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B-SC-ALLIED-HEALTH-SCIENCES in Physician Assistant at Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Physician Assistant at Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences Chennai?
This Physician Assistant program at Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences focuses on training highly skilled healthcare professionals capable of working alongside physicians. It prepares graduates to provide comprehensive patient care, from diagnosis to treatment, under medical supervision. The curriculum is designed to meet the growing demand for mid-level healthcare providers in the Indian medical landscape, enabling them to extend healthcare access and quality.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring healthcare professionals with a strong science background (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) who are passionate about direct patient care and medical assistance. it suits fresh graduates seeking entry into the diverse field of allied health, as well as those looking to enhance their medical knowledge and practical skills for a rewarding career in hospitals, clinics, and community health centers across India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths as Physician Assistants in multi-specialty hospitals, emergency departments, and specialized clinics throughout India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience to INR 8-15+ LPA. PAs contribute directly to patient outcomes, fill critical staffing gaps, and play a vital role in improving healthcare delivery and efficiency in both urban and rural settings.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Medical Sciences- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intensely on foundational subjects like Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, and Pharmacology. Utilize diagrams, flashcards, and group study to grasp complex concepts. Regularly attend practical sessions to connect theory with hands-on experience, solidifying understanding for future clinical applications.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks, Anatomy atlases, Physiology lab manuals, Medical dictionaries, Study groups
Career Connection
A strong foundation is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning in later stages and forms the bedrock of a competent Physician Assistant.
Develop Effective Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in English language and communication modules. Practice patient interaction through role-playing and mock scenarios. Learn to clearly articulate medical information to both patients and healthcare teams, which is vital for safe and effective patient care.
Tools & Resources
General English classes, Communication workshops, Peer feedback, Self-recorded practice sessions
Career Connection
Excellent communication skills are paramount for building patient trust, collaborating with colleagues, and ensuring clear instructions in clinical settings, directly impacting career progression.
Cultivate Ethical and Professional Conduct- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with the ''''Introduction to Patient Care & Ethics'''' course. Discuss case studies related to medical ethics with faculty and peers. Understand the principles of patient confidentiality, informed consent, and professional behavior, which are non-negotiable in healthcare.
Tools & Resources
Ethics textbooks, Online medical ethics resources, Mentorship from senior students/faculty, Case discussions
Career Connection
Adherence to ethical standards builds credibility and trust, which are essential for long-term success and respect in any healthcare role, particularly for a Physician Assistant.
Intermediate Stage
Gain Proficiency in Diagnostic and Procedural Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Focus on subjects like Diagnostic Techniques and Basic Medical & Surgical Procedures. Seek extra lab time for hands-on practice with venepuncture, suturing, and interpreting ECGs and X-rays. Volunteer for supervised clinical exposure to reinforce these skills.
Tools & Resources
Simulation labs, Mannequins for practice, Medical imaging software, Diagnostic manuals, Peer practice sessions
Career Connection
Mastery of diagnostic and procedural skills makes you a highly valuable and employable asset, directly contributing to patient management and physician support.
Immerse in Clinical Rotations Early- (Semester 4-6)
Leverage early clinical postings and seek opportunities for observation in various departments (Medicine, Surgery, Emergency). Actively engage with physicians and residents, asking questions and participating in ward rounds to understand the practical application of theoretical knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Hospital departments, Senior PAs, Physicians, Case study discussions, Clinical logbooks
Career Connection
Early clinical exposure translates into practical experience, better preparedness for internship, and a deeper understanding of real-world patient care scenarios, enhancing job prospects.
Engage in Research and Medical Informatics- (Semester 3-5)
Pay close attention to ''''Medical Informatics & Research Methodology''''. Seek opportunities to assist faculty in small research projects or data collection. Familiarize yourself with Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems, as these skills are increasingly vital in modern Indian hospitals.
Tools & Resources
Library resources, Research papers, EHR training modules, Statistical software basics (e.g., SPSS, R for beginners)
Career Connection
Research experience and informatics literacy differentiate you, opening doors to advanced roles, academic positions, and positions in tech-enabled healthcare delivery.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Internship and Speciality Rotations- (Semester 7-8)
Treat the clinical postings as a year-long job interview. Take initiative, perform duties diligently, and learn continuously from every case. Actively participate in all speciality rotations (Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, Obs/Gyn) to gain comprehensive clinical acumen.
