Program Overview

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Introduction to the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program

The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program at the University of Dubuque is designed to educate clinicians in all aspects of healthcare, with a special emphasis on primary care in rural and underserved areas. The program combines didactic and clinical education to prepare students for careers as physician assistants.

Program Overview

The MSPAS program is a 27-month program that includes 15 months of didactic instruction and 11 months of clinical rotations. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) and is designed to meet the educational requirements for certification as a physician assistant.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the MSPAS program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Earn a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or Canada
• Complete prerequisite courses in human anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, and other sciences
• Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and a minimum science prerequisite grade point average of 3.0
• Have a minimum of 500 hours of hands-on patient care experience
• Complete an application through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA)
• Submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other supporting documents

Curriculum

The MSPAS curriculum includes coursework in:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Pharmacology
• Clinical medicine
• Evidence-based medicine
• Clinical skills and procedures
• Behavioral health
• Medical ethics and professionalism The clinical phase of the program includes rotations in:
• Family medicine
• Internal medicine
• Surgery
• Pediatrics
• Women's health
• Psychiatry
• Emergency medicine
• Rural medicine

Program Learning Outcomes

The MSPAS program is designed to produce graduates who can:

• Apply scientific knowledge and skills to patient evaluation and treatment
• Provide values-based practice and culturally sensitive care
• Educate patients and families in a manner conducive to shared decision-making
• Work interprofessionally to lead, coordinate, and optimize patient care
• Provide patient-centered care that meets national standards
• Demonstrate integrity and accountability in their practice

Technical Standards

The MSPAS program has established technical standards that all students must meet to participate in the program. These standards include:

• Observation: The ability to observe demonstrations and visual presentations in lectures and laboratories
• Communication: The ability to perceive verbal and nonverbal communication and to speak intelligibly
• Sensory and motor coordination: The ability to perform palpation, percussion, and other basic diagnostic procedures
• Intellectual-conceptual, integrative, and quantitative abilities: The ability to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, and synthesize

Accreditation

The MSPAS program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). The program's accreditation status is Accreditation-Continued, which means that the program is in compliance with the ARC-PA standards.

PANCE Pass Rate

The University of Dubuque PA Class of 2025 achieved a 93% first-time pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).

Tuition and Fees

The total program tuition for the MSPAS program is $105,000, which is equivalent to $853.66 per credit at 123 credits. Additional fees include:

• Institutional fees: $8,303
• Clinical assessment equipment: $800
• Screening fees: variable

Progression Policy

The MSPAS program has a progression policy that outlines the requirements for students to progress through the program. These requirements include:

• Achieving a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0
• Passing all didactic and clinical courses
• Meeting the technical standards of the program
• Completing all program requirements within 48 months of matriculation

Remediation Policy

The MSPAS program has a remediation policy that outlines the procedures for students who fail a course or rotation. These procedures include:

• Developing a plan to address the deficiency
• Completing additional coursework or rotations
• Passing a comprehensive exam

Withdrawal Policy

The MSPAS program has a withdrawal policy that outlines the procedures for students who wish to withdraw from the program. These procedures include:

• Notifying the program director and completing a withdrawal form
• Receiving a grade of "W" for all unfinished courses
• Being obligated to pay tuition costs associated with the course

Research

The University of Dubuque MSPAS program welcomes professionals who are passionate about research and mentorship to serve as external evaluators for student research projects.

Student Services and Resources

The University of Dubuque offers a range of student services and resources, including:

• Smeltzer-Kelly Student Health Center
• Academic Success Center
• Safety and Security Department
• MSPAS program resources, including a student handbook and organizational charts.