Physician Assistant Studies (Master's Degree)
About This Program |
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Earn your Master of Science in physician assistant studies in 27 months. |
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Looking for our undergraduate program? |
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Review our prerequisites. |
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Check out our FAQs. |
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ContactLucy Saloio |
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Applications for the 2021 and 2022 will not be accepted as those cohorts are full.
Springfield College has become renowned for its unique blend of academic rigor and hands-on experience in this field. Students enrolled in the Springfield College Physician Assistant (PA) Master of Science Program receive the most comprehensive education available in the academics of medicine, combined with significant practical clinical experience in a variety of settings.
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 (116 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.
The program has the responsibility for arranging the clinical instruction and supervision of each student. Students are encouraged to seek out compatible primary care physician preceptors in their home communities. 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.
Admissions Requirements
Complete the application form. No application fee.
Start your application process by completing the online application form. Be sure to complete your application by submitting all the required materials outlined in this section.
Graduate Admissions Essay
Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials. Once you login to your application portal you'll be able to upload your essay.
In two to three double-spaced pages, please describe significant life experiences that have contributed to your interest in your field, your understanding of this field, your occupational objectives, and why you have chosen Springfield College.
Resume
Please include any college activities, out-of-school leadership experiences, work history, and community involvement to support your interest in or qualifications for graduate study. Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials. Once you login to your application portal you'll be able to upload your resume.
Letters of Recommendation
This program requires three letters of recommendation. Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.
Interview
This program requires an interview for selected finalists.
Official Transcripts from All Institutions Previously/Currently Attended
- An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required.
- 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. In some cases, including if you plan to request coursework be transferred, a course-by-course translation is required. For this we recommend the World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
- 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
All international applicants from non-English speaking countries are required, in addition to the items listed above, to submit:
- Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS. 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. In some cases, including if you plan to request coursework be transferred, a course-by-course translation is required. For this we recommend the World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
Our Associate Director of International Admissions Nicholas Venn can answer any questions you may have about enrolling in Springfield College as an international student. You may email him at nvenn@springfield.edu or via phone at (413) 748-3891.
To submit materials:
After submitting your online application form you will receive user login credentials to access your student application portal. From that portal, you will be able to upload your Graduate Admissions Essay and your resume. Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application. 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
Curriculum
I. Professional Phase Core Requirements
- BIOL 376 - Medical Genetics Credits: 3
- EMSM 251 - Advanced Cardiac Life Support Credits: 1
- PAST 512 - History Taking and Physical Assessment I Credits: 4
- PAST 513 - Mental Health Issues in Primary Care Credits: 3
- PAST 515 - Clinical Human Anatomy and Physiology I Credits: 2
- PAST 521 - Applied Clinical Skills I Credits: 2
- PAST 522 - History Taking and Physical Assessment II Credits: 4
- PAST 523 - Pharmacology I Credits: 2
- PAST 524 - Clinical Medicine I Credits: 6
- PAST 525 - Clinical Human Anatomy and Physiology II Credits: 2
- PAST 531 - Applied Clinical Skills II Credits: 2
- PAST 532 - History Taking and Physical Assessment Credits: 4
- PAST 533 - Pharmacology II Credits: 2
- PAST 534 - Clinical Medicine II Credits: 6
- PAST 540 - Ethical and Professional Issues in PA Practice Credits: 3
- PAST 543 - Pharmacology III Credits: 2
- PAST 544 - Clinical Medicine III Credits: 6
- PAST 626 - Physician Assistant Research Project Credits: 3
- PAST 640 - PA Seminar VIII Credits: 1
- PAST 650 - PA Seminar IX Credits: 1
- PAST 660 - PA Seminar X Credits: 1
- PAST 670 - Inpatient Medicine Credits: 4
- PAST 671 - Inpatient Medicine II Credits: 4
- PAST 672 - Family Medicine Credits: 4
- PAST 678 - General Surgery Credits: 4
- PAST 674 - Emergency Medicine Credits: 4
- PAST 675 - Obstetrics and Gynecology Credits: 4
- PAST 676 - General Pediatrics Credits: 4
- PAST 677 - Psychiatry Credits: 4
- PAST 679 - Preceptorship Credits: 4
- RSCH 610 - Foundations and Methods of Research Credits: 3
- RSCH 612 - Proposal Design Credits: 2
- RSCH 620 - Educational and Psychological Statistics I Credits: 3
II. Program Minimal Technical Standards
Technical standards define the attributes considered necessary for students to possess in order to complete their education and training, and subsequently enter clinical practice. These standards are prerequisites for entrance, continuation, and graduation from the Springfield College Physician Assistant Program. Students must possess aptitude, ability, and skills in five areas: 1) observation, 2) communication, 3) sensory and motor coordination and function, 4) conceptualization, integration, and quantitation, and 5) behavioral and social attributes. These functions are critically important and must be autonomously performed by the student. It should be understood that these are standards for minimum competence in the program. More information on technical standards is available from the Office of Admissions and can be found in the Physician Assistant Program Student Handbook.
Students are required to follow the procedures and adhere to the policies of the physician assistant program as outlined in the Physician Assistant Program Student Handbook
Deadline
Applications for the 2021 and 2022 cycles will not be accepted as those cohorts are full.
Cost
| Graduate Program Courses | $1,105 per credit |
| Graduate Student Fee* | $385 |
| Enrollment Deposit | $300 |
*The graduate student fee (full time) includes the following costs for the 2020-21 academic year.
- Student Government Fee: $20
- Community Engagement Fee: $35
- Recreation Fee: $315
- Class Dues: $15
The graduate student fee (part-time) is $85 per semester.
Physician Assistant Practicum Fees
| Physician Assistant Practicum Fee | 15%/credit |
| PAST 670 Inpatient Medicine I (4 credits) | 15%/credit |
| PAST 671 Inpatient Medicine II (4 credits) | 15%/credit |
| PAST 672 Family Medicine I (4 credits) | 15%/credit |
| PAST 673 Family Medicine II (4 credits) | 15%/credit |
| PAST 674 Emergency Medicine (4 credits) | 15%/credit |
| PAST 675 Obstetrics & Gynecology (4 credits) | 15%/credit |
| PAST 676 General Pediatrics (4 credits) | 15%/credit |
| PAST 677 Psychiatry (4 credits) | 15%/credit |
| PAST 678 Surgery (4 credits) | 15%/credit |
| PAST 679 Preceptorship I (4 credits) | 15%/credit |
| PAST 680 Preceptorship II (4 credits) | 15%/credit |
