Physician Assistant Studies Curriculum

Academic Model

(ARC-PA Standard 5th A3.12d, A3.12e)

Students must successfully complete every course and maintain satisfactory academic advancement in the specific progression outlined in the curriculum to satisfy the requirements for graduation.

The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) Physician Assistant Studies Program curriculum has been modeled after several successful programs and consists of seven total semesters, three of which are strictly clinical clerkships. The program will be completed in 25 months and will require full-time enrollment and participation. Students must enroll in every course in the specific sequence outlined below. Graduation takes place in the summer. Students will have completed 123 total credits upon graduation.

For full course descriptions, please visit the course catalog.

Didactic Phase (62 units)

Clinical Phase (61 credits)

Clinical rotations will consist of 10 five-week clerkships in:

  • PAS 700 Family Medicine, PAS 710 Behavioral Medicine, PAS 720 Emergency Medicine, PAS 730 Surgery, PAS 740 Inpatient Internal Medicine/Geriatrics, PAS 750 Medically Underserved Populations, PAS 780 Women's Health, PAS 790 Pediatrics
  • One primary care selective (example: additional rotations in family medicine, pediatrics, women’s health, or medically-underserved populations)
  • One elective (example: orthopedics, cardiology, pulmonary, rheumatology, hospice, trauma surgery or others)

Program Competencies

(ARC-PA Standard 5th A3.12f)