Per Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant 6th edition standards, the following represents the total cost of attendance for the program, inclusive of both program costs (required program tuition and fees) and other costs (estimated costs related to program participation as well as living expenses incurred during enrollment). The tables below outline the projected costs for the average student across the full duration of the program. Actual indirect costs may vary based on individual circumstances and personal spending preferences.

^a These are estimated costs for the entire program. Tuition, fees, and costs are subject to change. Tuition for in-state and out-of- state residents is the same.

^b The program uses the clinical rotation management system, which offers the student a permanent record of procedures and patient encounters during the clinical year. Fees may include an on-boarding credentialing platform.

^c Approximate cost required for credentialing. Typically done one per year, however, rotation sites may require additional checks or screens.

^d Other costs are estimated based on average costs for a typical student, including the purchase of new course materials rather than used. Actual costs will vary based on student personal preferences.

^e SCPE placements may be located within commuting distance of the program campus or may require travel outside the local region. Students may be assigned to placements located more than 70 miles from campus for on average 2-4 out of their 8 SCPE rotations depending on site availability and curricular needs.

^f Transportation estimates include the use of airfare to distant clinical sites, if needed.

^g Medical Supply costs are dependent on personal selection of equipment; students will have the opportunity to purchase equipment during the orientation at South College.

^h There are additional costs, which vary according to personal choice, for a required service plan.

ⁱ Health insurance is required throughout the entire PA program, didactic and clinical years, many plans offer this service. Costs will vary according to the plan.

The South College policy for refund of tuition and fees can be found at the following link: https://www.south.edu/admissions/financial-aid/tuition-and-fees/refund-policies/

Upon successful completion of the 15-month didactic phase, students will advance to the 12-month clinical learning phase. Prior to beginning the clinical phase, students are required to submit a letter of medical clearance from their primary care provider. In addition, students must provide documentation of all required immunizations for the clinical year. Clinical sites may establish specific immunization requirements. The institution must be able to furnish immunization records to clinical sites upon request or attest that the required documentation is on file and readily available.

The clinical year includes required Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPEs) at program-approved clinical sites. The program makes every reasonable effort to cluster Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPEs) geographically (for example, scheduling Emergency Medicine and Family Medicine rotations consecutively in the same region). When feasible, multiple students may be assigned to the same area to allow shared housing and transportation arrangements. Students are required to return to campus following each SCPE, in accordance with program requirements.

Clinical site assignments are determined by:

· Programmatic curricular requirements

· Availability of qualified clinical sites and preceptors

· Compliance with accreditation standards

· Student progression and competency needs

Although student geographic preferences may be collected, placement within a specific region or within commuting distance of the program is not guaranteed.

SCPE placements may be located within commuting distance of the program campus or may require travel outside the local region. Students may be assigned to placements located more than 70 miles from campus for on average 2-4 out of their 8 SCPE rotations depending on site availability and curricular needs.

Students are responsible for all expenses associated with participation in required clinical rotations. These expenses include, but are not limited to:

· Airfare or other travel costs

· Short-term housing

· Meals and incidentals

· Local transportation or vehicle rental

· Security deposits

· Site-specific requirements

The program does not provide reimbursement or financial assistance for clinical travel or housing expenses.

Costs vary significantly based on location, housing availability, seasonal demand, and transportation needs. The program cannot guarantee or precisely estimate individual expenses.

For planning purposes, estimated additional costs for one six-week travel-based SCPE rotation are:

· Short-term housing (6 weeks): $1,500–$5,250

· Airfare (round trip, when required): $200–$1,200

· Local transportation/car rental (if required): $0–$2,250

Estimated total additional cost per travel-based rotation: $1,700–$8,500

Actual costs may exceed or fall below these estimates.

The U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS)

USPHS has several programs that offer scholarships, stipends and loan repayment to PA students who commit to varying periods of employment in medically underserved settings. Information on these programs may be obtained by calling (800) 221-9393 or visiting the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) web site.

Indian Health Service (IHS)

IHS offers a minimum two-year obligation for two years of financial support. Priority is given to Native American students, but others are encouraged to apply. Contact: IHS scholarship office at (800) 962-2817.

