Program Overview

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Physician Assistant Studies Hybrid Program

The Physician Assistant Studies Hybrid Program (PAS-Hybrid) is a master's degree program designed for aspiring physician assistants who desire to lead healthcare forward. The program combines interactive virtual lectures with hands-on immersion opportunities and clinical placements in various healthcare settings across the country.

Program Overview

The PAS-Hybrid program is a 2-year, full-time program that consists of 6 terms, including 2 summer terms. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) and is designed to prepare graduates to become physician assistants/associates.

Application and Admission

The application for the PAS-Hybrid program opens on April 24, 2025, and closes on July 31, 2025. The program starts in the spring term (January). Admission to the program is competitive, and applicants must meet the program's admission criteria.

Program Details

• Duration: 2 years (6 terms, including 2 summer terms)
• Commitment: Full-time
• Credits: 82
• Degree Type: Master of Science
• Format: Hybrid

Applied Skills

Students in the PAS-Hybrid program will participate in 8 clinical rotations during their time in the program, experiencing a variety of settings, including:

• Internal medicine
• Family medicine
• Emergency medicine
• Pediatrics
• Surgery
• Behavioral health
• Obstetrical and gynecological medicine
• Elective rotation

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the PAS-Hybrid program are eligible to sit for the national certification examination, National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

Certification and Licensure

To practice, physician assistants/associates must graduate from an accredited educational program and become certified through an examination by the NCCPA. The University of Pittsburgh has determined that the curriculum of the PAS-Hybrid program meets the requirements for licensure or certification in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories.

Accreditation

The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the University of Pittsburgh Physician Assistant Studies Hybrid Program. Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation of a proposed program appear to demonstrate the program's ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards.

Student Handbooks

The 2025 Physician Assistant Studies Hybrid Policies and Procedures and the SHRS Graduate Student Handbook are available for viewing and download.

Related Programs

Related programs include the Physician Assistant Studies (MS) and the Physician Assistant Studies, Post-Professional (DMSc) programs.