Public Health Sciences (PHS) to Physician Associate (PA) Secured Interview Pathway

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

Exercise Science provides a comprehensive foundation in the science of human movement and physical function. Students develop expertise in anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, injury prevention, and rehabilitation while gaining hands-on experience through practicum and internship opportunities. These experiences make Exercise Science an excellent pathway for students interested in physician associate education and future careers in orthopedic, sports, and rehabilitation medicine.

Why Choose Exercise Science

• Strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and human movement.
• Excellent preparation for orthopedic, sports, and rehabilitation medicine.
• Aligns well with PA program prerequisites.

Applied Learning

Students complete both practicum and internship experiences that provide valuable exposure to healthcare, wellness, and human performance settings.

Bachelor of Science in Health Management

Health Management provides a comprehensive foundation in healthcare leadership, healthcare systems, policy, finance, and organizational management. Students develop expertise in healthcare operations, quality improvement, population health, and healthcare delivery while gaining applied learning experiences that strengthen professional and leadership skillss. This pathway is ideal for students who aspire not only to provide patient care as a physician associate, but also to lead teams, improve healthcare systems, and influence the delivery of healthcare services within organizations and communities.

 

Why Choose Health Management?

• Strong foundation in healthcare systems, leadership, and policy.
• Develops communication, teamwork, and organizational skills valued in healthcare.
• Prepares students to become clinical leaders and healthcare change agents.
• Aligns well with PA program prerequisites and healthcare career preparation.

Applied Learning

Students complete an Applied Learning Portfolio that documents and reflects on experiences related to leadership, professionalism, service, and career readiness. The portfolio encourages students to connect classroom learning with real-world healthcare experiences while developing the critical thinking, self-reflection, and leadership competencies needed to succeed in physician associate education and healthcare organizations
Prepares students to become clinical leaders and healthcare change agents.

Bachelor of Science in Health Science

Health Science provides a flexible and customizable foundation for students pursuing physician associate and other clinical education programs. Students explore healthcare delivery, population health, epidemiology, healthcare policy, ethics, leadership, quality improvement, and interprofessional communication while tailoring science coursework to support PA prerequisite requirements. Combined with applied learning experiences, Health Science helps students develop a broad understanding of healthcare systems and the social, behavioral, and environmental factors that influence patient outcomes.

 

Why Choose Health Science?

• Flexible curriculum that supports individualized academic planning.
• Broad foundation in healthcare systems, population health, and health professions.
• Allows students to customize coursework to meet PA prerequisite requirements.
• Develops leadership, communication, and interprofessional collaboration skills.
• Provides insight into healthcare policy, quality improvement, ethics, and population health.
• Popular pathway for physician associate and other healthcare professional programs.

Applied Learning

Students complete an Applied Learning Portfolio that documents and reflects on experiences related to leadership, professionalism, service, and career readiness. The portfolio encourages students to connect classroom learning with real-world healthcare experiences while developing the critical thinking, self-reflection, and leadership competencies needed to succeed in physician associate education and healthcare organizations
Prepares students to become clinical leaders and healthcare change agents.

1. Be on track to earn, or have earned within the previous academic year, a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Health Management, or Health Science from Wichita State University.
2. Maintain a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.70 or higher.
3. Complete all required Physician Associate Program prerequisite courses with a grade of B or higher.
4. Submit a complete CASPA application and meet all eligibility requirements established by the Wichita State University Physician Associate Program.
5. Be an active member of the Wichita State University Pre-PA Club while enrolled at Wichita State University.
6. Complete a minimum of 50 hours of healthcare provider shadowing with a Physician Associate, Physician, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.
7. Health Management and Health Science Students: Complete the Department of Public Health Sciences Applied Learning Portfolioby August 1st.

If eight (8) or fewer applicants satisfy all eligibility requirements, all eligible applicants will receive a reserved Physician Associate Program interview. No additional evaluation by the Department of Public Health Sciences will be required.

If nine (9) or more applicants satisfy all eligibility requirements, applicants will participate in a structured interview conducted by the Department of Public Health Sciences Selection Committee.

The Selection Committee will evaluate applicants using a standardized interview process designed to assess professional competencies associated with success in graduate health professions education. The interview will focus on communication, interpersonal skills, professionalism, teamwork and collaboration, purpose and commitment to service, resilience, adaptability, organization, and time management. Applicants will also receive points based on verified participation in the Wichita State University Pre-PA Club.

The standardized interview process, scoring rubric, and selection procedures are reviewed and approved annually by the Physician Associate Admissions and Progression Committee (APC).

The following experiences are highly encouraged but are not required:

• Additional healthcare provider shadowing,
• Direct patient care experience, and
• Completion of most of the recommended coursework, including Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry, Pathophysiology, Gerontology, Medical Ethics, Health Care Policy, Epidemiology, Abnormal Psychology, and Human Nutrition.

The PHS to PA Secured Interview Pathway is available to transfer students. Students considering transferring to the Wichita State Health Science for the PHS to PA Pathway are encouraged to seek dual advising with the College of Health Professions Student Advising Center.

Transfer students are encouraged to visit the CHP Transfer Student page for important information and consider dual advising through the CHP Student Advising Center. Dual advising helps ensure that courses taken at a community college will align with program requirements.