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.

The MSPAS Degree is full-time only and begins with didactic instruction in the basic and clinical sciences as applied in medicine (Level IV). During the clinical phase (Level V), students are required to complete 8 required rotations in Family Practice (2), Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Women’s Health, Psychiatry, General Surgery, and Emergency Medicine. Students will also complete 4 elective rotations. Students are trained in a variety of clinical settings to assure that they are well prepared to practice medicine with excellence as a part of the PA-physician team. 

Degrees Offered 

Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies 

Accreditation 

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

At its March 2019 meeting, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) placed the College of Saint Mary Physician Assistant Program sponsored by the College of Saint Mary on Accreditation-Probation status until its next review in March 2021.  

Probation is a temporary status of accreditation conferred when a program does not meet the Standards and when the capability of the program to provide an acceptable educational experience for its students is threatened.  

Once placed on probation, programs that still fail to comply with accreditation requirements in a timely manner, as specified by ARC-PA, may be scheduled for a focused site visit and/or risk having their accreditation withdrawn.  

Specific questions regarding the Program and its plans should be directed to the Program Director and/or the appropriate institutional official(s). College of Saint Mary Physician Assistant Studies Program Director Clare Kennedy can be reached at ckennedy [at] csm.edu.