Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies

Program Overview

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Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies (MSPA)

Program Details

Format

Start Term: In-Person, Fall

Duration

Full-time: 27 months

Application

Deadline: September 1 (priority), November 1 (final)

Cost

$18,365 per term

Clinical Experiences

• Gain rich clinical experiences across multiple specialties and settings in some of Southern California’s top medical facilities
• Develop valuable leadership and entrepreneurial skills to create a unique career path ideal for you
• Obtain a well-rounded perspective of medicine through collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, such as KGI’s pharmacy, genetics, occupational therapy, and medical device engineering programs

About the Program

The Chan Family Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies degree program will prepare students to become integral members of the healthcare team and provide compassionate care for their communities. This 27-month program integrates leadership skills, innovative and entrepreneurial approaches to problem-solving, and interprofessional collaboration. MSPA program graduates develop a better understanding of the social determinants of health and patient-centered medicine, leaving fully prepared to play a leadership role in the community and public health.

Mission

The mission of the Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies (MSPA) program at Keck Graduate Institute is to develop high-quality physician associates (PAs) who are dedicated to advancing healthcare through leadership, commitment to their communities, and the compassionate care of all populations.

Vision

The Keck Graduate Institute MSPA program will redefine PA education through transformative teaching, rich clinical experiences, interprofessional collaboration, and leadership training. Our graduates will play an integral role in promoting health equity, shaping the future of healthcare in clinical, administrative, and academic roles.

Goals

• Recruit and matriculate a class of uniquely qualified students with varied backgrounds.
• Provide transformative, student-focused instruction to ensure the academic success of each of our students.
• Create a team-based environment within Keck Graduate Institute through interprofessional collaboration.
• Inculcate professional development through didactic instruction, engagement in advocacy efforts, and leadership opportunities.
• Encourage a strong dedication to serving the needs of all communities with compassion and sensitivity.

Curriculum

The Chan Family Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies curriculum consists of 84 credit hours of didactic coursework and 40 credit hours of supervised clinical practice experiences in a variety of clinical settings. Students are required to complete all 124 credit hours for conferral of the MSPA degree.

Program Learning Outcomes and Competencies

Upon completion of the KGI MSPA program, students will have acquired the following program competencies and learning outcomes, which are required for successful entry into PA professional practice.

• Medical Knowledge (MK)
  • PLO1 – Integrate social, behavioral, medical, and professional practice knowledge into the effective and equitable care of patients across a continuum of ages, populations, and conditions. (MK)
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills (ICS)
  • PLO2 – Utilize advanced interpersonal and communication skills to interview and elicit a patient history with compassion and sensitivity. (ICS, PROF)
  • PLO3 – Develop individualized patient education and care recommendations to support patients and caregivers in making informed health decisions. (ICS, MK)
  • PLO4 – Demonstrate effective oral and written communication with members of the interprofessional healthcare team. (ICS, PROF)
• Clinical and Technical Skills (CTS)
  • PLO5 – Apply clinical and technical skills to perform an appropriate, patient-centered physical examination and advanced clinical procedures. (CTS, MK)
• Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving Skills (CRPS)
  • PLO6 – Apply an evidence-based medicine approach to the evaluation and management of patients. (CRPS, MK)
  • PLO7 – Utilize advanced clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills to formulate a logical differential diagnosis. (CRPS, MK)
  • PLO8 – Evaluate a patient effectively through the proper selection and accurate interpretation of laboratory and diagnostic studies. (CRPS, MK)
  • PLO9 – Integrate findings from the patient history, physical exam, and diagnostic studies with consideration of social determinants of health to develop a comprehensive, patient-centered management plan. (CRPS, MK)
• Professional Behaviors (PROF)
  • PLO10 – Demonstrate professional behaviors consistent with the Keck Graduate Institute MSPA program professionalism expectations, including all interactions with patients, caregivers, and members of the interprofessional healthcare team (PROF, ICS)

MSPA Handbook

The purpose of the MSPA Program Student Handbook is to provide clear and detailed information about the MSPA program, including program expectations, policies, procedures, and important contact information.

Program Requirements

• The following courses are required for admission with a grade of C or better:
  • Human anatomy and physiology with lab (two courses)
  • Microbiology
  • Medical terminology
  • General or inorganic chemistry with lab
  • Organic or biochemistry
  • Statistics
• 1,000 hours direct patient care experience completed in the past five years is required at the time of application.

How to Apply

• Completed online CASPA application, including the KGI-specific supplemental application questions in CASPA.
• Minimum overall GPA of 3.0
• Minimum science GPA of 3.0
• 1,000 hours of paid, hands-on patient care experience
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Admission interview (Online by invitation only)

Accreditation Status

The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the Keck Graduate Institute Physician Associate Program sponsored by Keck Graduate Institute.

Program Faculty and Staff

• Program Director: Christy Eskes
• Director of Clinical Education: Lauren Bolda
• Administrative Support Specialist: Ana Coreas
• Assistant Professor: Kathleen ("Katie") Deponte
• Assistant Professor: Erin Gysbers
• Director of Didactic Education: Amanda Ingalls
• Assistant Professor: Yeon Kim
• Assistant Professor: Stacey McIlroy
• Clinical Education Manager: Kelsey Rogers
• Medical Director (MSPA): Alan Rothfeld
• Assistant Professor: William ("Bill") Sullivan

What Can You Do With An MSPA Degree?

Your Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies degree offers the competencies and strategic-thinking skills needed to pursue roles in several areas of primary care, surgical specialties, emergency medicine, and many more areas.