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Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS)  

Gain essential experience through clinical practice, research and professional services. 

Begin your role as a Physician Assistant by earning a master's level degree from College of Saint Mary. The PA performs many of the same functions as a physician but does so under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician. The PA sees patients independently, examines patients, makes diagnoses and treatment decisions, and performs medical procedures (such as suturing, casting, and assisting in surgical procedures). College of Saint Mary's Physician Assistant Studies program provides the didactic scientific foundation, and essential experiences in clinical practice, research and professional services to prepare the PA for this role.

  • College of Saint Mary's Physician Assistant graduating class of 2020 and 2021 had a 100% pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). 

  • Be well-equipped to work in a broad range of healthcare settings after completing 12 clinical rotations in various medical environments.

  • Gain hands-on experience through our multi-million-dollar, state-of-the-art PA laboratories, simulation equipment, and eight-bed cadaver lab for gross anatomy.

  • Develop a solid foundation of applicable coursework in clinical medicine, pharmacotherapy, medical ethics, and more, to excel and lead in any medical setting.

  • Complete a credible clinical research project focused on evidence-based practice that you can apply to your future career.

Degrees Offered 

Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies 

Career Outlook

The U.S. Department of Labor projects demand for physician assistants will grow by 31%, much faster than average, by 2030. Physician assistants earn a median annual salary of $115,390 nationally and $113,240 in Nebraska.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration

Accreditation Statement

Accreditation Statement

Regional accreditation means that our degrees have been evaluated for their outcomes — including how well they prepare you to meet the needs of your employers, yourself and our global society. College of Saint Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Accreditation Statement

Physician assistant education is accredited through the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

At its March 2021 meeting, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA), extended Accreditation-Probation status for the College of Saint Mary Physician Assistant Program sponsored by the College of Saint Mary until its next review in June 2022. 
 
Probation accreditation is a temporary accreditation status initially of not less than two years. However, that period may be extended by the ARC-PA for up to an additional two years if the ARC-PA finds that the program is making substantial progress toward meeting all applicable standards but requires additional time to come into full compliance. Probation accreditation status is granted, at the sole discretion of the ARC-PA, when a program holding an accreditation status of Accreditation - Provisional or Accreditation - Continued does not, in the judgment of the ARC-PA, meet the Standards or when the capability of the program to provide an acceptable educational experience for its students is threatened. 
 
Once placed on probation, a program that fails to comply with accreditation requirements in a timely manner, as specified by the ARC-PA, may be scheduled for a focused site visit and is subject to having its accreditation withdrawn. 

Specific questions regarding the Program and its plans should be directed to the PA [at] CSM.edu (Program Director) and/or the appropriate institutional official(s). 
 
The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at http://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-college-of-st-mary/.

Meet the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Faculty