Physician Assistant Program
600 South 42nd Street
Box 984300
Omaha, NE 68198-4300
Fax: (402) 559-5356
(402) 559-5266

Most Up to Date Info found at http://www.unmc.edu/AlliedHealth/pa/PA_DLOInfo.htm

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL

  • MANY BASE EDUCATION OFFICERS ARE UNDERSTANDABLY UNCLEAR AS TO WHETHER OR NOT THE DLO PROGRAM QUALIFIES FOR TUITION ASSISTANCE.

     IN AN EFFORT TO HELP CLARIFY MATTERS, I HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY THE DANTES PERSONNEL THAT OUR MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING IS IN EFFECT WITH DANTES AND THAT IT IS APPROPRIATE FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL TO RECEIVE TUITION ASSISTANCE FOR THE DISTANT LEARNING OPTION MASTER OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES DEGREE. 

    IF YOU, OR THE BASE EDUCATION OFFICE, DESIRE CLARIFICATION ABOUT WHETHER THIS OPTION IS ELIGIBLE FOR TUITION ASSISTANCE YOU MAY WISH TO CONTACT:

    MR. RICHARD SCHRAM OR

    MS. KATHY WESTLAKE

    DISTANT LEARNING PROGRAM

    DANTES

    6490 SAUFLEY FIELD ROAD

    PENSACOLA FLORIDA 32509-5243

    (904) 452-1360

  • FAX: (904) 452-1161
    •

    OF COURSE I WOULD BE GLAD TO SPEAK WITH YOU OR THE BASE EDUCATlON OFFICER.

    JESSE C. EDWARDS, MS

    COORDINATOR

    DISTANT LEARNING OPTION

    SEPTEMBER 19, 1996

    •

    DISTANT LEARNING OPTION - MASTER OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES

    QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

     The following questions, with answers, represent the most frequently asked questions about the DLO. 

    1. How long does it take to complete the degree requirements?

     A: It takes a minimum of four months (16 weeks) or approximately 640 clock hours to complete the clinical requirements provided the student is spending 40 hours per week In the practice setting. The student must document the patients seen and provide the documentation via mail to the PA Program every Friday in a postage paid envelope provided by the PA Program. 

    Also, the student must complete two written assignments from the two textbooks provided by the PA Program. Plus, the student must write an investigational or research paper. The paper must be suitable for submission for publication In a PA related publication. The paper does not actually have to be submitted for publication, Just suitable. The topic is chosen by the student, and Instructions are provided In the student handbook given to the student once he/she is enrolled. 

    A student has twelve months to complete all the degree requirements.

    2. What is the nature of the degree?

      A: The diploma is the same diploma awarded to the students in the on-campus Nebraska PA Program. It Is an entry level professional Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree.

      3. How can one get a Master's degree with only 16 semester hours?

      A: The students are admitted with advanced standing into the Nebraska PA Program. They get credit for the academic work they completed in the undergraduate PA Program. This usually totals at least 150 semester hours. When the 16 hours are added to the total transferred in, the total academic hours usually exceed 166 semester hours. Most Master level programs require only about 166 semester hours.

    4. Why Is this program considered a Continuing Medical Education Program?

      A: The Center for Continuing Education is the Medical Center's equivalent of the College of Continuing Studies at other traditional universities. It awards 160 Category II hours for the DLO. The PA Program then converts the 160 hours into 16 semester hours of academic credit, much like academic credit is given for CLEP exams, and military service schools.

    5. Must I pay the entire tuition and fees before beginning the program or may I make installment payments? 

    A: All tuition and fees must be paid before beginning the program with the exception of Air Force members receiving local tuition assistance from the base education office. Students submitting properly completed tuition assistance forms must pay $545.00 up front. Degrees cannot be issued until all tuition and fees are received. Military personnel using DANTES must pay the $1,805.00 up front and be reimbursed by DANTES upon completion of the program. 

     

    6. What are my options for specialization? 

    A: They are many, and include just about every medical specialty. Contact

    Jesse Edwards for further information.

    7. I am not a military PA, am I eligible? 

    A: Yes, provided your PA Program awarded a bachelor's degree as a direct result of you attending the PA Program. Certificate only PA Program graduates are not eligible. 

    8. I am in an administrative position, am I eligible? 

    A: The student must be an active clinical PA. This program is not intended for administrative PAs or those in teaching positions. 

    9. Who can I contact for further information? 

    A: Jesse Edwards, PA Program University of Nebraska Medical Center, 600 S 42nd Street, Omaha, NE 68198-4300. Telephone: (402) 559-7950. Fax: (402) 559-5356

    DISTANT LEARNING OPTION

    MASTER OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES

    UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER

    APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

     The following list is provided to assist you in preparing a complete and accurate application to the Distant Learning Option track of the University af Nebraska's Physician Assistant Program. Compliance with this list will speed the processing of your application. 

    Priority for admission is given to graduates from the University of Nebraska PA Program and to military graduates from the U.S. Air Force Physician Assistant Program. Other PAs should not initiate the application process until they have spoken with Jesse Edwards, PA Program UNMC. Telephone: (402) 559-7950.

    A complete application includes:

    ___ A. Application for admission (Please type or print all information requested.)
    ___ B. $25.00, non-refundable application fee payable to the UNMC PA Program.
    ___ C. Applicants resume.
    ___ D. Copy of current NCCPA certificate.
    ___ E. Official college transcripts. An official transcript showing your degree and physician assistant course is required. The transcript must bear the official seal of that institution and be mailed directly to the UNMC PA Program as follows: PA Program, UNMC, Distant Learning Option, 600 south 42 street, Omaha, NE 68198-4300. ( If you are a graduate of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, you do not need to request a transcript.
    ___ F. Three recommendations. (Included with application package. To be given by you to someone of you choosing. These recommendations should be returned directly to the PA Program directly.
    ___ G. Two personal information cards. (Included with application package.)
    ___ H. Signed "Preceptor Agreement" form. (Included with application package.)
    ___ I. Preceptor’s resume.