UW-Madison Physician Assistant 2022 White Coat Ceremony

The Physician Assistant Program at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health is guided by our mission to educate professionals committed to the delivery of comprehensive health care in a culturally and ethnically sensitive manner. We place an emphasis on primary health care for populations and regions in need.

Explore the five distinct PA program tracks, the application process, and why a degree from UW–Madison will prepare you for excellence in education, patient care, and service.

Visit our webpage for more information about the Physician Assistant Program and admissions requirements.

Learning Outcomes

  1. MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE (MK): Understand essential medical knowledge needed to provide patient care.
  2. MEDICAL HISTORY (HIST): Interview and elicit an appropriate complete, interval, or acute history.
  3. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION (PE): Perform complete and focused physical examinations.
  4. CLINICAL REASONING (CR): Identify, process, and integrate information in order develop a differential diagnosis, and diagnostic impression.
  5. DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES (DIAG): Identify, order and interpret appropriate diagnostic studies.
  6. THERAPEUTICS (TH): Formulate an appropriate and comprehensive therapeutic plan.
  7. INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION WITH PATIENTS AND FAMILIES (PTCOM): Demonstrate effective exchange of information and collaboration with patients and their families.
  8. INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION WITH HEALTH PROFESSIONALS (MEDCOM): Demonstrate effective exchange of information and collaboration with other health professionals both orally and in writing.
  9. PROFESSIONALISM (PROF): Demonstrate the skills, attributes and behaviors of a competent physician assistant and serve as a member of the professional medical community.
  10. EVIDENCE BASED Medicine (EBM): Use appropriate literature to make evidence-based decisions.
  11. SELF-REFLECTION & SELF-IMPROVEMENT (SRSI): Engage in a process of ongoing self-reflection and self-improvement.
  12. HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS (HS): Recognize financial and legal aspects of healthcare systems.
  13. SOCIETY AND POPULATION HEALTH (SPH): Recognize social determinants affecting the health of individuals and communities.
  14. CULTURAL HUMILITY (CH): Demonstrates sensitivity and adaptability to cultural differences, ensures equitable care.
  15. INTERPROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION AND LEADERSHIP (ICL): Engage in interprofessional education that will enhance patient-/population-centered care, collaboration, communication, teamwork and leadership in the clinical setting.
  16. TECHNICAL SKILLS (TS): Demonstrate proficiency in common procedures and technical skills.

Certification/Licensure

Professional Certification/Licensure Disclosure (NC-SARA)

The United States Department of Education (via 34 CFR Part 668) requires institutions that provide distance education to disclose information for programs leading to professional certification or licensure. The expectation is that institutions will determine whether each applicable academic program meets state professional licensure requirements and provide a general disclosure of such on an official university website.

Professional licensure requirements vary from state-to-state and can change year-to-year; they are established in a variety of state statutes, regulations, rules, and policies; and they center on a range of educational requirements, including degree type, specialized accreditation, total credits, specific courses, and examinations.  

UW-Madison has taken reasonable efforts to determine whether this program satisfies the educational requirements for certification/licensure in states where prospective and enrolled students are located and is disclosing that information as follows.

Disclaimer: This information is based on the most recent annual review of state agency certification/licensure data and is subject to change. All students are strongly encouraged to consult with the individual/office listed in the Contact Information box on this page and with the applicable state agency for specific information.

The requirements of this program meet certification/licensure requirements in the following states:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, District of Columbia

The requirements of this program do not meet certification/licensure requirements in the following states:

Not applicable

Updated: 1 June 2024

Accreditation

Review Commission on Education for the Physicians Assistant

Accreditation status: Accredited. Next Accreditation Review: 2025