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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The MS in Physician Assistant Studies (PA) program, established in 1996, is dedicated to preparing students for successful careers in health care through a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes compassionate patient care, medical knowledge, and professional skills. Rooted in the College's Humanics philosophy, which focuses on educating students in spirit, mind, and body, the program integrates both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experiences in diverse medical settings. With a strong commitment to leadership in service to others, Springfield College PA graduates are equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving health care landscape, ensuring they provide high-quality, empathetic, and evidence-based care to patients from all backgrounds.
Our professional program is home to 40 students each year. We offer a full-time, in-person, graduate program that is completed over 27 months/seven semesters. The program curriculum includes 15 months of didactic education and 12 months of clinical rotations, 11 four-week rotations. Our program is housed in the new Brown Cooper Health Sciences Center, which was created to enhance education and prepare students for “real world” patients, featuring a state-of-the-art simulation center, anatomy lab, and history and physical examination lab.
Students typically attend classes daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., five days a week, with some exercises requiring longer attendance. After successfully completing this 112-credit program, students will earn a Master of Science (MS) degree in Physician Assistant Studies. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) certification examination and apply for state licensure.
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 Information
Thank you for your interest in the Springfield College Physician Assistant Studies graduate program!
There are two tracks to entering the professional phase of the PA program, outlined below:
- Undergraduate Pre-PA track
The majority of our 40-student cohort enters the professional phase through the undergraduate Pre-PA track. Preference for admission is given for up to 35 of these students as long as they have met all of the program requirements.
- Graduate Admission
A minimum of five seats in each cohort are reserved for enrollment through Graduate Admissions. Graduate students are admitted on a space-available basis to ensure that the class size is exactly 40. This cycle we will be looking to fill 11 seats with graduate applicants.
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 1 in order to be considered for the program. We do not offer rolling admissions. Application materials are at the bottom of the Web page.
PROSPECTIVE GRADUATE STUDENT INFORMATION
For serious consideration, applicants must meet all of the program prerequisites, and submit all documentation by the closing date of the cycle. Completed applications are preferred, but you can still apply if coursework is in progress. We accept credit from any regionally accredited two- or four-year institution. We accept online credit from any regionally accredited institution. Adherence to the Technical Standards is required for admission. Please note that this program does not offer advanced placement for any student.
Additional considerations for candidates that show alignment with the program values:
Our program seeks individuals who embody the principles of integrity and professionalism—those who are ethical, accountable, and committed to achieving excellence in their endeavors. We value diverse perspectives and are dedicated to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds who champion equity and mutual respect.
We are looking for leaders and community-minded individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact, exemplifying compassion, service, and responsibility. Candidates should demonstrate adaptability and resilience, thriving in dynamic environments and navigating challenges with determination and a growth mindset.
Additionally, we value applicants who excel in teamwork and interpersonal communication, contributing to a collaborative atmosphere through effective, empathetic, and constructive engagement with others.
Applications for this program are available only by using the link at the bottom of this Web page. We do not use the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants.
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.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Springfield College Physician Assistant Studies (PA) program is to educate students in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in clinical, community, and academic service to humanity by building upon its foundations of Humanics and academic excellence.
Values
- Integrity and Professionalism
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Leadership and Service to the Community
- Adaptability and Resilience
- Teamwork and Interpersonal Communication
Program Policies and Procedures
The PA Program Professional Phase Handbook is an excellent guide to navigating your experience as a student at Springfield College. The handbook is updated annually and as needed as when new policies arise.
As an interested applicant, new matriculating student, or current student, there are a few policies about which you should be aware:
- Students are required to provide documentation proving a current health screening and an up-to-date immunization record based on current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations and Massachusetts state requirements for college students.
- Students are not required to provide or solicit clinical sites or preceptors.
- Students are not encouraged to work while in the program.
- The program does not grant advanced placement to any applicant or enrolled student.
- The program has only one location and all policies in the handbook apply to all professional phase students, both on campus and on clinical sites.
- Other important policies and procedures that should be reviewed are listed below and are explained in detail in the PA Program Professional Phase Handbook:
- Remediation, deceleration, dismissal, and withdrawal
- Student grievances and appeals
- Requirements and deadlines for progression and completion of the program
