Physician Assistant Studies

White coats and name tags will be ordered for each student by the department. Sizes should be based on blazers or jackets that you wear over other clothing.

Students entering the program in spring 2027 should complete the white coat order form no later than November 13, 2026.

For questions, you may contact Sara Miles.

The equipment package that each student will need for the PA didactic and clinical years will be purchased in bulk. Each student will receive a portable ophthalmoscope and otoscope, stethoscope, reflex hammer, EKG caliper, tape measure, and 2 different tuning forks. The cost of this equipment package will be included as a line item in your tuition bill as this has an advantage in that you may receive financial aid for your equipment purchase. Download an example of the Worcester order form [PDF] or Manchester order form [PD].

Students beginning the program in Spring 2027 should complete the equipment order form no later than December 11, 2026 by following the instructions below.

• Go to themedicalstore.biz
• Enter school code: mcphsmanchester12726n or mcphsworcester12726n (choose the code for your home campus to ensure correct delivery)
• Choose your stethoscope color and any other optional add-ons that you would like. Note: some stethoscope colors, engraving, and the medical equipment bag will incur additional charges.
• Add to cart, then select "Ship to School" at checkout. Equipment will be distributed to students during lab in February.

Please contact Professor Baer at chadd.baer@mcphs.edu if you have any questions.

MCPHS has established technology guidelines for all new students.

The Accelerated Physician Assistant Studies program will use ExamSoft (electronic testing software) in all first-year courses. All students are required to bring a laptop meeting the minimum specifications in order for you to be able to sit for exams. If you are planning to purchase a new device, it is advised you delay purchase until closer to the start of the program in January due to rapidly changing technology (new devices from Mac or Microsoft must be supported by ExamSoft, which can take time).

Each student will be required to purchase a privacy screen or privacy filter that fits on their PC or Mac. Minimum technology requirements are listed below. Please note that iPads, tablets, and Chromebooks are not acceptable for taking exams.

Please review minimum system requirements.

A BLS Provider through the American Heart Association must be completed by all students and maintained for the duration of the program. Students must complete either a blended learning or face-to-face provider course prior to matriculation. Please send a copy of your certification to the admission office at admissions.manchester@mcphs.edu no later than December 15.

All students in the PA program will be required to take a medical terminology competency test on the first day of classes. The competency test will be a combination of true/false, matching, and multiple choice questions. In order to prepare for this test, review and study the text Medical Terminology: An Illustrated Guide, 9th Edition by Barbara Janson Cohen and Shirley A Jones, which will be used throughout your time in the program.

Students must score 80% or greater to successfully pass the competency test. If a student scores less than 80%, they must meet with their assigned advisor for remediation within the first week of classes and will be required to retake the examination within the first 2 weeks of classes and receive a score of 80% or greater on the retake exam. This competency is required to pass your MPA-530 Clinical Medicine course.

If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Maclary.

View an overview of the daily schedule [PDF] for the semester. It is subject to change and detailed course schedules will be available at the start of the Spring 2027 semester.

Within your Clinical Medicine course, there is an additional mandatory learning aid known as the Blueprint Didactic QBank. You will be registered for an account with Blueprint by the University. By January 1 all registered students will receive an activation email from Blueprint Prep to your MCPHS email account. The activation email provides you with instructions for logging in and activating your account. Please use your MCPHS email containing your name not your M# to activate your account.

Please complete the steps outlined in the activation email prior to the first day of class. Your first Blueprint/assignment opens on the first day of classes, but you will not have access until you have set up your account.  If you have any questions or did not receive an activation email by January 1 please reach out to laura.petrillo-deluca@mcphs.edu.

Download the spring 2027 booklist [PDF]. 

The American Academy of Physician Assistants is the national professional society for Physician Assistants. AAPA advocates and educates on behalf of the profession and the patients PA’s serve. AAPA works to ensure the professional growth, personal excellence and recognition of physician assistants. The organization also enhances the ability of PA students to improve the quality, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of patient-centered healthcare. SAAAPA is the Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and a nationally recognized forum for PA students. Student membership to the AAPA is a requirement of the program. The membership fee is $75. This is a one time payment that provides membership for the entire length of the program. Please visit www.aapa.org/member-central/student-membership/ to sign up.

Students entering the program in Spring 2027 should email proof of membership to Mrs. Cindy Naum (cynthia.naum@mcphs.edu) by Friday, January 8, 2027.

The PA Excel PA Prep Academy is a resource that prepares the PA program candidate for the rigors of one of the most challenging academic programs and ensures readiness for success. This is a mandatory 14-module self-paced course that must be completed prior to the start of the program. All modules must be completed to earn the completion certificate.

Certificates must be submitted to Cynthia Naum by Friday, January 8, 2027. The cost is $145, which provides access for up to three years. Price is subject to change at any time. To sign up, visit: https://paexcelonline.thinkific.com/products/courses/PAPrep.

Start building connections before you arrive by joining the Physician Assistant Studies Spring 2027 Worcester cohort group chat. To access the group, first download the Group Me App on your phone, then use the invitation link to join the conversation. You can also connect with the broader Worcester community through additional social media channels.