Tools & Resources
Clinical supervisors, Departmental conferences, Case presentations, Medical journals, UpToDate
Career Connection
Outstanding performance during internship often leads to direct job offers or strong recommendations, serving as a critical bridge to professional practice.
Undertake a Comprehensive Research Project- (Semester 7-8)
Utilize the ''''Project Work / Dissertation'''' module to delve into a topic of interest, preferably with clinical relevance. This hones critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific writing skills, which are highly valued in evidence-based healthcare practice.
Tools & Resources
Research mentors, Statistical guidance, Academic databases (PubMed, Google Scholar), Plagiarism checkers
Career Connection
A well-executed research project enhances your CV, demonstrates analytical capabilities, and can open doors to postgraduate studies or research-oriented PA roles.
Network and Prepare for Licensure/Employment- (Semester 7-8)
Actively network with physicians, senior PAs, and hospital administrators during internship. Understand the licensing requirements for Physician Assistants in India. Prepare for interviews, refine your resume, and attend career fairs for allied health professionals.
Tools & Resources
Professional associations, Alumni network, Career services, Mock interviews, Resume workshops
Career Connection
Proactive networking and thorough preparation for the job market ensure a smooth transition from student to employed professional, securing desirable positions in reputable institutions.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed in Higher Secondary Examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology (or) Botany & Zoology with an aggregate of 40% Marks.
Duration: 4 years (8 semesters)
Credits: 190 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPAH101 | Anatomy | Core Theory | 4 | General Anatomy and Osteology, Musculoskeletal System, Cardiovascular and Respiratory System, Digestive and Urogenital System, Nervous System and Special Senses |
| SPAH102 | Physiology | Core Theory | 4 | Cell and Blood Physiology, Muscle and Nerve Physiology, Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiology, Digestive and Excretory System Physiology, Endocrine, Reproductive and Nervous System Physiology |
| SPAH103 | Biochemistry | Core Theory | 4 | Biomolecules: Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Enzymes and Metabolism, Vitamins and Minerals, Clinical Biochemistry and Organ Function Tests |
| SPAH104 | General English | Core Theory | 3 | Grammar and Vocabulary Building, Reading Comprehension Strategies, Paragraph and Essay Writing, Basic Communication Skills, Official Correspondence |
| SPAH1P1 | Anatomy Practical | Core Practical | 2 | Identification of Bones and Joints, Study of Anatomical Models and Charts, Surface Anatomy Landmarks, Histology Slide Identification |
| SPAH1P2 | Physiology Practical | Core Practical | 2 | Hematology Experiments (Blood counts, ESR, PCV), Cardiovascular System Practical (BP, Pulse), Respiratory System Practical (Spirometry), Nerve Muscle Experiments |
| SPAH1P3 | Biochemistry Practical | Core Practical | 2 | Qualitative Tests for Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Quantitative Estimation of Glucose, Urea, Creatinine, Urine Analysis, Enzyme Assays |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPAH201 | Pathology | Core Theory | 4 | General Pathology: Cell Injury, Inflammation, Repair, Haemodynamic Disorders, Neoplasia (Tumors), Pathology of Specific Organ Systems, Clinical Pathology and Investigations |
| SPAH202 | Microbiology | Core Theory | 4 | General Bacteriology and Sterilization, Systematic Bacteriology (Common Pathogens), Virology and Mycology, Parasitology and Public Health Microbiology, Immunology and Immunodiagnostics |
| SPAH203 | Pharmacology | Core Theory | 4 | General Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, Drugs Affecting Autonomic Nervous System, Cardiovascular and Renal Pharmacology, Chemotherapy and Antimicrobial Agents, Central Nervous System Drugs |
| SPAH204 | Introduction to Patient Care & Ethics | Core Theory | 3 | Principles of Patient Care and Communication, Medical Ethics and Professionalism, Patient Safety and Infection Control, Basic Life Support and First Aid, Legal Aspects in Healthcare |
