Masters of Physician Assistant

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees: US$75

Academic Requirements:

1. Bachelor's Degree: Student should hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. This degree should be relevant to the postgraduate program Student intend to pursue.

2. Academic Achievement: Student should have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent, which translates to approximately 60% and above.

English Language Proficiency Requirements:

1. IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0 is  required.

2. TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - Internet-Based Test): A minimum overall score of 79 is  accepted.

3. DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum score of 115 or higher is typically required.

4. PTE (Pearson Test of English): Some programs may accept a minimum score of 58 or higher.

Wichita State University (WSU) offers several scholarships to international students to help them pursue their academic goals. These scholarships recognize academic achievement, leadership potential, and contributions to the WSU community. 

1. International Student Merit Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students based on their academic achievements. The amount of the scholarship varies depending on factors such as GPA and standardized test scores.

2. International Excellence Scholarships: WSU offers competitive scholarships to international undergraduate students who have a strong academic record and demonstrate leadership and community involvement. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs.

3. Graduate Teaching Assistantships: Graduate students may have the opportunity to work as teaching assistants in their respective departments. These positions often come with a stipend and tuition waiver, helping graduate students finance their education.

4. Athletic Scholarships: WSU provides athletic scholarships to international student-athletes who excel in sports such as basketball, track and field, and tennis. These scholarships cover various expenses, including tuition, books, and accommodation.

5. Graduate Research Assistantships: Some graduate programs offer research assistantships that provide financial support to students in exchange for their research contributions. These positions may also include a tuition waiver.

6. Private Scholarships: WSU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, including those from governments, organizations, and foundations. The Office of International Education can assist students in finding relevant scholarships.

7. Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments within WSU offer scholarships to students majoring in specific fields. These scholarships may be based on academic merit, leadership, or other criteria related to the student's chosen field of study.

8. Cultural Diversity Scholarships: These scholarships are designed to promote diversity and inclusion on campus. They are available to students from underrepresented backgrounds who contribute to the cultural diversity of WSU.

9. Conditional Scholarships: Conditional scholarships may be offered to students who meet academic requirements but require additional English language support. These scholarships often include language training as part of the package.

It's essential for international students to check the specific eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and scholarship amounts for each scholarship opportunity.

The Master of Physician Assistant (MPA) program at Wichita State University is an esteemed graduate program designed to train and prepare future healthcare professionals to provide primary care services in collaboration with licensed physicians. Graduates of this program are known as Physician Assistants (PAs) and play a pivotal role in the healthcare industry. 

1. High Demand and Growth: The demand for Physician Assistants is consistently on the rise due to several factors, including an aging population, increased healthcare needs, and a focus on cost-effective healthcare delivery. PAs are well-positioned to meet this demand, making it one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States.

2. Versatile Practice Settings: PAs enjoy the flexibility to work in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, primary care practices, surgical teams, and specialty areas like dermatology or cardiology. This versatility allows them to adapt to changing career preferences or explore diverse healthcare fields.

3. Collaborative Healthcare Model: PAs practice medicine under the supervision of licensed physicians, which fosters a collaborative healthcare model. Their ability to work closely with physicians ensures that patients receive comprehensive care and makes them valuable members of healthcare teams.

4. Competitive Salaries: PAs are well-compensated for their expertise and services. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for Physician Assistants in the United States is significantly above the national average, making it an attractive career choice from a financial standpoint.

5. Rural and Underserved Areas: The MPA program at Wichita State University emphasizes training PAs to serve in rural and medically underserved areas. Graduates often choose to work in these regions, addressing critical healthcare disparities and making a positive impact on underserved communities.

6. Patient-Centered Care: PAs are known for their patient-centered approach to care. They build strong patient relationships, provide education, and ensure that patients are actively involved in their healthcare decisions. This focus on patient satisfaction contributes to a fulfilling career.

7. Continuous Learning and Specialization: After completing the MPA program and obtaining initial certification, PAs have opportunities for continuous learning and specialization. They can pursue additional certifications in areas such as surgery, pediatrics, emergency medicine, and more, which can open doors to specialized career paths.

8. Leadership and Advocacy Roles: Experienced PAs often take on leadership positions within healthcare organizations, contribute to medical research, or become advocates for healthcare policy changes. These roles allow them to shape the future of healthcare delivery.

9. Job Satisfaction: PAs report high levels of job satisfaction due to the meaningful and impactful work they perform daily. Knowing that they make a difference in the lives of patients and their families is a source of fulfillment.