Physician Assistant Studies
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Admissions Contact
Erin Pfeifer Are you an International Student? |
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Curriculum and Delivery
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Start Dates and Duration
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Looking for our undergraduate program?
Earn a BS in Health Science: Pre-Physician Assistant Studies and a MS in Physician Assistant Studies in just six years. |
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At the Springfield College MS in Physician Assistant Studies (PA) you'll receive the most comprehensive education available in the academics of medicine, combined with significant practical clinical experience in a variety of settings. Springfield College has become renowned for its unique blend of academic rigor and hands-on experience in the field of PA.
Students who enter the two-year track (professional phase) have already earned a bachelor's degree and will be awarded a master's degree upon completion. Individuals interested in this track should note that these students complete the entire 27-month program, but for the sake of simplicity the track is referred to as the two-year track.
The 27-month, full-time graduate program comprises seven semesters (112 credits). Students typically attend classes daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with some exercises requiring longer attendance. Students are required to maintain a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) with individual course grades remaining at "B" or higher. Additionally, students are expected to uphold professional standards of conduct.
Students will complete eleven 4-week clinical rotations in the fields of family medicine, inpatient medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine, OB/GYN, psychiatry, surgery and the electives of their choice. The program has the responsibility of arranging the clinical instruction and supervision of each student. The program must approve each clinical site and retains the responsibility for student training and evaluation. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistant (NCCPA) National Certification Examination (PANCE) and apply for state licensure.
The majority of our students enter the physician assistant program through the six-year track. Preference for admission is given to students entering through the six-year track as long as all program requirements are met.
Graduate applications for the cohort beginning classes in January 2026 will open on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 and close on May 30, 2025. All application materials must be submitted by June 1st in order to be considered for the program.
What job can I get with a degree in Physician Assistant Studies?
A master's degree in Physician Assistant (PA) Studies from Springfield College opens up an array of rewarding healthcare careers. Graduates often become certified physician assistants, working alongside doctors to diagnose and treat patients, perform medical procedures, and provide preventative care. You might also specialize in areas such as surgery, emergency medicine, pediatrics, or primary care, tailoring your career to your interests.
Data is from the 2024 Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Physician assistants are on teams with physicians or surgeons and other healthcare workers. The amount of collaboration and the extent to which they must be supervised by physicians or surgeons differ by state.
Physician assistants work in a variety of healthcare specialties, including primary care and family medicine, emergency medicine, and psychiatry. The work of physician assistants depends, in large part, on their specialty or the type of medical practice in which they work. For example, a physician assistant working in surgery may close incisions and provide care before, during, and after an operation. A physician assistant working in pediatrics may examine a child and give routine vaccinations.
Admissions Requirements
1. Complete the online application: Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials and instructions for submitting supplemental materials as listed below.
2. Complete:
a. Prerequisite Application Worksheet
b. Shadowing verification form for each location
c. Healthcare Experience verification form for each location
3. Writing Sample: Please submit responses to the following two prompts:
1. As a future PA, one of the most important roles you will play is that of a leader in your community, advocating for the well-being of individuals and populations. Effective leadership in medicine requires not only clinical expertise but also the passion to engage with and serve their community.
In a 500-600 word essay, please address the following:
a. Describe a time when you demonstrated leadership through service to your community. This could be through healthcare-related initiatives, volunteering, or any other form of community engagement. What was your role, what actions did you take, and what was the impact of your efforts?
b. Reflect on how this experience has influenced your goals as a future PA. How will you continue to lead and serve your community in a healthcare context, and how does this align with your vision of the physician’s role in society?
2. In an increasingly diverse society, effective healthcare providers must not only be skilled in clinical knowledge but also committed to fostering inclusivity, equity, and cultural humility. Patients’ backgrounds, identities, and experiences can impact their health outcomes, expectations, and trust in the healthcare system.
In a 500-600 word essay, please reflect on the following:
a. Describe a specific experience or initiative where you actively promoted diversity, inclusion, or cultural humility. What role did you play, and what actions were taken to ensure inclusivity?
b. Discuss the impact of this experience on your understanding of the challenges and importance of diversity and inclusion.
c. Explain how this commitment to diversity and inclusion will influence your role as a future PA. What steps will you take to continue promoting an inclusive environment for patients, colleagues, and within the healthcare system?
4. Resume: Please include any college activities, out-of-school leadership experiences, work history, and community service/ involvement to support your interest in or qualifications for graduate study.
5. Three letters of recommendation: Three letters of recommendation; preferably from; a faculty member and/or direct supervisor: Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application, and will be able to upload their letter to your application.
6. Interview: This program requires an interview for selected finalists.
7. Transcripts: An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu or mailed to the college address:
Springfield College
Office of Graduate Admissions
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109
International Applicants
- $100 non-refundable International Application fee
In addition to the above admissions requirements, all international applicants from non-English-speaking countries are required to submit:
- Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS: Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to our language requirements for more information on acceptable tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and conditional acceptance. If your undergraduate degree was earned in the United States and you successfully completed college-level English, we will consider English language proficiency met.
- Please note: Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For this we recommend SpanTran, with its customized portal for Springfield College applicants. World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. are also recommended for your credential evaluations.
The Office of International Admissions can assist you with questions you may have about enrolling at Springfield College as an international student by emailing intladmissions@springfieldcollege.edu.
Deadline
Application Deadline:
Graduate applications for the cohort beginning classes in January 2026 will open on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 and close on May 30, 2025.
Credential Deadline:
All application materials must be submitted by June 1st in order to be considered for the program.
