Programs

Overview

Designed for students holding a bachelor's degree in any field, the accredited Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program provides an intensive, 24-month, year-round curriculum in state of the art classrooms and laboratories on both the Worcester and Manchester campuses.

Program Highlights

• Accelerated, year-round, 24-month program
• For students with a previously-earned bachelor's degree in any field
• Unique January start date places graduates into the workforce at an advantageous entry time
• Offered on both the Worcester and Manchester campuses
• State-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories, including patient assessment and clinical simulation laboratories

Program Details

The intense and focused postbaccalaureate Master of Physician Assistant Studies program is designed for students who have a passion to provide health care and wish to obtain an accredited Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree (MPAS).

The 24-month, full-time, year-round MPAS program offers a January start date, which places graduates at a unique entry point in to the clinical environment. The curriculum is integrated and coordinated with innovative learning experiences to provide mentoring opportunities that focus on the whole person. Lectures are provided on both campuses through state of the art simultaneous video distance education.

Worcester MPAS Highlights

The Physician Assistant program on the Worcester campus is new and exciting, with a palpable sense of energy.

• The curriculum is identical to that taught on the Manchester campus, with on-site lab instruction delivered by accessible faculty in modern patient assessment laboratories-being key to student success.
• Most classes are taught via real-time distance education technology, using interactive videoconferencing that allows students to ask questions and engage directly in class discussions.
• Clinical rotations are throughout New England and include a variety of urban, suburban and rural experiences.

Manchester MPAS Highlights

Intensely committed to their studies, and enjoying the camaraderie of small campus, the students in Manchester's physician assistant program form close and mutually supportive learning communities.

• Guided by dedicated experienced faculty, students pursue a challenging curriculum of academic learning and professional training.
• The learning laboratory is a 12-bay patient assessment laboratory which mirrors real-world health care settings.
• Clinical rotations are throughout New England and include a variety of urban, suburban and rural experiences.

Tuition and Fees

For information about tuition and fees for this program, please visit the Student Financial Services section of this website.

Application Process

Applications to this program are accepted through CASPA, the Central Application Services for Physician Assistants. Please see the Admission Requirements page on this site for details.

Curriculum

Year I-Spring 

Year I-Summer 

Year I-Fall

Year II-Spring 

Year II-Summer

Year II-Fall

Total credits to complete degree requirements: 101 s.h.

The breakdown of the Professional Year II clinical rotations includes rotations in:

MPAC 600 General Medicine I 5 weeks 5 s.h.

MPAC 601 General Medicine II 5 weeks 5 s.h.

MPAC 602 Internal Medicine 5 weeks 5 s.h.

MPAC 603 Pediatrics 5 weeks 5 s.h.

MPAC 604 Psychiatry 5 weeks 5 s.h.

MPAC 605 Surgery 5 weeks 5 s.h.

MPAC 606 Women's Health 5 weeks 5 s.h.

MPAC 607 Emergency Medicine 5 weeks 5 s.h.

MPAC 609 General Elective Rotation 5 weeks 5 s.h.

MPAC 609T General Elective (Travel, International) 5 weeks 5 s.h.

Clinical Clerkships

Clinical clerkships are integral to the Physician Assistant Studies program at MCPHS-Manchester and Worcester. It is during this phase that students apply and improve their clinical and patient management skills. Clinical sites are located throughout New England and include rural as well as urban sites. Students are encouraged to choose rural health facilities for a portion of their clinical experience. In addition, professional seminars are held on campus after each rotation. Housing and travel costs for clinical year are the responsibility of the student and vary widely depending on the site location. Students should plan to budget about $5000 - $7000 extra for housing and travel during the second year.

Each clinical clerkship lasts five weeks.

A number of clerkships in the required curriculum may be scheduled at some distance from the campus. This is necessary to provide a range of diverse learning experiences and ensure availability and quality of clinical rotation sites.

Clerkships

Facilities

Manchester

Manchester classes and laboratory sessions are held in the Brant Academic and Student Center. Two learning laboratories (remodeled in 2007) include a 12-bay patient assessment laboratory and a nine-unit clinical simulation laboratory-mirror real-world health care settings.

Worcester

In Worcester, classes are held in the 10 Lincoln Square Academic and Student Center. Laboratory sessions are held in the newly remodeled building as well. The laboratory is equipped with brand new equipment and set up like a hospital/clinic environment.  

Technical Standards

Technical Standards for Admission, Promotion, and Graduation A candidate for the MCPHS-Manchester/Worcester Physician Assistant Studies program must have, at a minimum, skills in five categories: observation, communication, motor, intellectual and behavior/social. Reasonable accommodation for persons with documented disabilities will be considered on an individual basis, but a candidate must be able to perform in an independent manner. The following skills are required with or without accommodation:

Observation

Candidates must have sufficient capacity to observe in the lecture hall, the laboratory, the outpatient setting, and the patient's bedside. Sensory skills to perform a physical examination are required. Functional vision, hearing and tactile sensation are required to properly observe a patient's condition and to perform procedures regularly required during a physical examination such as inspection, auscultation and palpation.