US Air Force

Available to medical school graduates enrolled in Air Force approved medical and specialty programs. Assistance includes full scholarships with living expense stipends and grants of approximately $18,700 for every year of participation. Active duty service obligations vary in length after completion of intern and resident programs. Residencies and fellowships are also available.

US Army Medical Corps

Special Incentive and Pay Programs (scholarships, grants and tuition assistance) available to physicians specializing in qualified programs. Includes programs for active-duty, reservists and those seeking commission in the Medical Corps. Active duty service obligations and loan repayment amount vary in length.

US Army Medical Education

Health Professions Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP): Established to obtain and recruit active duty health professionals in designated health care shortage areas. Available to fully qualified health care professionals, full-time students in final year of a program or trainees in approved specialty graduate programs. Provides $22,000 annually for up to four years to repay qualified health care educational loans. Requires participants to enlist for active duty for up to four years.

US Army National Guard

The Army National Guard will pay up to $10,000 on qualified existing loans. Program does not specify undergraduate, graduate or health related educational loans or active duty service obligations .

US Army Reserve

Program available to commissioned officers in the Medical Corps or Army Nurse Corps. After one year of satisfactory service, members are able to receive up to $3,000 per year in educational loan repayments, not exceeding $20,000.

US Navy

Armed Forces Health Professionals Scholarship Program: Naval scholarship support available to those undergoing training in medical, dentistry, optometry and osteopathy fields. Program includes monthly stipend and financial assistance through annual grants of approximately $21,580. Active duty services obligations vary in length. Links available to programming information for numerous research institute and clerkship opportunities across the country and aboard Naval vessels

Contact (202) 565-7528 for more information concerning this program.

Several caucuses and specialty groups of the American Academy of Physician Assistants offer student scholarships. Below is a partial listing.

Order of St. Lazarus (Green Cross Project) / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

The Order of St. Lazarus / Green Cross Project award is co-sponsored with the Veterans Caucus. This ancient order is a philanthropic organization that recognized the contributions made by the soldiers during the Crusades. The Green Cross Project was a group of volunteers who went onto the battle field during the Crusades and rendered medical aid to fallen soldiers.

Andrea Long Memorial / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

The Andrea Long Memorial Scholarship was new in 1998. 2 scholarships at $1250 each are made to honor the memory of Andrea Long, the late wife of long-time Veterans Caucus supporter, Jim Long, Captain, USAF, Retired. Andrea Long is remembered as a very gifted teacher, who was dedicated to the Special Education program and all children with Special Educational Needs.

Society of Army Physician Assistants / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

This scholarship is sponsored by the members of the Society of Army PAs through the Veterans Caucus and honors a veteran PA student who served with distinction in the US Army.

SOCIETY OF AIR FORCE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS / VETERANS CAUCUS SCHOLARSHIP

The scholarship is sponsored by the members of the Society of Air Force PAs through the Veterans Caucus and honors a veteran PA student who served with distinction in the US Air Force.

Naval Association of Physician Assistants / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

This scholarship is sponsored by the members of the Naval Association of PAs through the Veterans Caucus and recognizes the outstanding achievement of a veteran of the US Navy or US Marine Corps enrolled in PA training.

Donna Jones Moritsugu Memorial / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

The Donna Jones Moritsugu Memorial Award is in honor of the memory of the late wife of RADM / Dr. Ken Moritsugu, whose life was cut short by a tragic auto accident. Donna was a multi-talented women and who Dr. Moritsugu describes as the “wind beneath his wings.”

Veterans Caucus Scholarship

The scholarship is provided by the members of the Veterans Caucus and recognizes the achievements of an outstanding veteran of one of the seven branches of the Uniformed Services who is currently enrolled in PA training.

Wyeth Laboratories / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

New in 2001, these awards are sponsored by the Wyeth Laboratories, Federal Government Sales Division, through the Veterans Caucus and recognizes the outstanding contributions made by Physician Assistants to people in need of quality healthcare. It is presented for exemplary academic achievement and dedicated community service to a member or veteran of any Uniformed Service of the United States of America.

