Program Overview
If you’re interested in pursuing one of the top ranked professions in a career expected to grow by 37%, the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies is for you. The PA program at WCU educates physician assistants who can think critically and collaborate with others to address the needs of individual patients and the healthcare community. Our students are educated to make a positive impact anywhere they choose to work.
Physician Assistants practice in all fields of medicine. They work in offices, urgent care centers, emergency departments, and hospitals where they obtain histories, perform physical examinations order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, educate and counsel patients, and perform surgical procedures. PAs provide excellent care to their patients, and have an increasing presence in the healthcare systems in the U.S. as well as other countries.
This is a 26 month,101-credit full-time program of study offered in a face-to-face format. The program also includes 40 weeks of clinical rotations in various clinical settings including family medicine, emergency medicine, surgery, hospital medicine, behavioral health, reproductive health, pediatrics, and an elective. Clinical rotations are offered in the Philadelphia region as well as across the US. Courses are taught by full-time faculty, adjunct faculty, clinical preceptors, and guest lectures who are experts in their field.
Program Highlights
- Access to new facilities and simulation labs
- Clinically practicing faculty
- Early clinical exposure
- Access to Philadelphia-area clinical sites
- Partnerships with local community organizations
- Immersive Learning Center
- Ranked in the top 5 best professions for several consecutive years by organizations such as US News and World Reports and CNN Money
- Average PA Salary $120,000 per year per AAPA 2022
- PA employment will grow 31% between 2018 and 2028 per AAPA
What can I do with this degree?
You’ll be able to take the PANCE exam and, upon passing, become licensed as a physician assistant.