About Us
Our Mission
The mission of the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program is to provide a thorough and innovative education to future physician assistants so that they may go on to provide exceptional care to a diverse population of patients. We are committed to designing a successful model for patient-centered, interprofessional education and practice. We promote the qualities of professionalism, leadership, and service in our students.
Students who successfully complete all academic requirements and come to embody the mission above will be conferred a Masters of Science degree at the conclusion of the program.
Program Goals
The goals of the PA Program are to:
- Provide the didactic and clinical experiences that cultivate the development of competent entry level physician assistants.
- Support an environment of professionalism with the Program and the broader medical community.
- Prepare students to care for all patients, with a focus on those from marginalized and medically under-served communities.
- Prepare students to practice medicine as an ethical member of a patient-centered, inter-disciplinary health care team.
The Program periodically evaluates where we are in meeting our goals. Our current progress is available in the 2024 Boston University PA Program Goals Report.
Program Accreditation
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Boston University School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Boston University School of Medicine. 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remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards.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 2028. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy.
The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at http://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-boston-university/.
Program Competencies
Medical Knowledge
- Understand the epidemiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, and prognosis of disease processes.
- Elicit a detailed and accurate patient history, taking into consideration the influence of culture, ethnicity, age, educational and socio-economical backgrounds.
- Perform the appropriate physical examination on patients of all ages recognizing normal and abnormal findings.
- Order and interpret appropriate diagnostic tests including common laboratory, imaging, interventional, and therapeutic procedures as indicated by history and physical examination.
- Organize information from the interview, diagnostic testing and physical examination to formulate a differential diagnosis and assessment for patients.
Interpersonal and Communication Skills
- Document clinical information in an accurate and concise manner.
- Effectively communicate pertinent patient data in oral and written forms to supervising or referring physicians and other members of the health care team.
- Interact with patients and their families with respect, trust, and cultural sensitivity.
- Develop a professional relationship, showing respect for the supervising physician and other members of the health care team.
Patient Care - Clinical and Technical Skills
- Consider the indications and contraindications and safely perform common medical and surgical procedures with appropriate supervision.
- Develop and implement appropriate patient-centered management plans, considering patients’ needs and preferences, taking into account social determinants of health.
- Counsel and educate patients and their families regarding the importance of health maintenance and prevention, treatment regimen adherence, and other aspects of care.
- Refer to and/or consult with appropriate healthcare professionals and social agencies.
Professionalism
- Demonstrate behavior that is ethical, compassionate, patient centered, and acknowledges limitations and mistakes.
- Demonstrate self-directed learning, intellectual curiosity, initiative, and self-reflection as well as recognizing one’s limits.
Practice-based Learning and Improvement
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of sound research methodology, as well as proficiency in scientific writing.
- Work within a variety of health care delivery settings.
- Contribute to a safe, diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment.
- Understand the process and importance of quality improvement projects in promoting patient safety.
System-based Practice
- Work within a variety of health care delivery settings.
- Utilize point-of-care resources and the best available evidence-based medicine to support and justify clinical reasoning.
Student Outcomes
PANCE Board Exam Performance
To date, all PA students in the 2016-2024 classes have taken their NCCPA Physician Assistant National Certification Exam (PANCE). Results are detailed in the report below:
PANCE Report Boston University 3.21.2025
Student Attrition Rate
|
Graduated Classes |
|
Class of 2022 |
Class of 2023 |
Class of 2024 |
Maximum entering class size
(as approved by ARC-PA) |
36 |
36 |
36 |
| Entering class size |
28 |
26 |
25 |
| Graduates |
25 |
25 |
24 |
| * Attrition rate |
10.7% |
3.8% |
4.0% |
| ** Graduation rate |
89.3% |
96.2% |
96.0% |
Comments:
In the class of 2022, three students decelerated, returned in the class of 2023 and graduated successfully in 2023. In the class of 2023, one students decelerated, returned in the class of 2024, and graduated successfully in 2024. In the class of 2024, one student failed and decided not to return.
* Attrition rate calculation: Number of students who attritted from cohort (decelerated + withdrawals + dismissals) divided by the (entering class size + number joining class cohort).
**Graduation rate calculation: Number of cohort graduates divided by the (entering class size + number joining class cohort).
State Licensure
Students who complete the Boston University Physician Assistant Program are eligible for licensure in all 50 states, District of Columbia, and most US territories. The complete list can be found here.
