Physician Assistant Studies (M.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 distinctive dual-entry admission structure is geared toward practicing health professionals and applicants with a background in science and health care.

Why Study Physician Assistant Studies at UND?

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; and,
• 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.

A Top Physician Assistant Studies Program in the Nation

Every accredited physician assistant studies program offers instruction, but not every program prepares students to make a real impact the way UND does. UND is increasingly regarded as one of the top academic and research institutions in the nation for physician assistant studies. We consistently rank among the best for educational quality, affordability, and career outcomes.

TOP 25% - BEST MASTER OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES PROGRAMS

Accreditation

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the University of North Dakota 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.

Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be September 2026.

The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy.