Why Should You Get a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies?
The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPA) at 鶹Ӱ enables 鶹Ӱs to practice medicine as a member of the healthcare team in a variety of practice settings. The PA program has been designed to provide a comprehensive primary care training program that combines didactic coursework with clinical experiences.
The PA program is offered over seven consecutive semesters, divided into two phases, over a total of 27 months. The physician assistant program delivers an innovative curriculum through problem-based and team-based learning, as well as small group sessions. The PA program emphasizes diversity awareness, evidence-based healthcare, interprofessional activities, and the integration of simulation technology and the use of standardized patients in the educational process. PA students can choose from two specialized tracks to prepare them for careers in rural healthcare or global healthcare.
A 鶹Ӱ project provides an opportunity to integrate evidence-based medicine with a literature review and research process, preparing 鶹Ӱs with an MSPA degree to be critically thinking clinicians who can effectively respond to the ever-changing demands of the healthcare system.
Physician assistant program students participate in community service projects that include the staffing of a low-cost clinic and healthcare screening for the homeless. Clinical sites are located throughout the United States, and students have the option of selecting an international community medicine rotation in many countries of the world.
What Can You Do with a MSPA Degree?
In compliance with the Department of Education, 34 CFR 668.43, students who 鶹Ӱ from 鶹Ӱ’s School of Physician Assistant Studies with an MSPA degree are eligible for the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants’ PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certification Examination) board examination. Successfully passing the PANCE is recognized as “certification” of the physician assistant in all 50 U.S. states. In 2022, 97% of Pacific’s graduating class passed the PANCE exam, and in 2021-2018 Pacific’s graduating class pass rate was 100%.
PAs are listed as the fifth fastest growing profession in the United States according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pacific 鶹Ӱs with a MSPA degree have robust career prospects as PA employment is projected to grow 31% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. The PA profession is number three in U.S. News’ top 10 jobs of 2022. Data from the American Academy of Physician Associates' 2021 Salary Report lists the national median salary for all PAs to be approximately $115,000.
The Rural and Underserved Service Track (TRUST)
鶹Ӱ alumni are more than twice as likely to work in rural areas or medically underserved communities than their peers nationally. The Rural and Underserved Service Track (TRUST) prepares Pacific physician assistant studies students to work with these populations. The track includes small group sessions during the didactic phase of study, as well as dedicated clinical rotations in an underserved community. Students who choose to complete the track also have priority access to international rotation options.
Outreach Initiatives
鶹Ӱ is committed to supporting the needs of vulnerable and underserved communities through healthcare. This commitment is tied to both our admissions and clinical experience opportunities. The Pacific PA program offers special admissions opportunities for students from Hawai‘i and students who are veterans.
Interprofessional Education
Pacific’s PA program provides opportunities for students to explore models of person-centered healthcare and gain the skills to practice in a changing healthcare environment. Students who choose to pursue interprofessional experiences beyond what is required by their degree program can earn the Concentration in Interprofessional Education, offered by the College of Health Professions. This formal recognition is documented on transcripts as a specialization, indicating that students have gained specific competencies in interprofessional education.
Pacific was the right choice for me. It is everything I wished it would be and more. The pass-fail system really supports a cooperative learning environment as opposed to a competitive one. The faculty and staff are incredibly supportive and receptive to feedback. I also really enjoy that Pacific, as well as Oregon, are on the cutting edge for medical education and practice. After graduation I hope to serve kiddos and their families from rural or underserved communities!
— Mariah H. '23
Leah Baldwin | Director of Graduate and Professional Enrollment Operations
Hillsboro Campus | 503-352-7224 | leahbaldwin@pacificu.edu
The 鶹Ӱ School of PA Studies is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). It has earned accreditation-continued status, with the next validation review expected in June 2027. Graduates are eligible to take the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) Physician Assistant National Certification Examination (PANCE). Accreditation information can be found here.
This program meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in these U.S. states and territories. View additional student data and program results. Student learning outcomes and additional curriculum information is available in the .
