PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES - GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS
Submitted by:
Andrew Booth, PA-C
Physician Assistant Studies (PAS)
Submitted to:
Jeff Potteiger, PhD
Office of Graduate Studies
Within the College of Health Professions (CHP), graduate assistants will work with the Physician
Assistant Studies (PA) Department.
Terms
Full-time (20 hours/week) for 15 weeks each semester, with start and end dates corresponding with
the academic year (August 31, 2015-April 29, 2016). A Stipend of $4000 per semester, and tuition
waiver up to 9 graduate credits per semester, not to exceed 18 total tuition credits per academic year.
Tuition waiver credits will be as follows: Fall – 9 credits,Winter – 9 credits
Position Description
The main responsibility of this graduate assistantship is to assist the GVSU PAS department with the
collection and analysis of data regarding two Health Resource and Services Administration grants and
program data. The focus of the GVSU PAS department has been to train PA’s in a primary care
approach. Over the last 3 years, the department has strengthened that resolve by receiving two federal
grants. The goal of the program is to analyze how these two grants have influenced PAS graduates
going into primary care and influencing society with professional health care provided by GVSU PA’s.
Other responsibilities of the graduate assistant in the PAS department will include faculty driven
responsibilities in the area of research tasks and teaching support. Research tasks include, but are not
limited to, participating in assisting with data collection, focus group data collection from the student
body, and review of the performance of the program. Additional research tasks include, but are not
limited to, conducting literature searches, and assisting in data collection as assigned. The teaching
support tasks include, but are not limited to, editing class materials and supporting faculty in
curriculum development. These tasks contribute to the understanding of generating teaching materials
and greater familiarization with teaching and scholarship.
Additionally, the GA will attend all grant meetings (as time allows) including the distant site
committee meetings as well as Program evaluation and review committee meetings. If scheduling
permits, the graduate assistant will attend regular PAS faculty meetings.
Qualifications
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A baccalaureate degree and admission to a GVSU graduate degree program
Must be a student in good academic standing
Students that have been awarded the GVSU PAS primary care grant scholarship are not eligible
to work as a GA.
Proven leadership skills and abilities
Strong oral and written communication skills
Experience with word processing and Excel, as well as knowledge of desktop publishing and
website design
Experience in statistical analysis and research.
1. Updated 6/2014
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Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication skills and analytical skills
The ability to organize work time and manage projects
The student may not hold other employment positions at GVSU during while employed as a graduate
assistant.
Work Station/Desk
The graduate assistants will work in the Center for Health Sciences. When available, a separate work
station/desk will be offered from existing offices, which include a computer and phone. In addition to
the Frey Library and computer lab resources, the graduate assistants will also have access to a printer,
scanner, telephone and copy machine in the CHS 247 suite.
Orientation/Supervision
The PAS Department Chair will give instruction on the office policies and programmatic information
policies and procedures. The graduate assistants will also regularly interact with PAS faculty and the
Program Director, which affords opportunities for feedback on performance. If scheduling permits, the
graduate assistant will attend regular PAS faculty meetings. Ultimate assignment approval,
supervision, and feedback will be through the PAS Program Director to assist in prioritizing faculty
needs and feedback to the graduate assistants. A formal written performance evaluation will be
completed at the end of each semester.
Selection Process
Candidates are invited to apply through the university graduate assistantship advertisements. These
advertisements will be posted on the “Job Board” through the student employment office and on the
Office of Graduate Studies website. To be considered, please submit a resume, cover letter, and a list
of three references to Nancy Moseler, Administrative Assistant, Physician Assistant Studies, College
of Health Professions, 301 Michigan St. NE, Suite 247, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, or
moselern@gvsu.edu . After careful review of the requested submissions and qualifications, qualified
candidates will be invited to interview with the PAS Program Director and PAS faculty members.
Hours of availability of the graduate assistant will be discussed during the interview process.
PAS students as GA’s
A PAS student may apply for a GA position within the PAS department. If a PAS student is selected
for a GA position, they will not be given any tasks or responsibilities that contain sensitive or
confidential student, faculty, or programmatic documentation or information.
2. Updated 6/2014