Communication

Candidates must be able to communicate effectively in both academic and health care settings. Candidates must show evidence of effective written and verbal communication skills. Candidates must be able to communicate with patients in order to elicit information, describe changes in mood, activity and posture, and perceive nonverbal communications. Candidates must be capable of completing, in a thorough and timely manner, appropriate medical records and documents and plans according to protocol.

Motor

The ability to participate in basic diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers and procedures (e.g., palpation, auscultation) is required. Candidates must have sufficient motor function to execute movements reasonably required to properly care for all patients. Candidates must be able to move freely about patient care environments and must be able to move between settings such as clinics, classroom buildings and hospitals.

In addition, physical stamina sufficient to complete the rigorous course of didactic and clinical study is required.

Long periods of sitting, standing or moving are required in classroom, laboratory and clinical experiences.

Intellectual

Candidates must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize. Problem solving, one of the critical skills demanded of physician assistants, requires all of these intellectual abilities. Candidates must be able to read and understand medical literature. In order to complete the Physician Assistant Studies program, candidates must be able to demonstrate mastery of these skills and the ability to use them together in a timely fashion in medical problem-solving and patient care.

Behavioral and Social Attributes

Candidates must possess the emotional health and stability required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, and the prompt completion of all academic and patient care responsibilities. The development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients and other members of the health care team is essential. The ability to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in clinical practice, flexibility, compassion, integrity, motivation, interpersonal skills, and concern for others are all required. Candidates must be able to function effectively under stress and have the ability to accept constructive criticism and handle difficult interpersonal relationships during training.

Program Competencies

These are the expected outcomes as a physician assistant (PA) graduates from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS)-Manchester/Worcester. These outcomes or program graduation competencies were endorsed by the NCCPA, AAPA, and PAEA to guide PA programs to modify and improve PA curriculum. All didactic and clinical experiences cumulatively contribute to these outcomes.

Mastery of these areas will be gradual and will not occur with any single exam, course or rotation. It is a process that takes time, study and effort. There are several instruments used to measure acquisition and achievement of these competencies including preceptor evaluations, graduate exit surveys, employer surveys and post graduate surveys two years after completion of the program. MCPHS-Manchester/Worcester uses these competencies as an important component of the summative evaluation process. These competencies were adopted by the faculty and staff members of the MCPHS PA program to serve as a roadmap to enter practice as a competent physician assistant.

Medical Knowledge

Medical knowledge includes an understanding of pathophysiology, patient presentation, differential diagnosis, patient management, surgical principles, health promotion and disease prevention. Physician assistants must demonstrate core knowledge about established and evolving biomedical and clinical sciences and the application of this knowledge to patient care in their area of practice. In addition, physician assistants are expected to demonstrate an investigatory and analytic thinking approach to clinical situations. Physician assistants are expected to:

• Understand etiologies, risk factors, underlying pathologic process and epidemiology for medical conditions
• Identify signs and symptoms of medical conditions
• Select and interpret appropriate diagnostic or lab studies
• Manage general medical and surgical conditions to include understanding the indications, contraindications, side effects, interactions, and adverse reactions of pharmacologic agents and other relevant treatment modalities
• Identify the appropriate site of care for presenting conditions, including identifying emergent cases and those requiring referral or admission
• Identify appropriate interventions for prevention of conditions
• Identify the appropriate methods to detect conditions in an asymptomatic individual
• Differentiate between the normal and the abnormal in anatomic, physiological, laboratory findings, and other diagnostic data
• Appropriately use history and physical findings and diagnostic studies to formulate a differential diagnosis
• Provide appropriate care to patients with chronic conditions

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

Interpersonal and communication skills encompass verbal, nonverbal and written exchange of information. Physician assistants must demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that result in effective information exchange with patients, their patients' families, physicians, professional associates and the healthcare system. Physician assistants are expected to:

• Use effective listening, nonverbal, explanatory, questioning and writing skills to elicit and provide information
• Appropriately adapt communication style and messages to the context of the individual patient interaction
• Work effectively with physicians and other health care professionals as a member or leader of a health care team or other professional group
• Apply an understanding of human behaviordemonstrate emotional resilience and stability, adaptability, flexibility, and tolerance of ambiguity and anxiety
• Accurately and adequately document and record information regarding the care process for medical, legal, quality and financial purposes

Patient Care

Patient care includes age-appropriate assessment, evaluation, and management. Physician assistants must demonstrate care that is effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable for the treatment of health problems and the promotion of wellness. Physician assistants are expected to:

