Students provide service to the community through curricular components in the didactic phase and clinical rotations in areas that are underserved like rural or overseas locations. Currently, there are optional opportunities like a one-week mission trip to Guatemala over spring break.
All students are participants in the Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Arkansas Academy of Physician Assistants.
The Harding University Physician Assistant Program seeks to develop Physician Assistant graduates who practice and live within a framework of a dependence upon their God and faith.
What undergraduate degree is required? Choose a degree program that interests you and fulfills the PA requirements. Challenge yourself to excel past the minimum required, especially in the area of upper level science courses.
Early Assurance of an Interview: This is available to Harding undergraduates who apply and meet specific requirements. Additional information and the required form can be found on our web page harding.edu/pa in the Prospective Students section under “HU Undergraduates.”
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued to the Harding University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Harding University. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.
Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be September 2024. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy.
A Master of Science in physician assistant studies prepares graduates to provide comprehensive health care services in clinic settings. This program equips PAs with the clinical skills and medical knowledge needed to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, conduct physical exams, prescribe medications, and develop treatment plans. In clinics, PAs play a vital role in enhancing access to health care by working closely with physicians and other health care providers to deliver patient-centered care.
In hospital settings, graduates are prepared to work in various departments including emergency, surgery and inpatient care. The program's rigorous curriculum provides PAs with advanced medical training and the ability to perform complex diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. In hospitals, PAs collaborate with physicians, nurses and other health care professionals to deliver high-quality care, often serving as critical members of surgical teams, managing patient care plans and responding to acute medical conditions.
For those serving in the military, a Master of Science in physician assistant studies equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to deliver medical care in diverse and challenging environments. Military PAs are trained to handle a wide range of medical situations, from battlefield injuries to routine health care for service members and their families. Their role includes providing emergency care, performing surgical procedures and managing acute and chronic conditions, all while supporting the overall mission and readiness of military personnel.
