Introduction

This PA Program Student Handbook is an extension of the College of Health Professions Student Handbook. In cases of perceived conflict, the CHP Student Handbook shall take precedence. The PA Program Student Handbook does not constitute a contract with the Butler University PA Program, either expressed or implied. The Butler University PA Program reserves the right at any time to change, delete, or add to any of the provisions at its sole discretion. Furthermore, the provisions of this document are designed by the Butler University PA Program to serve as firm guidelines rather than absolute rules, and exceptions may be made based on extenuating circumstances.

Program of Study

The PA Program is designed to provide an understanding of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes used as a PA. The MPAS graduate-only curriculum is 24 consecutive months. The first 12 months of the Program are devoted to didactic studies in the basic medical, clinical, and behavioral sciences. The remaining 12 months focus on the clinical experiences in primary care, and medical and surgical specialties.

The didactic curriculum is integrated to introduce the student to medical sciences as they relate to specific organ systems and clinical problems. Learning strategies include the traditional lecture format, interactive classroom activities, basic science laboratory, small group tutorials, and patient case discussions. Regular patient contact is an important part of the Program. Students begin to see patients early during the didactic year. Standardized patient evaluations, through simulation and actors, are also a part of the didactic curriculum.

As part of the clinical curriculum, students participate in rotations and didactic course work. Students are required to participate in core rotations in Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Surgery, Internal Medicine, Mental Health, Pediatrics, and Women’s Health in addition to one elective. In the clinical year, students also participate in Core Topics, Issues of Professional Practice, and the Summative Practicum to prepare them for transition into clinical practice.

Because the clinical teaching is carried out in many practice settings throughout the country, students should anticipate travel, at their own cost, to sites within a two-hour drive time from their available housing to fulfill these requirements.

Table of Contents

You can navigate to the sections of this digital handbook using the links below:

• Introduction
• Matriculation Preparation for Admitted Students
• University Services
• Student Support
• Registration, Attendance, and Leaves
• Curriculum
• Professionalism
• Didactic Year (MPAS-1)
• Clinical Year (MPAS-2)
• Other Information
• Contact Information
• Appendices and Forms
• Pharmacy and Health Sciences Building Safety Information
• Archived Butler PA Program Handbook