Program Overview

Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS)

The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) is a comprehensive graduate entry-level professional program that prepares students for primary care practice. The program emphasizes service to medically underserved populations and a team approach to the delivery of health care.

Program Overview

As a physician assistant, students will be an integral member of the health care team, working with physicians to meet the needs of society's patients. They will serve in all medical specialties, treating patients' illnesses and injuries, as well as educating them on wellness and disease prevention.

Why Become a Physician Assistant

Physician assistants exercise autonomy in decision-making and provide a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. The role of the physician assistant includes provision of primary and specialty care in medical and surgical practices located in rural, urban, or suburban areas.

Program Details

• The program is 30 months long, with 16 months of didactic instruction and 14 months of clinical rotations.
• The program has a class size of 60 students, with 42 students at the Winchester educational site and 18 students at the Loudoun educational site.
• The program awards a Master's degree, with a standard tuition fee of $90,780.
• The program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA).

Curriculum

The curriculum design is based on the concepts of adult-centered learning and professional education, which focus on mastery of knowledge, skills, and attitudes required by the graduate to practice effectively as a physician assistant. The didactic curriculum offers multiple modalities for learning, including self-directed study, recitation, lecture, integrated clinical cases, and laboratory experiences.

Career Possibilities

Employment of physician assistants is projected to grow 31% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Physician assistants are health-care professionals who practice as part of a team with a physician, exercising autonomy in decision-making and providing a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic services.

Application Information

To be considered for the program, applicants must:

• Submit all application materials to the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).
• Have a Bachelor's degree from a college or university regionally accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or World Education Services (WES) or equivalent.
• Have a minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) cumulative overall grade point average (GPA).
• Have a minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) overall science GPA.
• Have a minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) Shenandoah University Prerequisite GPA.

PA & MPH Dual Degree Option

The Physician Assistant Studies & Master of Public Health Dual Degree Program offers students an opportunity to earn a Master of Public Health Degree (MPH) in conjunction with training in the Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program.

Study Abroad

The Global Experiential Learning (GEL) Program offers Shenandoah students a short-term, faculty-led, study-abroad experience for academic credit. These short-term, credit-bearing, faculty-led programs provide students with the opportunity to gain international experience and apply their knowledge and skills in a global context.

Faculty

The faculty of the Physician Assistant Studies program are accomplished and caring professionals who serve as mentors beyond the classroom. They are actively involved in clinical practice, service, research, or consulting outside of the classroom and prepare students to serve as compassionate physician assistants, critical thinkers, and ethical leaders.