| SPAH2P1 | Pathology Practical | Core Practical | 2 | Histopathology Slide Identification, Cytology Staining and Examination, Hematology Lab Tests (Hb, TLC, DLC), Clinical Urinalysis |
| SPAH2P2 | Microbiology Practical | Core Practical | 2 | Microscopy and Staining Techniques, Culture Media Preparation and Inoculation, Bacterial Identification Tests, Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing |
| SPAH2P3 | Pharmacology Practical | Core Practical | 2 | Prescription Writing and Drug Calculations, Dosage Forms and Routes of Administration, Drug Dispensing Principles, Adverse Drug Reactions Reporting |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPAH301 | Applied Anatomy and Physiology | Core Theory | 4 | Clinical Correlates of Human Anatomy, Pathophysiology of Major Organ Systems, Applied Physiology in Disease States, Diagnostic Applications of Anatomy and Physiology |
| SPAH302 | Diagnostic Techniques | Core Theory | 4 | Principles of Radiology (X-ray, CT, MRI), Ultrasound and Endoscopy, Electrocardiography (ECG) and Pulmonary Function Tests, Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Hematology, Biochemistry), Basic Imaging Interpretation |
| SPAH303 | Basic Medical and Surgical Procedures | Core Theory | 4 | Venepuncture and IV Cannulation, Urinary Catheterization and Nasogastric Intubation, Wound Dressing and Suture Removal, Minor Surgical Procedures and Sterilization, Specimen Collection and Handling |
| SPAH304 | Medical Informatics & Research Methodology | Core Theory | 3 | Introduction to Medical Informatics and EHR, Biostatistics and Data Analysis, Research Design and Hypothesis Formulation, Ethical Considerations in Medical Research, Scientific Writing and Presentation |
| SPAH3P1 | Applied Anatomy and Physiology Practical | Core Practical | 2 | Clinical Examination Techniques (General, Systemic), Case Scenario Discussions, Interpretation of Clinical Findings, Anthropometric Measurements |
| SPAH3P2 | Diagnostic Techniques Practical | Core Practical | 2 | Interpretation of X-rays, USG, CT Scans, ECG Recording and Interpretation, Basic Lab Test Interpretation, Demonstration of Endoscopic Procedures |
| SPAH3P3 | Basic Medical and Surgical Procedures Practical | Core Practical | 2 | Hands-on Venepuncture and Cannulation, Suturing and Knot Tying Techniques, Catheterization Practice on Mannequins, Wound Management and Aseptic Techniques |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPAH401 | General Medicine | Core Theory | 4 | Cardiovascular and Respiratory Diseases, Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Disorders, Renal and Endocrine System Diseases, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Neurological Disorders and Rheumatology |
| SPAH402 | General Surgery | Core Theory | 4 | Principles of Surgery and Perioperative Care, Surgical Infections and Wound Healing, Common Abdominal Surgeries (Hernia, Appendicitis), Trauma, Burns, and Shock Management, Vascular and Breast Disorders |
| SPAH403 | Emergency Medicine | Core Theory | 4 | Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (BLS, ACLS), Trauma Management (ATLS principles), Acute Medical Emergencies (MI, Stroke, Sepsis), Toxicology and Environmental Emergencies, Disaster Preparedness and Triage |
| SPAH404 | Community Medicine & Public Health | Core Theory | 3 | Epidemiology and Biostatistics in Public Health, National Health Programs in India, Maternal and Child Health, Environmental Health and Sanitation, Control of Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases |
| SPAH4P1 | General Medicine Practical | Core Practical | 2 | Clinical History Taking and Examination Skills, Systemic Examination (CVS, Respiratory, Abdomen, CNS), Differential Diagnosis Formulation, Case Presentation and Discussion |
| SPAH4P2 | General Surgery Practical | Core Practical | 2 | Clinical Examination of Surgical Cases, Pre-operative and Post-operative Care Assessment, Wound Assessment and Management, Basic Surgical Instrument Identification |
| SPAH4P3 | Emergency Medicine Practical | Core Practical | 2 | Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Drills, First Aid for Common Emergencies, Splinting and Immobilization Techniques, Emergency Patient Assessment (Primary and Secondary Survey) |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPAH501 | Obstetrics and Gynaecology | Core Theory | 4 | Normal Pregnancy and Antenatal Care, Labor and Delivery Management, Common Obstetric Complications, Family Planning and Contraception, Gynaecological Disorders and Surgeries |
