Master of Physician Assistant Studies
The Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program prepares its graduates to provide high quality, patient-centered care in primary health care settings to an increasingly diverse and aging population. Successful graduates of this program will be prepared to conduct a sophisticated medical interview, perform a physical examination, analyze laboratory data, and organize and integrate these findings. From these results, successful graduates will be able to formulate comprehensive differential diagnoses, establish accurate assessments, and develop therapeutic plans utilizing shared decision-making.
It is emphasized that a physician assistant (PA) is a nationally certified and state-licensed medical professional who practices medicine on health care teams with physicians and other health care professionals. They practice and prescribe medication in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the majority of the U.S. territories, and the uniformed services. Additionally, a PA assists and/or performs diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical procedures, and coordinates the services of community health organizations to serve the needs of the patient.
Graduates of this program are eligible to take the national certification examination given by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).