15. What do you look for when you say “patient contact experience?”
There are many different categories for patient contact experience. View the list (PDF) of highly preferred, preferred, and considered patient contact experiences.

16. I do not have a background in the health care field. How can I obtain patient contact experience? 
A student who does not have patient contact experience can take a one semester course and possibly earn a professional certificate in just four months. Examples of these courses are: EMT-Basic, Geriatric Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Technician or Phlebotomy. All of these courses are offered at Anne Arundel Community College. All are taught during the fall and spring terms. Some are even offered during the summer session. Call 410-777-7310 for more information or visit our Web site for orientation dates and times. In addition, you can gain volunteer experiences through local hospitals and clinics.

17. Can I get credit for previous academic work or work experience? 
No, the Anne Arundel Community College Physician Assistant’s Program does not grant credit for prior academic or work experience. Therefore, we do not offer advanced placement in either the didactic or clinical portions of the program.  

18. I am a foreign educated applicant, will you accept my foreign transcript(s)?
The Records and Registration office requires that all foreign transcripts for all higher level institutions attended, be evaluated by one of the following organizations: 
World Education Services (WES) 
Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) 

Anne Arundel Community College will not evaluate these documents without an official report from one of the above mentioned organizations. No other evaluation services will be accepted.  

19. I am foreign educated, do I have to take the TOEFL? 
All foreign educated students must do one of the following: Take the TOEFL and score a 600 (100 for computer score), OR successfully complete college level English equivalent to Anne Arundel Community College's  ENG 111 and ENG 112 or ENG 115 and ENG 116 with grades of "C" or higher, OR show proof of successfully completing a bachelor's degree from a nationally recognized institution in the United States.

20. How do I apply to the master’s option with St. Francis University (SFU)? 
Once you have been accepted into the PA program at AACC, the PA director will review the process for applying to SFU. 

21. Do I need to take the GRE for the master’s option? 
No, there is no required testing for entry into the Saint Francis University Master’s degree option. 

22. What will I earn once I complete AACC’s PA program? 
Once you complete our PA program, you will earn a certificate. If you opt to enroll in the Master’s option, you will earn a Master’s in Medical Science degree issued by SFU, and a certificate from AACC.  

23. Can I work while I am in the PA program? 
The PA program is very vigorous and students must have a time commitment for studying. For your success in the program, we do not recommend that you work while matriculating in this program.

24. What is the first time pass rates on Boards (PANCE)?

2000    90%
2001    87%
2002    91%
2003    100%
2004    95%
2005    76% 
2006    83%
2007    100% 

25. What computer technology do I need in order to begin the PA program? 
It is recommended that all students have access to a desktop or laptop computer with an Internet connection. A PDA is required during the second year of matriculation.

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