Earn a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (M.P.A.S.) degree through an innovative
program design including a mix of online, classroom and clinical experiences.
Blend online coursework with on-campus classroom 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)
The UND Department of Physician Assistant Studies prepares you to become a competent
physician assistant working collaboratively with physicians, emphasizing care in rural
communities.
Our interdisciplinary approach integrates clinical skills and knowledge, using multiple
techniques to facilitate learning. The goal is to prepare you as a primary care provider
in a variety of settings. You'll take a problem-oriented approach involving 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.
Accredited Master of Physician Assistant Studies
TheAccreditation 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.
M.P.A.S. Physician Assistant at UND
Receive personalized attention with an average class size of 35 students.
Enjoy a clinical rotation schedule with emphasis on 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.
What can I do with a master of physician assistant studies?
98%
5-year aggregate pass rate at UND for the Physician Assistant National Certifying
Exam (PANCE)
UND SMHS
28%
Projected job growth for physician assistants through 2031
Physician assistants (PAs) have many of the same responsibilities as doctors, though
they work with a physician's or surgeon's supervision. PAs are medical professionals
who:
Diagnose illness
Develop and manage treatment plans
Prescribe medications
Serve as a patient’s principal healthcare provider
PAs practice in every medical setting and in all specialties such as:
Primary care
Internal medicine
Emergency medicine
Pediatrics
Geriatrics
Orthopedics
Physician Assistant Studies Skills
A master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies gives you the strategic skills you
need, including:
Evaluate and treat patients
Make a difference in the health of your community
Become and advocate for the PA profession
UND Physician Assistant Studies Alumni
There are nearly 2,000 M.P.A.S. graduates from UND employed throughout the world.
Our 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.
Physician Assistant Studies 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. 1-6 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 (with prior approval). Prerequisite: Admission to Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program. Repeatable to 6.00 credits. S/U grading. F,S,SS.
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.
Best Physician Assistant Master's
Our physician assistant master's program ranks among the best for educational quality,
affordability, and career outcomes.
