Physician Assistant Program Curriculum

Clinical Information

Clinical Information

The clinical phase of the University of Arizona Physician Assistant program offers immersive, hands-on training through a variety of core rotations designed to provide students with comprehensive exposure to the health care field. Under the guidance of experienced preceptors, students apply their knowledge while gaining proficiency in diagnosing and managing patient care across the lifespan and in diverse clinical settings.

Each rotation is four weeks in length with the exception of the two-week behavioral health rotation. This critical phase of the curriculum fosters the development of clinical skills, professional competency and confidence, ensuring graduates are well prepared to excel in their roles as compassionate and capable health care providers.

Required core rotations:

  • PAP687-Behavioral Medicine – 3 Credit Hours
  • PAP681-Emergency Medicine – 6 Credit Hours
  • PAP682-Family Medicine – 6 Credit Hours
  • PAP683-Internal Medicine – 6 Credit Hours
  • PAP685-Pediatrics – 6 Credit Hours
  • PAP686-Surgery – 6 Credit Hours
  • PAP688-Women’s Health – 6 Credit Hours

Students will also explore personal clinical interests through ‘selective’ rotation experiences.  Selective rotations are elective specialties that have been preapproved by the PA program to support our mission.

  • PAP689-Selective Rotation – 6 Credit Hours
  • PAP692-PA Directed Research (Capstone) – 2 Credit Hours
  • PAP693-Transition to Practice – 1 Credit Hour
  • PAP699-Independent Study – 1 Credit Hour

Securing clinical sites or preceptors is not a requirement of the U of A PA program.  The program abides by the Standard A3.03 of the ARC-PA, which states prospective and enrolled students must not be required to provide or solicit clinical sites or preceptors.