Graduate Programs
Master of Science
in Physician Assistant Studies
The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree is a 24-month program which begins in July is divided into didactic and clinical sections. The didactic portion of the program will include a combination of basic science courses and laboratories as well as classes and laboratories in the applied medical sciences. This portion of our physician assistant course requirements will occur during the first 12 months (year 1) of the program. Year 2 of the program will include nine 5-week clinical rotations with the supervision of licensed clinical preceptors. A critical review of the medical literature is also required.
The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree is a 24-month program which begins in July is divided into didactic and clinical sections. The didactic portion of the program will include a combination of basic science courses and laboratories as well as classes and laboratories in the applied medical sciences. This portion of our physician assistant course requirements will occur during the first 12 months (year 1) of the program. Year 2 of the program will include nine 5-week clinical rotations with the supervision of licensed clinical preceptors. A critical review of the medical literature is also required.
OPEN HOUSE
APRIL 20, 2022
CAMPBELL HALL
ROOM 309
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
To register please send an email to:
paprogram@westliberty.edu
Application Information
Applications for the P.A. Class of 2027 are now being taken and must be received by our October 1, 2024 deadline.
Come and begin your journey towards a rewarding Physician Assistant career in West Virginia or anywhere you would like to practice here with us at West Liberty University. We can’t wait to meet you!
Being a PA student at WLU
Watch this “What’s Your Next” video to see what life is like as a PA student at West Liberty University. Follow one of our PA Alum, as he shows you the facilities, talks about his experience with faculty, and why he decided to pursue his PA studies at WLU.
Program Format
Year 1 (Begins in July)
- Four terms (11 and 12 weeks)
- 59 semester hours
Year 2
- Nine 5-week clinical rotations
- 46 semester hours
Professionalism
Qualities that are consistent with the standards set forth by ARC-PA, and medical practice:
- Integrity
- Cultural sensitivity
- Communication skills
- Commitment to life-long learning and service
- Practical knowledge
These are cornerstones within the physician assistant profession and are the framework upon which the West Liberty University program is based.
Cost of Attendance
| 2023-2024 PA In-state On Campus Financial Aid Cost of Attendance | Summer | Fall | Spring | Total |
| Tuition | $7,682.00 | $7,682.00 | $15,364.00 | $30,728.00 |
| Capital Fee (Tuition) | $200.00 | $200.00 | $400.00 | $800.00 |
| Parking | $10.00 | $40.00 | $40.00 | $90.00 |
| Housing | $2,610.00 | $2,610.00 | $5,220.00 | $10,440.00 |
| Food | $2,697.00 | $2,697.00 | $5,394.00 | $10,788.00 |
| Cable/Internet | $240.00 | $240.00 | $240.00 | $720.00 |
| Capital Fee (Housing) | $415.00 | $415.00 | $415.00 | $1,245.00 |
| Lab Coats/Scrubs | $500.00 | – | – | $4,300.00 |
| Diagnostic Equipment | $800.00 | – | – | |
| Books/Supplies | $900.00 | $700.00 | $1,400.00 | |
| Memberships | $500.00 | – | – | $640.00 |
| Background Check/Drug Screenings | $140.00 | – | – | |
| Personal Expenses | $858.00 | $858.00 | $1,716.00 | $3,432.00 |
| Loan Fee | $1,445.00 | $1,445.00 | $1,445.00 | $4,335.00 |
| Transportation | $968.00 | $967.00 | $1,934.00 | $3,869.00 |
| $19,965.00 | $17,854.00 | $33,568.00 | $71,387.00 | |
| PANCE Exam Fee | 2nd Year Students Only | $550.00 |
For more information visit the Business Office Website.
| 2023-2024 PA In-state Off Campus Financial Aid Cost of Attendance | Summer | Fall | Spring | Total |
| Tuition | $7,682.00 | $7,682.00 | $15,364.00 | $30,728.00 |
| Capital Fee (Tuition) | $200.00 | $200.00 | $400.00 | $800.00 |
| Parking | $10.00 | $40.00 | $40.00 | $90.00 |
| Housing | $2,610.00 | $2,610.00 | $5,220.00 | $10,440.00 |
| Food | $2,697.00 | $2,697.00 | $5,394.00 | $10,788.00 |
| Lab Coats/Scrubs | $500.00 | – | – | $4,300.00 |
| Diagnostic Equipment | $800.00 | – | – | |
| Books/Supplies | $900.00 | $700.00 | $1,400.00 | |
| Memberships | $500.00 | – | – | $640.00 |
| Background Check/Drug Screenings | $140.00 | – | – | |
| Personal Expenses | $858.00 | $858.00 | $1,716.00 | $3,432.00 |
| Loan Fee | $1,445.00 | $1,445.00 | $1,445.00 | $4,335.00 |
| Transportation | $968.00 | $967.00 | $1,934.00 | $3,869.00 |
| $19,310.00 | $17,199.00 | $32,913.00 | $69,422.00 | |
| PANCE Exam Fee | 2nd Year Students Only | $550.00 |
For more information please visit Business Office Webpage.
