Program Overview

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Introduction to the Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program

The Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program at Mississippi State University is a rigorous graduate medical education program designed to prepare students for a career as a physician assistant. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) and awards the Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree.

General Questions

Must I apply through CASPA?

Yes, applicants must submit all application materials through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistant Programs (CASPA).

Must I have a bachelor's degree to enter the program?

Yes, a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited United States university or college is required.

Does the MSU Physician Assistant Program give preference to any major?

No, the program does not give preference to any major. The program utilizes a holistic admissions process.

Are there any standardized tests required for admission?

Yes, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required.

Why do I have to undergo background screenings for misdemeanor and felonies?

The program aims to confirm all enrolled students will be eligible for board certification and licensure.

How many students are accepted?

The program will accept up to 30 students per cohort.

May I enroll in the Program on a part-time basis?

The MSU PA program is a full-time program, meeting 5 days per week.

Does the program accept transfer credit?

No, all students accepted into the program must participate in the complete admissions process.

What are the personal technology requirements?

The program requires a laptop with specifications needed upon acceptance.

Is a supplemental application required?

No supplemental application is required.

If accepted into the program, when do classes begin?

Orientation begins the first week of January each year.

What is the wait list?

When the class is selected, an alternate group of applicants is also selected.

What are the minimum overall GPA, minimum Science GPA and minimum GRE scores required of accepted students?

• Minimum 3.0 Cumulative or last 60 hours GPA on a 4.0 scale as determined by CASPA.
• The GRE is required, but there is no established minimum score.

Can I work while I am in the PA Program?

Working while enrolled in PA program courses, including the clinical portion, is not recommended.

What is the length of the curriculum?

The program curriculum will begin in January of each year and complete in 29 months.

Academic and Experience Prerequisites

Must all prerequisite courses be completed before applying?

No, up to two pre-requisites may be pending at the time of application.

What is direct patient care experience?

Direct patient care is 'hands-on' in nature, including roles such as emergency medical technician, licensed vocational nurse, medical assistant, and more.

Is volunteer experience required?

Volunteering in both health-related and non-health related settings is highly recommended.

Must I shadow a PA?

Shadowing a PA is highly recommended, but all applicants are required to shadow a medical provider.

Can a single course meet more than one admissions pre-requisite?

No, a single course may only meet one admissions pre-requisite.

Which upper level science courses will meet the pre-requisite requirement?

The upper level science courses must be a 3000 or 4000 level course related to the application.

Can I transfer into the program and/or transfer credits?

No, the program does not offer advanced standing or accept graduate transfer credits.

If I am accepted into the MSU Physician Assistant Program, may I defer my acceptance to the following year?

Deferral of acceptance is only permitted when active-duty military training or orders interfere with matriculation dates.

Application Process

The application process involves submitting all application materials through CASPA, which will receive, review, and verify all applications. The Admissions Committee will review all materials and recommend one of the following: acceptance, conditional acceptance, wait list, or declined.

How Competitive is the Program?

Admission is highly competitive, and meeting or exceeding the requirements does not guarantee admission.

Tuition, Financial Aid, and Housing

Is there financial aid available?

Yes, financial aid is available.

How much does it cost to attend the MSU MPAS Program?

Tuition and fees can be found on the university's website.

Is there on-campus housing?

No, there is no on-campus housing available.

International Medical Graduates

I am an International Medical Graduate (IMG). Do I still have to complete the requirements?

Yes, all applicants, including International Medical Graduates (IMGs), must meet all requirements.

Can I work as a PA in Mississippi without attending PA school?

No, an IMG cannot work as a PA in Mississippi without attending and graduating from an ARC-PA accredited PA program and without passing the national NCCPA/PANCE boards for PAs.

Accreditation

The MSU Physician Assistant Program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA).

Clinical Rotations

Where will I do my clinical rotations?

The clinical coordinator determines clinical rotation sites.

If accepted in the MSU MPAS Program, can I select any of my own rotations during my clinical year?

The program's Clinical Coordinator schedules the core clinical curriculum, but students have two elective rotations and may work with the clinical coordinator in selecting those.

Where do clinical rotations take place?

Many clinical rotations are located throughout Mississippi and neighboring states. Students are able to request rotations in other areas, but all clinical sites must be verified by the Physician Assistant Program.