Physician Assistant students working in the simulation lab with high tech manikins.

Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

Location: Boston | Start Term: Fall

Become a highly skilled healthcare professional with advanced scientific knowledge and clinical skills to provide patient-centered care.

Improve Lives Through Compassionate, Evidence-Based Care

The Master of Physician Assistant (PA) Studies is a three-year program on our Boston campus, located in the heart of the Longwood Medical Area. You’ll spend two years immersed in coursework to gain advanced medical, scientific, and clinical knowledge. Then, complete a full year of rotations in a variety of settings to apply and advance your skills. This program will prepare you to pass the PANCE board exam and become a practicing PA.

A Growing Profession with Unlimited Opportunities

Physician Assistants are consistently among the nation’s highest-earning, top-ranked healthcare professionals. Graduates from MCPHS find long-term success in this fast-growing field.

$134K

PER YEAR

The median annual compensation for physician assistants in 2024, a more than 5% increase from the year prior.

#2

BEST HEALTHCARE JOB

Physician Assistant is once again ranked among the best jobs in the country in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report.

20%

EXPECTED JOB GROWTH

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment for physician assistants will grow through 2034.

Experience PA Studies at MCPHS—Boston

Our faculty members bring extensive medical experience and are committed to training highly qualified, compassionate healthcare providers. Hear from them about what students can expect from the PA program.

High-Tech, Hands-On Learning

Our Boston campus features two state-of-the-art simulation laboratory rooms with high-fidelity mannequins. Simulation courses allow students to practice their skills in realistic medical scenarios.

Customized Clinical Experiences

In addition to seven core rotations, choose two elective rotations to explore specialty areas that align with your interests and career goals. You may also pursue rotations abroad in places like Europe, Africa, or South America to advance your skills while experiencing international health systems.

Evidence-Based Education

Coursework is grounded in current medical evidence and best practices, integrating basic and clinical sciences to support clinical reasoning and decision-making. Learn to apply these principles across care settings while developing interprofessional communication and collaboration skills.

Careers in Action: MPAS Alumni Making Their Mark

Our PA studies graduates are working at top-tier healthcare organizations across the country.

  • Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant

    Mayo Clinic

  • Assistant PA Director

    Boston Children’s Hospital

  • Internal Medicine Physician Assistant

    Tufts Medical Center

  • Neonatal ICU Physician Assistant

    Brigham and Women’s Hospital

  • Physician Assistant

    U.S. Department of Defense

  • Thoracic Surgery Physician Assistant

    Massachusetts General Hospital

An Undergraduate Pathway to a PA Career

Begin your path to becoming a PA right after high school at MCPHS. Earn a Bachelor of Science in Premedical Health Studies and a Master of Physician Assistant Studies in six years instead of seven.
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News from the School of PA Studies—Boston

Download a Master of PA Studies Fact Sheet

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