M.Ed. in Special Education
Mississippi College, located in Clinton, Mississippi, offers a comprehensive Master of ...
M.S. in Medicine Physician Assistant
Clinton, Mississippi
INTAKE: May
Program Overview
The M.S.M. Physician Assistant program at Mississippi College is a rigorous, advanced science-based curriculum that prepares students to perform a wide range of medical duties. PAs are trained to conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret diagnostic tests, counsel on preventive healthcare, assist in surgery, and prescribe medications. The program admits one cohort of 36 students annually in May. It emphasizes problem-based and team-based learning, incorporating lectures, Objective Structured Clinical Experiences (OSCEs), lab exercises, and extensive supervised clinical experiences. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE), a prerequisite for licensure in all 50 states.
Curriculum: The curriculum is comprehensive, totaling 143 credit hours in the standard track, divided into two phases: the preclinical (didactic) phase and the clinical phase. The preclinical phase, spanning five continuous academic semesters (77 credit hours), provides a thorough theoretical and practical background in basic health sciences and clinical medicine. Courses include Anatomy & Physiology with lab, Clinical Medicine (I-III), Diagnostic Medicine (I-IV) with lab, Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics (I-IV), Fundamentals of Medical Science (I-IV), Professional Development (I-IV), Behavioral & Community Medicine (I-III), Cross-Cultural Medicine, Evidence-Based Medicine (I), and Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care and Emergency Medicine. The clinical phase (66 credit hours) consists of eight required clinical rotations (Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Women's Health, Behavioral Health, Emergency Medicine, and an elective) and an Advanced Clerkship, providing extensive hands-on experience in diverse clinical settings.
Research Focus: The M.S.M. Physician Assistant program at Mississippi College integrates a scholarly and research-informed approach. While it is a professional practice degree, students engage in a capstone project during the clinical phase. This project provides an opportunity to conduct scholarly work for the M.S.M. degree, typically including a literature review, a professional poster, and a reflection portfolio. This emphasis equips future PAs with the skills to engage in evidence-based medicine, critically evaluate medical literature, and contribute to the advancement of healthcare knowledge, reflecting the program's commitment to scholarship and lifelong learning.
Industry Engagement: The Mississippi College Physician Assistant program demonstrates robust industry engagement through its core mission of preparing PAs to meet the healthcare needs of Mississippi and the nation. The program's intensive clinical phase, with its wide array of required rotations in various specialties and clinical sites, ensures direct, supervised engagement with patients and healthcare teams in real-world medical settings. The program actively seeks out and utilizes clinical preceptors in diverse rural and urban environments, fostering crucial connections within the healthcare industry. Its impressive PANCE pass rates (e.g., 100% first-time pass rate for the Class of 2025, with a 98% five-year aggregate) further solidify its reputation for producing highly competent and job-ready graduates, directly addressing the demands of the healthcare sector.
Global Perspective: The M.S.M. Physician Assistant program implicitly incorporates a global perspective by preparing PAs to serve diverse patient populations and acknowledging the universal principles of medicine. The curriculum includes "Cross-Cultural Medicine" coursework, which equips students to understand and navigate the nuances of healthcare delivery for individuals from various cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. As PAs practice in a wide range of settings, they will encounter patients from different global origins, requiring cultural sensitivity and an awareness of diverse health beliefs and practices. The program's mission to serve "underserved populations" also often extends to communities with diverse cultural makeups, further broadening the graduates' global awareness in healthcare delivery.
Location
Clinton, Mississippi
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 24000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $184
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% 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 52 or higher.
Standardized Test Requirements
- GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Minimum score of 300 required.
Mississippi College is making quality education affordable for students from around the world. To support this goal, the college offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for international students, helping to reduce the overall cost of tuition and living expenses.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students with strong academic records are eligible for merit-based scholarships. These awards are determined by evaluating high school GPA (or equivalent), standardized test scores (such as SAT or ACT), and other academic achievements. The scholarship amount varies, with awards ranging from partial to significant tuition discounts, which are renewable based on academic performance.
Presidential and Dean’s Scholarships: Highly qualified international students may receive Presidential or Dean’s Scholarships, two of the most prestigious awards offered by Mississippi College. These scholarships are based on exceptional academic credentials and leadership potential and can cover a substantial portion of tuition costs.
A Master of Science in Medicine (M.S.M.) Physician Assistant degree from Mississippi College prepares graduates for a wide range of rewarding and impactful careers within the healthcare system.
Physician Assistant (Various Specialties): This is the primary career path. PAs can work in virtually any medical specialty, including primary care (family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics), surgery (general, orthopedic, cardiovascular), emergency medicine, dermatology, oncology, and many others. The specific duties and responsibilities will vary depending on the chosen specialty.
Surgical Physician Assistant: Assist surgeons in the operating room, performing tasks such as suturing, wound care, and managing patients before, during, and after surgery. This often involves a fast-paced and demanding environment.
Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant: Work in hospital emergency departments or urgent care centers, assessing and treating patients with acute illnesses or injuries, often in high-pressure situations.
Primary Care Physician Assistant: Provide comprehensive care to patients of all ages, focusing on preventive medicine, managing chronic conditions, and treating common illnesses in a family medicine or internal medicine setting.
Specialty Physician Assistant (e.g., Cardiology, Oncology, Dermatology): Work within a specific medical specialty, focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions related to that field. This allows for in-depth knowledge and expertise in a particular area of medicine.
Hospital-Based Physician Assistant: Provide inpatient care to hospitalized patients, managing their medical conditions, coordinating with other healthcare professionals, and ensuring a smooth transition of care.
Rural Health Physician Assistant: Address the healthcare needs of underserved communities in rural areas, often working in smaller clinics or hospitals where access to medical care may be limited.
Academic Physician Assistant: Teach and mentor future PAs in university settings, contributing to the education and training of the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Research Physician Assistant: Participate in clinical research studies, collecting data, managing patients enrolled in trials, and contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge.
Global Health Physician Assistant: Work in international settings, providing medical care to underserved populations, responding to humanitarian crises, or participating in global health initiatives. This often requires cultural sensitivity and adaptability.
