Pre-Child Health Associate/Physician Assistant

IMPORTANT: UCCS does not have a physician assistant program. Pre-Child Health Associate/Physician Assistant Prep is not a major or minor but a listing of requisite courses and recommendations needed to be eligible for admission to the CU School of Medicine’s Physician Assistant program at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, CO (UCDAMC). Other schools may have different requirements so students should check admissions requirements for all schools to which they plan on applying. 

The CHA/PA Program is a three-year, highly academic program modeled after medical school. The CHA/PA Program is a Physician Assistant Program that offers a pediatric focus and awards a Master’s of Physician Assistant Studies upon completion. Although the emphasis is on preparing a generalist physician assistant with special expertise in pediatrics, the curriculum provides the new graduate with the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to function in a variety of roles within numerous clinical disciplines. Pre-CHA/PA preparation offered at UCCS prepares students for candidacy into professional programs offered at other facilities. A college program leading to a bachelor’s degree is considered by the faculty and the CU School of Medicine’s Committee on Admissions to offer the best preparation for a student interested in CHA/PA. Students in the pre-CHA/PA program are advised to choose a major and should plan to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree from UCCS.

NOTE: Completion of requisite coursework does not guarantee acceptance into any professional degree.

Objectives

• In accordance with the mission of the program, the curriculum provides comprehensive physician assistant education in primary medical care with an emphasis on pediatrics and the need for service to disadvantaged, at risk, and medically underserved populations. They work under the supervision of a physician to provide health care for all family members.
• The majority of recent graduates practice in pediatrics and family medicine, with some choosing rural settings.
• A Child Health Associate/Physician Assistant will:
  • Provide health care to adults, adolescents, and children.
  • Diagnose and treat diseases in all family members.
  • Counsel patients/parents to promote preventive health care.
  • Work in a variety of settings, including but not limited to private practice offices, HMO/outpatient clinics, specialty clinics, inpatient hospital services, and newborn nurseries.

Information about the CHA/PA program may be obtained from the website: http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/medicalschool/education/degree_programs/PAProgram/program/Pages/Mission.aspx

For more information on the pre-professional program, contact the Pre-Health advisor:

Bev Kratzer (719) 255-3745, bkratzer@uccs.edu