| SPAH502 | Paediatrics | Core Theory | 4 | Growth and Development in Children, Childhood Immunization Schedule, Neonatal Care and Common Neonatal Problems, Nutritional Disorders in Children, Common Paediatric Infections and Emergencies |
| SPAH503 | Orthopaedics | Core Theory | 4 | Management of Fractures and Dislocations, Joint Injuries and Soft Tissue Trauma, Degenerative Joint Diseases (Arthritis), Spinal Disorders and Deformities, Bone Tumors and Infections (Osteomyelitis) |
| SPAH504 | Anaesthesia & Pain Management | Core Theory | 3 | Pre-anaesthetic Assessment and Preparation, Types of Anaesthesia (General, Regional, Local), Anaesthetic Agents and Equipment, Airway Management and Ventilation, Post-operative Care and Pain Management |
| SPAH5P1 | Obstetrics and Gynaecology Practical | Core Practical | 2 | Antenatal Examination and Assessment, Per Abdomen and Per Vaginal Examination, Partogram Interpretation, Family Planning Counseling |
| SPAH5P2 | Paediatrics Practical | Core Practical | 2 | Paediatric History Taking and Examination, Growth Charting and Nutritional Assessment, Immunization Schedule and Vaccine Administration, Common Paediatric Procedures |
| SPAH5P3 | Orthopaedics Practical | Core Practical | 2 | Joint Examination and Range of Motion Assessment, Splinting and Casting Techniques, Traction Principles and Application, Interpretation of Orthopaedic X-rays |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPAH601 | Critical Care Medicine | Core Theory | 4 | Principles of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Management, Mechanical Ventilation and Airway Devices, Hemodynamic Monitoring and Shock Management, Sepsis and Multi-organ Dysfunction Syndrome, Renal Replacement Therapy and Acid-Base Disorders |
| SPAH602 | Neurosciences (Neurology & Neurosurgery) | Core Theory | 4 | Stroke and Cerebrovascular Accidents, Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders, Neurodegenerative Diseases (Parkinson''''s, Alzheimer''''s), Head Injury and Spinal Cord Trauma, Brain Tumors and Peripheral Neuropathies |
| SPAH603 | ENT and Ophthalmology | Core Theory | 4 | Common Ear, Nose, Throat Conditions (Otitis, Sinusitis), Hearing Loss and Vertigo Management, Refractive Errors and Visual Impairment, Common Eye Infections (Conjunctivitis, Keratitis), Glaucoma, Cataract, and Ocular Emergencies |
| SPAH604 | Mental Health and Psychiatry | Core Theory | 3 | Common Mental Disorders (Anxiety, Depression), Psychotic Disorders (Schizophrenia, Bipolar Affective Disorder), Substance Use Disorders, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Crisis Intervention and Psychopharmacology |
| SPAH6P1 | Critical Care Medicine Practical | Core Practical | 2 | Monitoring Vital Signs and Advanced Monitors, Basic Ventilator Settings and Troubleshooting, Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Analysis, Central Line Insertion Assistance |
| SPAH6P2 | Neurosciences Practical | Core Practical | 2 | Detailed Neurological Examination, Cranial Nerve Assessment, Sensory and Motor System Examination, Interpretation of Neuroimaging (CT, MRI Brain) |
| SPAH6P3 | ENT and Ophthalmology Practical | Core Practical | 2 | Otoscopy and Rhinoscopy, Vision Acuity Testing and Ophthalmoscopy, Slit Lamp Examination, Ear Syringing and Foreign Body Removal |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPAH701 | Clinical Posting – Medicine & Allied Specialities | Internship/Clinical | 15 | In-depth Patient History and Physical Examination, Clinical Decision Making in Medicine, Paediatrics, Management of Dermatological and Psychiatric Conditions, Ward Rounds and Case Discussions, Documentation of Patient Care |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPAH801 | Clinical Posting – Surgery & Allied Specialities | Internship/Clinical | 15 | Pre-operative and Post-operative Patient Management, Assisting in Surgical Procedures, Orthopaedic Injury Management, ENT and Ophthalmology Clinical Practice, Anaesthetic Assistance and Pain Management |
| SPAH802 | Project Work / Dissertation | Project | 10 | Formulating Research Questions, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing and Dissertation Preparation, Scientific Presentation Skills, Ethical Research Practices |
