COURSE CURRICULUM

The Physician Assistant BS/MS curriculum at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a rigorous five-year, 181-credit dual-degree program that integrates foundational science education with advanced medical training and extensive clinical experience. In the first two years, students complete pre-professional coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, statistics, and general education subjects to build a strong scientific base. From the third year onward, the program transitions into the professional phase, where students study core medical subjects such as pathophysiology, pharmacology, clinical medicine, genetics, and diagnostic techniques while developing skills in patient assessment and care. The fourth year continues with advanced topics including clinical integration, diagnostic imaging, healthcare policy, procedural skills, and hospital practice, alongside research training. The final phase, spanning the end of the fourth year and the entire fifth year, focuses on full-time clinical rotations in areas such as pediatrics, internal medicine, women’s health, emergency medicine, surgery, orthopedics, behavioral health, and family medicine, along with elective rotations for specialization. Throughout the program, students also complete graduate research projects and professional practice courses, ensuring they are well-prepared for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) and equipped with the knowledge, clinical competence, and professional skills needed to provide high-quality, patient-centered healthcare across diverse medical settings.