Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Prepare for a career as a compassionate, skilled physician assistant through 24 months of intensive coursework and clinical rotations.
Advance your future
in healthcare
West Liberty University’s Physician Assistant program prepares students to practice medicine as integral members of collaborative healthcare teams. Through immersive coursework, personalized faculty support, and extensive clinical experiences, graduates are equipped to provide high‑quality, patient‑centered care across a wide range of medical settings.
At A
Glance
A comprehensive, on‑campus graduate program designed to prepare practice‑ready physician assistants through immersive academics and real‑world clinical training.
Degree: Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Total Credits: 105 semester hours
Format: First year on‑campus didactic phase. Second year off campus in clinical settings with licensed supervising preceptors.
Time to Completion: 24 months (full‑time, year‑round)
Start Term: July
Accreditation: Accreditation‑Continued by ARC‑PA; University accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Who This
Program is For
This program is designed for motivated students who are committed to patient care and ready to pursue a challenging, rewarding career in medicine.
This program is ideal for individuals who:
- Aspire to be advanced practice professionals who practice medicine in collaboration with physicians.
- Want hands‑on clinical experience across multiple specialties.
- Are seeking a fast‑paced, immersive graduate healthcare program.
- Value close faculty mentorship and small‑program support.
- Plan to serve rural, regional, or underserved communities.
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and complete specific science prerequisites prior to matriculation.
Career &
Outcomes
Graduates of the MSPAS program are prepared with the medical knowledge, interpersonal and communication skills, clinical and technical skills, professional behaviors, and clinical reasoning needed to succeed as entry‑level physician assistants in a rapidly growing healthcare field.
Career Opportunities for Graduates
- Primary care and family medicine practices
- Hospitals and medical centers
- Emergency and urgent care settings
- Surgical and specialty practices
- Community health clinics
- Rural and underserved healthcare systems
Employment Outlook
Employment of physician assistants is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations, driven by increased demand for healthcare services.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Median Annual Wage
Physician assistants typically earn a six‑figure annual salary.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Why Earn Your
Physician Assistant Degree at WLU?
West Liberty University offers a personalized, high‑quality PA education that blends academic rigor with hands‑on clinical experience in a supportive, close‑knit learning environment.
Program highlights include:
- ARC‑PA Accreditation‑Continued status
- 24‑month, cohort‑based, full‑time program
- Nine supervised clinical rotations arranged by the program
- Strong faculty mentorship and individualized support
- Proven graduate outcomes, including strong PANCE performance
- Affordable public‑university tuition and value
Tuition, Cost
& Value
- Detailed tuition and cost information is available online
- Competitive tuition compared to peer PA programs
- Financial aid available through the Office of Financial Aid
- All clinical placements coordinated by WLU—no site‑finding costs
Program
Format
The MSPAS program first-year didactic component is delivered in a structured, full‑time, on‑campus format while the second-year clinical component is delivered in off-campus clinical settings.
Program delivery highlights include:
- On‑campus didactic instruction during year one
- Four academic terms in the first year (11–12 weeks each)
- Nine 5‑week, full‑time clinical rotations in year two
- Year‑round enrollment with no summer breaks
- Cohort model that fosters collaboration and peer support
What
You’ll Learn
Students develop the medical knowledge, clinical reasoning, and professional skills required for entry‑level physician assistant practice across healthcare settings.
Medical Sciences & Clinical Knowledge
- Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology
- Clinical medicine and pharmacology
- Diagnostic reasoning and disease management
Patient Care & Clinical Skills
- History taking and physical examination
- Clinical procedures and patient assessment
- Evidence‑based treatment planning
Professional Practice & Ethics
- Medical ethics and professionalism
- Interprofessional communication
- Patient safety and quality care
- Personal wellness
Clinical Application
- Family medicine, internal medicine, and emergency medicine
- Surgery, pediatrics, women’s health, and behavioral medicine
- Elective clinical experiences
Curriculum
Overview
The curriculum is a carefully sequenced, cohort‑based design that builds foundational medical knowledge before transitioning students into supervised clinical practice.
- 12 months of didactic coursework (59 credits)
- 12 months of clinical education (46 credits)
- Nine required clinical rotations plus electives
- Courses begin in July and run year‑round
- Total Program Credits: 105 semester hours
Admissions
Requirements
Applicants are selected through a competitive, holistic admissions process designed to identify students prepared for the rigor of PA education.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Completed CASPA application (verified)
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the United States
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0
- Minimum science GPA: 3.0
- Completion of all prerequisite coursework
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
Standardized tests (GRE/GMAT) are not required.
International Applicant Notice
Additional English proficiency documentation is required for applicants whose primary language is not English.
Ready to Advance
Your Career
Take the next step toward a rewarding career in healthcare with West Liberty University’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. With comprehensive training, hands‑on clinical experience, and personalized support, you’ll graduate prepared to make a meaningful impact in patients’ lives.