physician assistant student with patient

Physician Assistant StudiesM.P.A.S.

Earn a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (M.P.A.S.) degree through an innovative program without having to move away from home.

Blend online coursework with alternating classroom (on-campus) and clinical experiences to obtain an exceptionally comprehensive physician assistant (PA) education. Our admission structure is geared toward practicing health professionals and applicants with a background in science and health care.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
2 years
Credit hours:
90 (curriculum includes on-campus and online courses)

Why earn a master's in physician assistant studies?

Application Deadlines
Summer:
Sept. 1

The UND Department of Physician Assistant Studies prepares you to become a competent physician assistant working collaboratively with physicians, emphasizing care in rural and underserved communities.

Our interdisciplinary approach integrates clinical skill and knowledge, utilizing multiple techniques to facilitate learning. The goal is to prepare you as a primary care provider in a variety of settings, utilizing a problem-oriented approach to logical thinking and sound judgment.

Through innovation in teaching with advanced technology, high-fidelity simulation and collaboration with clinical sties, you will be expected to:

  • Demonstrate competencies in patient assessment and management.
  • Develop professional primary health care teams.
  • Engage in critical analysis of literature related with medical practice experiences to enhance patient care outcomes.
  • Serve as health care advocates for future PA students and members of the professional health care team.

After graduation, you'll be accountable and responsible for the quality of your practice and for life-long learning to continually improve the care you deliver. 

Physician Assistant M.P.A.S. at UND

  • Receive personalized attention with an average class size of 35 students.

  • Enjoy a flexible clinical rotation schedule with emphasis to comprehensive primary care medicine.

  • Complete online coursework followed by alternating online and on-campus experiences.

  • Learn from a reputable well-established program with a strong history of success.

  • The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Physician Assistant Program sponsored by the University of North Dakota. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be September 2026.

Physician Assistant Careers

98%

5-year aggregate pass rate for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE)

 

31%

projected job growth for physician assistants through 2026

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Physician assistants have many of the same responsibilities as doctors, though they work under a physician's or surgeon's supervision. A PA can diagnose a patient and prescribe treatment.

To date, there are nearly 2,000 M.P.A.S. graduates from UND employed throughout the United States and around the world. The success in meeting our mission is evidenced by:

  • 70% of recent graduates employed in primary care practices.
  • 47% of recent graduates in same city or town where they graduated (trained and retained as medical providers in home areas).
  • 41% of recent graduates practicing in rural areas. (defined as population 25,000 or less)

When You Earn a master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies

A master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Life Support
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
  • Basic Life Support
  • Clinical Research
  • Electronic Medical Record
  • Surgeries

UND Physician Assistant Studies Alumni

Physician Assistant Studies alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • Sanford Health
  • Altru Health System
  • Avera Health
  • Essentia Health
  • Fairview Health Services
  • St. Mary's Hospital, Inc.

Licensure Requirements

This program meets the educational requirements for licensure in all U.S. States.

Physician Assistant Courses

PA 510. Human Physiology & Pathophysiology I. 4 Credits.

This system-based online course focuses on the physiologic and pathophysiologic functions of the human body from the cellular level, to organ systems, with emphasis on genetics. This course lays the foundation for understanding the underlying principles of human disease processes across the lifespan. Prerequisite: Admission to Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program. SS.

PA 517. Pharmacology I. 2 Credits.

This online system-based course focuses on the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and pharmacogenetic concepts of the major drug classes across the lifespan. Federal regulations governing drug development, drug schedules, drug safety and legislation are included. In addition, drug interactions and contraindications and calculation of mathematical equivalents utilized in prescribing medications are reviewed. Prerequisite: Admission to Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program. SS.

PA 540. Clinical Medicine: Primary Care I - Didactic. 5 Credits.

This didactic course is held online and on the UND campus. Content is focused on the problem solving process for the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic medical conditions across the life span. Emphasis is placed on analyzing symptoms of disease and formulating differential diagnoses using a system-based approach. Systems such as cardiology, respiratory and endocrinology are included. Pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics used to treat acute and chronic conditions in system-based areas are included. Simulation and skill labs are utilized to further enhance critical thinking and medical decision making for treatment of patients across the life span. Prerequisite: Admission to Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program. S.

PA 521. Diagnostic Studies I. 2 Credits.

This online course focuses on laboratory, radiologic, and other diagnostic studies and acceptable values across the lifespan. Components encompass areas of radiology, hematology, chemistry, urinalysis, immunology, genetic and molecular testing and microbiology. Emphasis will include routine and preventative studies and differentiation of normal from abnormal diagnostic findings. Prerequisite: Admission to Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program. F.

PA 580. Specialty Clerkship. 5-6 Credits.

This supervised clinical practical experience is designed to expose the student to different disciplines of medicine to fulfill program requirements as determined by UND faculty advisor, community preceptor and PA student and as necessary for adequate entry level PA practice. One credit of PA 588 may be substituted for one of the required 6 credits. Prerequisite: Admission to Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program. S.

PA 566. Professional Issues & Role Development I. 2 Credits.

This online course discusses role definition and historical development for the physician assistant within the health care industry. The importance of professionalism as an expression of positive values and ideals demonstrating a high level of responsibility, ethical practice and sensitivity to a diverse patient population is also discussed. Prerequisite: Admission to Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program. S.

Lead Your Way

Students gain the necessary experience to lead in healthcare through flexible online and on-campus courses.

Explore More Options

Connect with the PA faculty you'll work with at UND or discover more health-related degrees.

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