Program Overview

Physician Assistant Studies Program

The University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston Physician Assistant Program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the field of physician assistant studies. Upon completion of the program, students are awarded a master's degree, Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS), and may sit for the national certifying examination to achieve licensure and certification.

Program Goals

The UTMB Physician Assistant Studies (PAS) program strives to:

1. Maintain an applicant pool consisting of at least 20% applicants from underrepresented groups in medicine, first-generation college students, military service members, individuals with a native language other than English, economically disadvantaged households, and/or from medically underserved areas.
2. Maintain a 95% or better 3-year average graduation rate for students in the UTMB PA program.
3. Maintain at least 50% of clinical rotation sites in low-income zip codes.
4. Maintain a 5-year first-time PANCE pass rate above the national average.

Accreditation

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston Physician Assistant Program. Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards.

Program Details

• The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the field of physician assistant studies.
• The program includes clinical rotations in a variety of settings, including low-income zip codes.
• The program has a strong focus on academic excellence, with a 3-year average graduation rate of 93% as of 2025.
• The program also has a strong focus on passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE), with a 5-year first-time pass rate of 89% as of 2025.

Admission Criteria

• The program accepts applicants from a variety of backgrounds, including underrepresented groups in medicine, first-generation college students, military service members, individuals with a native language other than English, economically disadvantaged households, and/or from medically underserved areas.
• The program requires applicants to have a strong academic record, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• The program also requires applicants to have a minimum of 500 hours of direct patient care experience.

Tuition Fees

• The program tuition fees are competitive with other physician assistant programs in the state.
• The program offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

Research Areas

• The program has a strong focus on research, with faculty members involved in a variety of research projects.
• The program offers students the opportunity to participate in research projects, including clinical trials and basic science research.
• The program has a strong focus on translational research, with a goal of improving patient outcomes and advancing the field of physician assistant studies.