Master of Physician Assistant

Program Overview

Hardin-Simmons University's 27-month Master of Physician Assistant program prepares graduates for the practice of medicine as physician assistants (PAs). The program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) and features a 12-month didactic phase followed by 13 months of clinical education. Graduates have a 97% five-year first-time average pass rate on the National Certifying Exam (PANCE) and a 100% employment rate.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Physician Assistant (MPAS) program at Hardin-Simmons University is a 27-month, full-time program that prepares graduates for the practice of medicine as physician assistants (PAs). The program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA).

Objectives:

• Develop compassionate, professional PAs committed to life-long leadership, learning, and community service.
• Prepare PAs for the practice of medicine as exemplified by:
• Passing the National Certifying exam that exceeds national average.
• Attainment of employment after graduation.

Program Content:

The MPAS curriculum is delivered on a full-time basis for a total of 27 months. Students matriculate as a cohort (30 students) into a 12-month academic phase (didactic), followed by 13 months of clinical education. Final semester (2 months) is didactic.

Structure:

• Didactic Phase (12 months):
• Courses and course descriptions for the Master of Physician Assistant can be found in the Graduate Catalog.
• Clinical Phase (13 months):
• Students complete a minimum of one clinical rotation in a rural or medically underserved area.

Assessment:

• Students' readiness to move forward from the didactic to the clinical phase of the curriculum is determined by required courses completed; grade point average achieved; skills proficiencies attained; demonstration of professionalism; completion of 50 volunteer hours; and results of comprehensive knowledge and skills testing.
• Students who have been recommended for graduation by the HSU PA Program Grading and Promotions Committee will be awarded the Master of Physician Assistant degree provided they have met all of the following conditions and adhere to the policies outlined in the PA student handbook and the Hardin-Simmons University Graduate handbook.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Distinguished, award-winning faculty as you complete your physician assistant schooling at HSU.
• Exclusive, private 24/7 access to labs, lounges, study spaces, and a cutting-edge full-dissection cadaver lab.
• Faculty:
• Thanks to our small student to faculty ratio (11:1), you’ll work closely with distinguished, award-winning faculty as you complete your physician assistant schooling at HSU.
• Unique Approaches:
• Interprofessional Education (IPE) opportunities to collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
• Community outreach and service-learning experiences to make a difference in the lives of others.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Emergency room physician assistant
• Surgical physician assistant
• Primary care physician assistant
• Medical specialty physician assistant
• Physician assistant educator
• Opportunities:
• 97% five-year first-time average pass rate on the National Certifying Exam (PANCE)
• 100% employment rate for graduates
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