M.S. in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The CMHC program at Missouri State University leads to a Master of Science (M.S.) degre...
M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies
Springfield, Missouri
INTAKE: January
Program Overview
The M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies at Missouri State is a 24-month (six-semester) program divided into two distinct phases: a 12-month didactic phase and a 12-month clinical phase. The program is designed as an entry-level professional study, meaning it prepares graduates to become licensed PAs directly after completing their undergraduate degree (though specific prerequisites are required). Enrollment is strictly full-time, acknowledging the demanding nature of the curriculum. The program aims to produce highly competent practitioners who can exercise autonomy in medical decision-making under physician supervision and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services.
ARC-PA Accredited: Yes, the Missouri State University Physician Assistant Program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). This accreditation is paramount, as it ensures that the program meets the national standards of excellence and quality required for PA education. Graduation from an ARC-PA accredited program is a mandatory prerequisite for eligibility to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE), which is necessary for national certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and subsequent state licensure to practice as a PA in the United States. Missouri State's program received Accreditation-Continued status, with the next review date set for March 2031.
Curriculum: The curriculum is rigorous and based on the Accreditation Standards for Physician Assistant Education, totaling 87 semester hours (42 didactic and 45 clinical). The didactic phase (first 12 months) includes foundational medical sciences such as Medical Human Anatomy (often with cadaver lab experience), Medical Physiology, Molecular Pathophysiology, Clinical Assessment, Pharmacotherapeutics, and Medical Human Anatomy, among others. The curriculum integrates principles of scientific inquiry, self-directed study, critical analysis, and problem-solving. The clinical phase (last 12 months) consists of eight six-week clinical preceptorships (rotations) in various specialties, including Family Medicine, General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology/Women's Health, Pediatrics, and a directed/elective rotation. Students gain diverse clinical experiences in regional healthcare organizations, university teaching hospitals, trauma centers, and rural clinics, with some rotations potentially occurring outside the Springfield area.
Research Focus: While the primary mission of the M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies program is to prepare highly competent clinicians, it integrates principles of scientific inquiry and evidence-based medicine. The curriculum is designed to foster critical analysis and problem-solving skills, which are essential for research interpretation and application in clinical practice. Students engage in discussions and coursework that encourage them to evaluate medical conditions with an understanding of etiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, and epidemiology. The program culminates in a research project during the final semester of the clinical year, which involves an in-depth study of a clinical problem of interest, culminating in a scholarly paper and formal presentation. This emphasis ensures graduates are not only skilled practitioners but also capable of understanding and contributing to medical knowledge.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a central and continuous aspect of the Physician Assistant Studies program, particularly through its extensive clinical phase. Students complete required clinical rotations in a wide array of healthcare settings, including local and regional hospitals, clinics, and underserved rural areas. Missouri State University has a modern facility that includes a cadaver lab, simulation center, and an on-site clinic (MSU Care clinic) that serves uninsured, low-income adult patients, providing valuable early clinical exposure and interprofessional learning opportunities. The program's faculty often hold leadership positions in state and national PA organizations and are actively involved in clinical practice, bringing real-world experience and industry connections to the students. This direct engagement ensures graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the healthcare profession.
Global Perspective: The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program at Missouri State University fosters a global perspective through its commitment to cultural competence and community engagement, aligned with the university's public affairs mission. While not primarily focused on international PA practice, the program emphasizes preparing PAs to practice medicine in a "rapidly evolving health care arena" and to "serve in areas of need, particularly in rural or healthcare professional shortage areas." This includes understanding the diverse needs of various patient populations and demonstrating sensitivity towards individual self-determination. The curriculum also encourages students to "utilize community health resources in a cost-effective manner," which can translate to effective resource management in diverse global health contexts. By focusing on holistic patient care and ethical leadership, graduates are equipped to deliver compassionate and effective healthcare in multicultural environments, both domestically and potentially abroad.
Location
Springfield, Missouri
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 15914
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $72
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Standardized Test Requirements
- GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Minimum score of 300 required.
Missouri State University offers several scholarship opportunities designed specifically to support international students in pursuing their higher education goals. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to campus life, helping reduce the financial burden for international learners.
International Excellence Scholarship: This merit-based scholarship awards to outstanding first-time international freshmen. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years. Eligibility is based on strong academic records, and recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving the award.
International Leadership Scholarship: Targeting international freshmen who demonstrate exceptional leadership and academic achievement. It is renewable for up to four years. Applicants are required to submit an essay highlighting their leadership experiences and vision. The scholarship is competitive, with only about 10 awards granted each year.
Additional Scholarships and Grants: Besides the primary scholarships, Missouri State University provides various other financial awards through departmental scholarships, honors programs, and special initiatives. Some scholarships may require separate applications or nominations based on the student's major or area of study.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Physician Assistant Studies from Missouri State University prepares highly competent and versatile healthcare professionals. Graduates are equipped with the medical knowledge, clinical skills, and compassionate approach necessary to practice medicine under the supervision of a physician in a wide range of settings. The program's rigorous didactic and clinical phases ensure PAs are ready to provide comprehensive patient care, diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, and contribute significantly to the healthcare team, particularly in primary care and underserved areas.
Family Medicine Physician Assistant: The core focus of Missouri State's program is primary care, making graduates exceptionally well-suited for family medicine. They diagnose and treat common illnesses, provide preventive care, manage chronic conditions, and offer health counseling to patients of all ages in clinics and private practices.
Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant: PAs are crucial in emergency departments, evaluating and treating acute illnesses and injuries. They perform procedures, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and manage critically ill or injured patients under the supervision of emergency physicians.
Hospitalist Physician Assistant: Working in inpatient hospital settings, hospitalist PAs manage the care of hospitalized patients from admission to discharge. They conduct rounds, order tests, adjust medications, and coordinate care with other specialists, often providing round-the-clock coverage.
Surgical Physician Assistant: PAs with an interest in surgery can specialize in various surgical fields (e.g., general surgery, orthopedics, cardiothoracic surgery). They assist surgeons in the operating room, perform pre- and post-operative care, and manage patients in surgical clinics.
Internal Medicine Physician Assistant: Specializing in adult medicine, these PAs diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions affecting internal organs. They often work in clinics or hospitals, managing chronic diseases and providing comprehensive care for adult patients.
Pediatric Physician Assistant: PAs focused on the younger population provide comprehensive healthcare to infants, children, and adolescents. This includes well-child visits, diagnosing and treating childhood illnesses, and managing developmental concerns in pediatric clinics or hospitals.
Specialty Clinic Physician Assistant: PAs can choose to specialize in various medical and surgical subspecialties based on their interests and clinical rotation experiences. This includes areas like dermatology, cardiology, oncology, obstetrics/gynecology, neurology, and psychiatry, working in specialized outpatient clinics.
Rural and Underserved Area Physician Assistant: Missouri State's program emphasizes preparing PAs to serve in areas of need. Graduates are well-prepared to work in rural clinics or healthcare professional shortage areas, providing essential primary care and increasing access to healthcare for underserved populations.
Public Health/Advocacy Roles: While primarily clinical, the strong medical foundation allows PAs to transition into public health roles. They can work for government health agencies or non-profits, contributing to policy development, health education, and initiatives aimed at improving community health and addressing health disparities.
Medical Educator/Clinical Preceptor: Experienced PAs, including those with an M.S. degree, can contribute to PA education. They may serve as clinical preceptors, mentoring and supervising PA students during their clinical rotations, or eventually pursue academic roles as instructors or faculty members in PA programs (often requiring further experience or potentially a doctoral degree for some faculty positions).
