Faculty:

• James France, M.D., Program Director
• Richard Hutchinson, B.S.N., M.P.A.S., PA-C
• Bobbie Leeper, Ph.D.
• Nicole Ludwig, M.S.P.A.,PA-C
• Theodore Stem, M.D., Medical Director
• Jason Thomas, M.P.A.S., PA-C
• Allison Turgeon, M.P.A.S., PA-C
• Bethany Vargo, M.P.A.S., PA-C

The physician assistant program at Seton Hill University offers a combined undergraduate and graduate program leading to the Bachelor of Science in medical studies and Master of Science in physician assistant. 

Admission criteria for the BS/MS degrees

• Admission is limited to first-time college students
• Have a combined minimum SAT score (Critical Reading + Math) of 1160, or ACT Composite score of 24 or better,
• A grade point average of 3.2 or higher in high school science courses
• Completed applications will be reviewed, and qualified applicants will be invited for an interview.

Criteria for approval to enroll in graduate level courses

• Completion of the Seton Hill University Liberal Arts Curriculum requirements (BSMS student)
• Completion of all prerequisite undergraduate courses 
• Minimum 3.2 cumulative grade point average
• Minimum grade point average of 3.2 in prerequisite undergraduate courses
• Completion of at least 300 hours of health care experience involving direct patient contact and three shadowing experiences of physician assistants in different specialties
• Demonstrated skills in oral and written language
• Evidence of ability to complete an intensive program of study and training
• Demonstrated maturity and professional qualities required for the physician assistant program as outlined in the Technical Standards

All candidates for the Bachelor of Science in medical studies must complete the Liberal Arts Curriculum and all required undergraduate and graduate courses for the major.  Students in the BS/MS joint program will achieve graduate student status upon completing the following:

• Student must meet all requirements for entry into the graduate program,
• Student must have earned at least 120 credits posted on her/his Seton Hill transcripts, and
• Student must have completed the Liberal Arts Curriculum requirements.

Medical Studies, B.S. Learning Objectives:

1. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the basic sciences that provide a foundation to understanding the workings of the human body, including chemistry, anatomy, and physiology.

2. Use appropriate medical terminology in professional written and oral communication.

3. Demonstrate the ability to search, read, understand, and synthesize medical literature.

4. Describe how Catholic Social Teaching values can be applied to the treatment of patients.

5. Demonstrate consistent professional, safe, and ethical practices in healthcare-related and laboratory settings.

6. Describe the role of the Physician Assistant in the interprofessionaI healthcare team and the various specializations within the Physician Assistant field.

7. Participate in healthcare-related experiences with direct patient contact, and in shadowing Physician Assistants of different specialties.