The degree program

Physician Assistance (career-integrated bachelor's degree, distance learning)

• What is Physician Assistance?

  The PA is not a physician: diagnosis and therapy procedures remain the sole responsibility of the licensed physician. The PA is an interface between the physician and the healthcare professional. They cannot and may not legally replace the doctor, but they may act in a supportive capacity. During their studies, PAs will acquire the formal prerequisites to be able to conduct, under instruction, specific procedures on patients with due regard to ethical and business management considerations.

• What does the degree program entail?

  The aim is to expand specialist and patient-oriented care so as to increase the efficiency of personnel deployment by reducing the assistance provided by medical staff. The degree program is both application and action oriented. The program teaches the medical and scientific knowledge needed by graduates to qualify them to perform medical tasks within the framework of delegation, but without practicing medicine.

• What are my career opportunities?

  Current areas of employment and activity for PAs include most internal medicine and surgery specialties in clinical settings (trauma surgery, orthopedics, geriatrics, emergency department, neurology, gastroenterology, cardiology, surgery, wound and vascular medicine).

  Due to the current situation of outpatient care provided by general practitioners, especially in rural areas, the PA would also provide medical patient care delegated by physicians in private practices / health centers (MVZ).

• Additional information

  Information document about the degree program (available only in German)

  Article: "Der “Physician Assistant B.Sc.” in der hausärztlich-ambulanten und klinischen Medizin" (available only in German)

  Presentation: "Der Physician Assistant an der Hochschule Anhalt" (available only in German)

  Degree program and examination regulations (available only in German)

• Where do the in-person classes take place?

  The in-person classes take place either in Köthen or in Papenburg. You can choose one of the two locations in your application.
  
  Addresses:

  Campus Köthen
  Bernburger Str. 55
  06366 Köthen
  Ph +49 (0) 3496 6719 23
  Email: susanna.kersting(at)hs-anhalt.de
  
  Campus Papenburg
  Deichstraße 2
  26871 Papenburg
  Ph +49 (0) 4961 7732 980
  Fax +49 (0) 4961 7732 989
  Email: sekretariat(at)campus-papenburg.de

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can previous academic achievements be credited?

  Previous academic achievements from a first degree program and/or after a change of degree program or university or following studies abroad, and thus achievements which were completed at another university, may be credited on application post enrollment. Responsible for this is the examinations committee of the respective department in coordination with the corresponding degree program advisor/lecturer. More information: Frequently asked questions (only in German).

• Is the PA a state-recognized degree?
  • Anhalt University of Applied Sciences is a state university and therefore it is a state-recognized degree program.
  • Concerning the PA as a professional qualification, however, there is currently no legal recognition, although this is planned in the future.
  • As this is a new degree program, it has not yet been accredited, but the accreditation has already been requested.
• Employment and internships regarding clinics
  • In addition to GP and outpatient practices, internships can also be carried out in clinics.
  • Furthermore, the required professional experience can also be acquired in clinics.
  • The applicant's current employment may also be at a clinic.
• How do the transfer/practice phases work?

  Competence internships as well as transfer days in each semester take place in the facilities (clinic / practice / health center (MVZ)) of the employer or in so-called training competence centers (AKZ)) and are designed to help students enhance knowledge acquired in class by applying it in the professional field.

• How are the examinations organized?

  These include written examinations, oral examinations - both of which usually have to be taken in person at the Köthen Campus - and term papers, which have to be completed each semester. In the 7th semester, students complete and defend the bachelor’s thesis.
  
  Under special conditions, previous academic achievements from degree programs and/or training already completed can be credited. Modules already completed, e.g. in the course of VERAH training, can also be credited (see credit regulations in the Program and Examination Regulations).

• Is there any financial support?

  You can find information on subsidies for individual job-related continuing education and acquiring additional qualifications on the website of Investitionsbank Sachsen-Anhalt (only available in German).

• When do the in-person classes take place?

  This Plan details the in-person classes (minimal changes are possible) for the first two semesters and provides additional information about courses.

• Other FAQs

  Read this list of frequently asked questions carefully before starting the program: FAQ List (only available in German).