Carlow College

What you'll study

The programme is structured into semester blocks with taught modules in year one and predominantly clinical rotations in year two. Key taught components include anatomy and physiology, sequential pathophysiology and clinical pharmacology series, clinical medicine courses, and repeated patient assessment labs. There are also short modules on current topics in the PA profession, research and evidence‑based healthcare, healthcare policy, and interprofessional critical thinking.

• First Year – Fall: Clinical Anatomy & Physiology I/Lab (4), Pathophysiology I (3), Clinical Pharmacology I (2), Clinical Medicine I (5), Patient Assessment I/Lab (4), Current Topics in the PA Profession (1), Critical Thinking within Interprofessional Practice I (1).
• First Year – Spring: Clinical Anatomy & Physiology II/Lab (4), Pathophysiology II (3), Clinical Pharmacology II (2), Clinical Medicine II (5), Patient Assessment II/Lab (4), Research & Evidence‑Based Healthcare (1), Critical Thinking within Interprofessional Practice II (1).
• First Year – Summer: Special Topics in Clinical Medicine (3), Pathophysiology III (3), Clinical Pharmacology III (2), Clinical Medicine III (5), Patient Assessment III/Lab (4), Healthcare Policy (1), Critical Thinking within Interprofessional Practice III (1).
• Second Year – Fall: Supervised Clinical Practice I–III (each 4 credits), Case Studies in Clinical Specifications I (1), Master’s Project I (2).
• Second Year – Spring: Supervised Clinical Practice IV–VI (each 4 credits), Case Studies in Clinical Specifications II (1), Master’s Project II (2).
• Second Year – Summer: Supervised Clinical Practicum VII–VIII (each 4 credits), Case Studies in Clinical Specifications III (1), Transition to Practice (4).
• Clinical rotations: Supervised Clinical Practice includes placements in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Behavioral Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Women’s Health, and one additional rotation.
• Total credits: 102.

Entry requirements

The course page does not list formal entry criteria. Prospective applicants should consult the institution for specific academic prerequisites, professional qualifications accepted, and any selection processes or prerequisites for clinical placement.

Career prospects

Graduates complete extensive supervised clinical rotations across core specialties, preparing them for clinical practice as Physician Assistants with experience in primary care, internal medicine, emergency care, pediatrics, surgery and women’s health, supported by a master’s project and transition‑to‑practice preparation.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The programme description does not specify funding options. Applicants should investigate university scholarships, government or professional body grants, employer sponsorship for clinical training, and external funding sources that support postgraduate health professional education.