| 2023-2024 PA Out of State On Campus Financial Aid Cost of Attendance | Summer | Fall | Spring | Total |
| Tuition | $12,240.00 | $12,240.00 | $24,480.00 | $48,960.00 |
| Capital Fee (Tuition) | $200.00 | $200.00 | $400.00 | $800.00 |
| Parking | $10.00 | $40.00 | $40.00 | $90.00 |
| Housing | $2,610.00 | $2,610.00 | $5,220.00 | $10,440.00 |
| Food | $2,697.00 | $2,697.00 | $5,394.00 | $10,788.00 |
| Cable/Internet | $240.00 | $240.00 | $240.00 | $720.00 |
| Capital Fee (Housing) | $415.00 | $415.00 | $415.00 | $1,245.00 |
| Lab Coats/Scrubs | $500.00 | – | – | $4,300.00 |
| Diagnostic Equipment | $800.00 | – | – | |
| Books/Supplies | $900.00 | $700.00 | $1,400.00 | |
| Memberships | $500.00 | – | – | $640.00 |
| Background Check/Drug Screenings | $140.00 | – | – | |
| Personal Expenses | $858.00 | $858.00 | $1,716.00 | $3,432.00 |
| Loan Fee | $1,445.00 | $1,445.00 | $1,445.00 | $4,335.00 |
| Transportation | $968.00 | $967.00 | $1,934.00 | $3,869.00 |
| $24,523.00 | $22,412.00 | $42,684.00 | $89,619.00 | |
| PANCE Exam Fee | 2nd Year Students Only | $550.00 |
For more information please visit Business Office Webpage.
| 2023-2024 PA Out of State Off Campus Financial Aid Cost of Attendance | Summer | Fall | Spring | Total |
| Tuition | $12,240.00 | $12,240.00 | $24,480.00 | $48,960.00 |
| Capital Fee (Tuition) | $200.00 | $200.00 | $400.00 | $800.00 |
| Parking | $10.00 | $40.00 | $40.00 | $90.00 |
| Housing | $2,610.00 | $2,610.00 | $5,220.00 | $10,440.00 |
| Food | $2,697.00 | $2,697.00 | $5,394.00 | $10,788.00 |
| Lab Coats/Scrubs | $500.00 | – | – | $4,300.00 |
| Diagnostic Equipment | $800.00 | – | – | |
| Books/Supplies | $900.00 | $700.00 | $1,400.00 | |
| Memberships | $500.00 | – | – | $640.00 |
| Background Check/Drug Screenings | $140.00 | – | – | |
| Personal Expenses | $858.00 | $858.00 | $1,716.00 | $3,432.00 |
| Loan Fee | $1,445.00 | $1,445.00 | $1,445.00 | $4,335.00 |
| Transportation | $968.00 | $967.00 | $1,934.00 | $3,869.00 |
| $23,868.00 | $21,757.00 | $42,029.00 | $87,654.00 | |
| PANCE Exam Fee | 2nd Year Students Only | $550.00 |
For more information please visit Business Office Webpage.
Admissions Requirements for Class of 2027 (classes begin July, 2025)
Admission decisions are based on the evaluation of the applicant’s academic record, personal statement, previous medical experience, letters of recommendation, and the formal interview (see prerequisites).
More about Physician Assistants
A physician assistant (PA) is a state licensed healthcare professional who practices medicine with physician collaboration. PAs are able to perform an extensive range of medical services from entry-level primary care to highly technical specialty procedures in nearly every medical and surgical healthcare setting. In some rural and underserved communities, PAs may serve as the primary providers of healthcare.
Because of the close working relationship that PAs have with physicians, PAs are educated in a medical school model. The original concept was to train PAs as primary care providers who could practice with the collaboration and direction but not necessarily in the presence, of a physician. Primary care remains the foundation of physician assistant education and training, while specialty training is obtained on-the-job or with some post-graduate clinical programs.
All PAs must graduate from a nationally accredited (ARC-PA) program, pass a national certification exam (NCCPA) and be licensed by a state medical board before being able to practice with physician collaboration. Collaboration standards are controlled by legislation and medical licensing boards and vary from state to state. Further, to maintain national certification, PAs must log 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and sit for a re-certification exam every ten years.
Your Future as a Physician Assistant
Percent Change in Employment, projected 2020-30
source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physician-assistants.htm#tab-6
Contact
Physician Assistant Studies Program
Phone: 304-336-5098
Fax: 304-336-8868
EMAIL: paprogram@westliberty.edu
Find out more
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