning.

Do PA Schools in South Carolina Accept Students With Low GPA?

Most of the PA schools that offer physician assistant programs always admit students with both cumulative and science GPAs of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

This means that practically no PA schools in South Carolina accept students with a GPA lower than 3.0. Also, most PA Program in South Carolina schools requires you complete a bachelor’s degree from any U.S regionally accredited institution. 

Hence, it is necessary that you perform well in your college to avoid losing your admission. Because GPA is one criterion these schools look into before granting you admission.

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