• Work effectively with physicians and other health care professionals to provide patient-centered care
• Demonstrate caring and respectful behaviors when interacting with patients and their families
• Gather essential and accurate information about their patients
• Make informed decisions about diagnostic and therapeutic interventions based on patient information and preferences, up-to-date scientific evidence and clinical judgment
• Develop and carry out patient management plans
• Counsel and educate patients and their families
• Competently perform medical and surgical procedures considered essential in the area of practice
• Provide health care services and education aimed at preventing health problems or maintaining health

Professionalism

Professionalism is the expression of positive values and ideals as care is delivered. Foremost, it involves prioritizing the interests of those being served above one's own. Physician assistants must know their professional and personal limitations. Professionalism also requires that PAs practice without impairment from substance abuse, cognitive deficiency or mental illness. Physician assistants must demonstrate a high level of responsibility, ethical practice, sensitivity to a diverse patient population and adherence to legal and regulatory requirements. Physician assistants are expected to demonstrate:

• Understanding of legal and regulatory requirements, as well as the appropriate role of the physician assistant
• Professional relationships with physician supervisors and other health care providers
• Respect, compassion and integrity
• Commitment to ethical principles pertaining to provision or withholding of clinical care, confidentiality of patient information, informed consent and business practices
• Sensitivity and responsiveness to patients' culture, age, gender and disabilities
• Self-reflection, critical curiosity and initiative

Practice-Based Learning and Improvement

Practice-based learning and improvement includes the processes through which clinicians engage in critical analysis of their own practice experience, medical literature and other information resources for the purpose of self-improvement. Physician assistants must be able to assess, evaluate and improve their patient care practices. Physician assistants are expected to:

• Locate, appraise and integrate evidence from scientific studies related to their patients' health problems
• Apply knowledge of study designs and statistical methods to the appraisal of clinical studies and other information on diagnostic and therapeutic effectiveness
• Apply information technology to manage information, access online medical information, and support their own education

Systems-Based Practice

Systems-based practice encompasses the societal, organizational, and economic environments in which healthcare is delivered. Physician assistants must demonstrate an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger system of health care to provide patient care that is of optimal value. PAs should work to improve the larger health care system of which their practices are a part. Physician assistants are expected to:

• Use information technology to support patient care decisions and patient education
• Effectively interact with different types of medical practice and delivery systems
• Understand the funding sources and payment systems that provide coverage for patient care
• Advocate for quality patient care and assist patients in dealing with system complexities
• Apply medical information and clinical data systems to provide more effective, efficient patient care

Mission & Goals

The program prepares highly-qualified physician assistants who regardless of practice settings, are sensitive to both individual and cultural differences in the communities they serve. Through an integrated curriculum in the medical sciences and the healing arts, the program provides a comprehensive educational program that meets the demands of a dynamic health care system. As a community of learners, the program fosters professional growth through scholarly pursuit and practical experiences while promoting the integration of the whole person in the development of clinical, interpersonal and professional skills required in the collaborative practice of medicine as physician assistants.

Our Vision

To serve the health care needs of local, national and international communities through the integration of learner-centered education, scholarly inquiry, clinical experience and professional development.

Program Goals

• Develop the ability to perform a complete physical exam and to organize, integrate, interpret and present clinical data in a clear, concise manner.
• Support effective and sensitive communication with patients.
• Develop critical thinking and evaluative skills.
• Develop effective communication and teamwork skills with health care teams.
• Provide a comprehensive approach to normal human health and development, both physical and mental.
• Provide an understanding of and the skills needed to assess core diseases encountered in primary care.
• Integrate diagnostic assessment skills with knowledge of patient presentation, pharmacology and health care subspecialties to synthesize appropriate treatment plans.
• Promote cross-cultural and socioeconomic sensitivity, confront prejudice, and support the development of effective medical practice in a diverse society.
• Promote a commitment to provide effective, accessible, continuous, comprehensive and personalized health care.
• Emphasize the fundamental importance of ethical behavior in medical practice.
• Promote teaching of patients, community and colleagues.
• Develop skills in critical analysis of the student's future practice experience, and interpretation of medical literature and other information resources for the purpose of self-improvement.
• Promote systems-based practice encompassing the societal, organizational and economic environments in which health care is delivered.

Outcomes

Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination

(PANCE) Performance

Please view the NCCPA Official Pass Rate Summary Report here » 

Student Work Policy

Standard A3.07l

In order to enhance student learning and assure student success in the Physician Assistant program, it is recommended that students minimize the hours worked outside of the program. When students work while in the program, work schedules must not interfere with class performance or clinical rotation schedules.

Accreditation

Master of Physician Assistant Studies

Continued 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 2017.

Admission Requirements

Many of our programs have different admission requirements and deadlines. To see the specific admission requirements for this program, please click on the link below.

Admission Requirements for Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) (Manchester, Worcester)

We recognize that applying to graduate school can be a daunting process; our Admission staff is here to help you. Contact us if you have questions along the way.

Faculty/Staff