Pentagon 9–11 Veterans Caucus Scholarship

This scholarship, new in 2002, is sponsored by the members of the Veterans Caucus. It acknowledges the heroism and personal sacrifice of all uniformed service Physician Assistants and is dedicated to the memory of all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 at the Pentagon in Washington, DC.

Chan-Padgett Special Forces Memorial / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

This scholarship, new in 2002, is sponsored by Ms. Vicki Chan-Padgett and Major John Padgett, USA Special Forces through the Veterans Caucus. It is made in honor of the memory of the sacrifices made by their parents, Ed and Mabel Chan and Larry and Virginia Padgett during WWII. Veterans Caucus scholarships average $1250.00 per award.

Contact: Veterans Caucus of the AAPA
Sharon Hanley
100 N Academy Ave
Danville, PA 17822-1350
Work: (570) 271-6692
Fax: (570) 271-5850
E-mail: shanley@geisinger.edu

African Heritage Caucus

Offers annual scholarship awards for minority PA students. Those who are members of the African Heritage Caucus and are attending an accredited PA program, in good academic standing may apply for the caucus scholarship. Scholarships are made available through contributions from AHC members and sponsoring individuals. Contact: AHC Scholarship Committee, 950 N. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.

Physician Assistants of Latino Heritage

Offers annual scholarship awards for PA students of Latino heritage attending an accredited PA program and in good academic standing. Scholarships are made available through contributions from PALH members and sponsoring individuals and organizations. Contact: Physician Assistants of Latino Heritage, Teshia Birts, 950 N Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314-1534 Work: (800) 596-7494, Fax: (703) 684-1924, E-mail: palh@aapa.org.

Association of Pas in Cardiovascular Surgery

APACVS awards scholarships in the amount of $1000. Contact: Education and Scholarship Committee, Association of PAs in CardioVascular Surgery c/o Cardiac Surgeons for Northwest Ohio, Inc., 2109 Hughes Drive, Suite 800, Toledo, Ohio 43606.

The Association of Family Practice Physician Assistants Student Scholarship Award

Primary Scholarship Award (a second year PA student) = $1000. Secondary Scholarship Award (a first year PA student) = $500. Contact: Randy L. Orsborn, AFPPA Student Representative, AFPPA Scholarship Award 9 Highland Drive, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050, randy.orsborn@axom.com.

Lbgpa Student Leadership Scholarship Grant

Support, encourage, and develop of future leaders for the LBGPA Caucus as well as the AAPA, and to foster involvement and awareness of the Caucus in the AAPA. Two grants of up to $500* will be earmarked for a male and female student’s registration fee for the AAPA National Conference for the academic year in which the grant is awarded, and if possible, to help defray additional Conference expenses. Contact: Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay PA Caucus, Inc., Mark Behar, PA-C, 1803 N Warren Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202-1638, Work: (414) 277-7671, Fax: (414) 933-8298, E-mail: mpbehar@facstaff.wisc.edu.

Physician Assistants for Cross-cultural Involvement (PAXI)

Pleased to support PA students endeavoring to accomplish a PA rotation Internationally/Cross-Culturally with an established scholarship program. The awards are based on scholarship application review and merit. Contact: PAXI Scholarship Committee, c/o Ellen Kuo, PA-C, 6213 Pinehurst Road, Baltimore, MD 21212.

Society of Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants (SEMPA)

Offers a scholarship to Senior PA Students who are interested in pursuing a career in Emergency Medicine. This year the awards were a single $1,000 and two $500 awards. Contact: Society of Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants, Inc., 950 North Washington Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314-1552, phone: 703-519-7334, fax: 703-684-1924, info@sempa.org.

For a Physician Assistant Student Financial Aid Information Booklet, sponsored by the AAPA, write to:
Spec Works
810 S. Bond St.
Baltimore, MD 21231
Phone: 1-(800) 708-7581 (8:30 am-6:00 pm EST)
Fax: (410) 558-1410 (24 hours)