Masters of Physician Assistant Studies

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 80

1. Academic Qualifications:

• Applicants should have completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
• A minimum overall percentage of 83-86 or its equivalent is typically required for admission.

2. English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: An overall score of at least 6.5 with no individual band score below 6.0.
• TOEFL iBT: A minimum overall score of 79 is often required.

3. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) / Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT):

• GRE (Graduate Record Examination): A GRE score of 310 is required.

4. Score reporting required.

Mississippi State University (MSU) recognizes the importance of providing financial assistance to international students to help them pursue their higher education goals. The university offers a variety of scholarships to support the academic achievements and contributions of international students. These scholarships are designed to recognize excellence, diversity, and leadership. 

1. Global Excellence Scholarship: The Global Excellence Scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international students based on their academic merit. This scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance in their previous studies. The scholarship amount varies and is renewable based on maintaining a specified GPA.

2. International Student Scholarships: MSU offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships consider factors such as academic achievement, leadership potential, and contributions to the campus community. Award amounts and eligibility criteria may vary.

3. Intensive English Institute (IEI) Scholarships: MSU's IEI offers scholarships to international students who enroll in English language programs. These scholarships help students improve their English language skills before pursuing their academic studies at the university.

4. Departmental Scholarships: Various academic departments at MSU offer scholarships to international students who are pursuing specific fields of study. These scholarships are often based on academic performance, research interests, and involvement in departmental activities.

5. Cultural Exchange Scholarships: MSU encourages cultural exchange by offering scholarships to international students from specific countries or regions. These scholarships promote diversity and foster a global learning environment on campus.

6. Graduate Assistantships: International graduate students may have the opportunity to work as research or teaching assistants, which can come with a stipend, tuition waiver, and valuable work experience.

7. External Scholarships: MSU provides information and guidance to international students seeking external scholarships, grants, or funding opportunities offered by government agencies, foundations, and organizations.

Application Process: The application process for scholarships at MSU may vary depending on the scholarship program. Generally, students need to complete their application for admission to the university before they can be considered for scholarships. Some scholarships may require additional essays, letters of recommendation, or a statement of purpose.

Deadlines: Scholarship application deadlines vary and are often aligned with the university's admission application deadlines.

A Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree from Mississippi State University (MSU) opens doors to a rewarding and in-demand healthcare career. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to embark on diverse career paths in healthcare, working collaboratively with physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide high-quality patient care.  

1. Physician Assistant (PA): The primary career path for MPAS graduates is becoming a licensed physician assistant. PAs are vital members of healthcare teams, diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering and interpreting tests, assisting in surgeries, and providing patient education. They work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, primary care practices, and specialty areas.

2. Primary Care PA: Many PAs choose to work in primary care settings, providing comprehensive healthcare services to patients of all ages. They perform routine check-ups, manage chronic conditions, and offer preventive care.

3. Specialty PA: Some PAs opt for specialized roles in fields such as surgery, emergency medicine, cardiology, orthopedics, dermatology, and more. Specialized PAs work closely with specialists to provide specialized care to patients.

4. Hospitalist PA: Hospitalist PAs focus on inpatient care, working within hospitals to manage the care of hospitalized patients. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals to coordinate treatment plans and ensure optimal patient outcomes.

5. Surgical PA: Surgical PAs assist surgeons in the operating room, participating in surgeries and providing pre-operative and post-operative care. They play a critical role in surgical teams, helping to ensure safe and successful procedures.

6. Emergency Medicine PA: PAs in emergency medicine work in fast-paced environments, diagnosing and treating acute illnesses and injuries. They are skilled in trauma care and are often part of the emergency department team.

7. Pediatric PA: Pediatric PAs specialize in providing healthcare to children, from infancy through adolescence. They work in pediatric clinics, hospitals, and specialty practices, ensuring the health and well-being of young patients.

8. Geriatric PA: Geriatric PAs focus on the healthcare needs of elderly patients. They may work in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, or geriatric clinics, addressing the unique medical and social needs of older adults.

9. Rural or Underserved Areas: Graduates may choose to work in rural or underserved areas where healthcare access is limited. PAs in these areas play a crucial role in delivering essential healthcare services to communities in need.

10. Teaching and Education: Some PAs pursue careers in education, becoming clinical preceptors or faculty members in PA programs. They contribute to the training and education of future PAs, sharing their expertise and clinical experiences.

11. Research and Clinical Trials: PAs can engage in clinical research and participate in clinical trials, contributing to advancements in healthcare treatments and therapies.

12. Healthcare Administration: PAs with experience and additional training may transition into administrative roles within healthcare organizations, such as healthcare management or hospital administration.

13. Global Health: For those interested in global health, opportunities exist to work with international organizations, providing healthcare services in underserved regions or participating in medical missions.

14. Telemedicine: Telemedicine has seen significant growth, and PAs can provide remote healthcare consultations, expanding access to medical care for patients in remote or underserved areas.

15. Continuing Education: PAs are required to engage in continuing education to maintain their licensure, ensuring that they stay current with medical advancements and best practices.

16. Professional Associations: Joining professional organizations such as the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) provides access to networking opportunities, job listings, and resources for professional development.