Pursuing Physician Assistantship in Ghana: Entry Requirements and Program Details
1. Introduction
Physician Assistantship:
The training of Medical Assistants in the early 1960s was initiated by the Ghanaian government to improve access to basic healthcare for all citizens, addressing the shortage of physicians.
The curriculum for Physician Assistantship focuses on competency and incorporates the current needs of society and students.
Emphasizing community, physical, and social sciences, as well as ethical elements in medical practice.
2. Entry Requirements
To embark on a career in Physician Assistantship, candidates must meet specific educational qualifications.
The following requirements apply:
- Senior High School Certificate (SSSCE) or WASSCE:
- Applicants should possess an aggregate of 24 for SSSCE or 36 for WASSCE.
This should include credits in three core subjects: English Language, Mathematics, and Integrated Science, along with three elective subjects: Chemistry, Biology, and Physics.
- Exemptions for Registered Nurses and Midwives: State Registered Nurses (SRN) and Registered Midwives are eligible for admission to level 200, with exemptions from level 100 courses.
- Advanced Placement for Bachelor’s Degree Holders: Holders of Physician Assistant and General Nursing Diploma or Bachelor’s degrees in life sciences can be considered for direct admission to level 300.
- They can complete the program in two years.
Mature Applicants:
Mature applicants must be at least 25 years old at the time of admission.
They should possess either five credits in GCE O-Level (including English Language and Mathematics) or WASSCE/SSCE with credits in three core subjects (English, Mathematics, and Integrated Science) and three elective subjects (Chemistry, Biology, and Physics).
Admission for Foreign Students:
Foreign students may be considered for admission if they hold qualifications equivalent to the Ghanaian standards and demonstrate proficiency in English. Equivalent qualifications include A-levels and High School Diplomas.
Diploma Certificate in Community Medicine Holders: Holders of a Diploma Certificate in Community Medicine may be placed in the 3rd year after a top-up or pre-entry course, to be determined by the college.
3. Program Objectives
The Physician Assistantship program aims to produce health workers capable of delivering effective promotive, preventive, and curative healthcare at the sub-district level.
Their work should be wide in scope, efficient, simple in approach, and cost-effective in delivery.
Graduates should be able to:
- Organize and supervise sub-district health activities.
- Collaborate with other health team members, organizations, and the community to plan, implement, and evaluate health activities.
- Diagnose and treat common diseases and injuries, referring cases when necessary.
- Conduct training for subordinates and the community.
- Prepare and disseminate reports on primary health care activities.
- Conduct research into health problems in the sub-district and share findings as part of problem-solving activities.
- Manage drugs, equipment, materials, and resources efficiently.
- Demonstrate an understanding of national health policy and its relevance to community health.
- Develop competencies for imparting health knowledge and principles to community members.
- Recognize the role of other sectors in contributing to community health.
4. Program Philosophy
The philosophy behind the program is that all Ghanaians have the right to culturally acceptable and affordable quality healthcare.
Health is the engine of socio-economic development and must respond holistically to the community’s needs.
The concept of multipurpose health workers is introduced to meet healthcare demands at the peripheral level of care.
5. Assessment Requirements
The program utilizes a credit system based on instructional hours per semester.
Assessment of students’ performance is a combination of continuous assessment and end-of-semester examinations.
Physician Assistantship
Also, check: UHAS Physician Assistant Requirements and Cut off points 2023/2024.
- UHAS physician assistant fees: check the approved fees here.
- UHAS Physician Assistant cut off point and Entry Requirements
6. Grading System
Students are graded based on letter grades, percentage marks, credit values, and interpretations.
7. Requirements for Graduation
To qualify for the Degree in Community Medicine and Health, students must fulfill certain criteria, including the completion of a minimum number of credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better.
8. Employment Prospects
Graduates of the BSc Community Medicine and Health program can work in various health facilities, including District, Regional, Private, Mission, and Teaching hospitals across Ghana.
An internship period of 12 months follows graduation, during which graduates work at designated hospitals.
9. Job Description
As a Medical Assistant, your role involves assuming administrative responsibility for a health center in a sub-district.
You will provide primary healthcare to the community, managing common cases of illness and injuries within your competence and referring patients to higher levels of care when necessary.
