Program Overview

Physician Assistant Studies Degree Plan & Curriculum

The UTMB PAS program provides students with the basic and fundamental knowledge, skills, and attitudes for development into physician assistants. The training program is designed to provide students with a flexible, broad-based curriculum offering didactic and clinical experiences in primary care medicine. During the clinical year, students must plan for the expense of rotations away from campus (living expenses, transportation, etc.).

Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

The Master of Physician Assistant Studies begins annually in the summer semester, and is divided into approximately 52 semester hours (12 months) followed by 54 semester hours (14 months) of clinical experiences. All new students begin classes in July.

Curriculum

The Master of Physician Assistant Studies curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in physician assistant studies. The curriculum includes:

• Didactic and clinical experiences in primary care medicine
• Clinical rotations away from campus, for which students must plan for living expenses, transportation, and other costs
• A total of approximately 106 semester hours, completed over 26 months

Program Overview

The Physician Assistant Studies program at UTMB is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become competent physician assistants. The program includes:

• A broad-based curriculum with didactic and clinical experiences
• Clinical rotations in primary care medicine
• Opportunities for students to develop their skills and knowledge in a variety of clinical settings

Program Goals

The goals of the Physician Assistant Studies program at UTMB include:

• Providing students with a comprehensive education in physician assistant studies
• Preparing students for the national certifying examination and licensure as physician assistants
• Developing students' skills and knowledge in primary care medicine and other clinical areas

Academics & Accreditation

The Physician Assistant Studies program at UTMB is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). The program is designed to meet the academic and clinical standards for physician assistant education.

Technical Standards and Program Competencies

The program has established technical standards and competencies that students must meet in order to successfully complete the program. These standards and competencies include:

• Possessing the physical and mental abilities necessary to perform the duties of a physician assistant
• Demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to provide high-quality patient care
• Completing all didactic and clinical coursework with a minimum grade of "C" or better

Admissions and Application

Admission to the Physician Assistant Studies program at UTMB is competitive and based on a variety of factors, including:

• Academic performance and GPA
• Healthcare experience and skills
• Personal statement and interview

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the Physician Assistant Studies program at UTMB must meet the following requirements:

• Earned bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Completed prerequisite coursework in sciences and mathematics
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 or better
• Healthcare experience and skills

Alumni

The Physician Assistant Studies program at UTMB has a strong alumni network, with graduates working in a variety of clinical settings and specialties. The program offers opportunities for alumni to stay connected and involved, including:

• Alumni association and board of directors
• Continuing education and professional development opportunities
• Networking and mentorship programs

Alumni Information

For more information about the Physician Assistant Studies program at UTMB, including alumni news and events, please visit the program's website.