Department of Physician Assistant Studies
Prepare for a career as a physician assistant through West Liberty University’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. Gain the clinical knowledge and hands-on experience to deliver patient-centered care across diverse healthcare settings.
Advance your future
in healthcare
West Liberty University’s Physician Assistant Studies program prepares future physician assistants through a 24-month graduate curriculum that blends medical science, clinical reasoning, professional development, and patient care experiences. Students learn in a supportive environment that emphasizes personalized instruction, experiential learning, and preparation for successful professional practice.
Degrees Offered
- Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS)
Degree
Pathways
West Liberty University offers a focused graduate pathway designed to prepare students for physician assistant practice through didactic coursework, laboratory experiences, and supervised clinical education. The program emphasizes professionalism, communication, cultural sensitivity, and lifelong learning while preparing graduates to serve diverse patient populations.
The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies is a 24-month graduate program consisting of a didactic year followed by a clinical year. Students complete foundational and applied medical science coursework before participating in nine supervised clinical rotations across a variety of healthcare settings.
Ideal if you want to:
- Practice medicine in collaboration with physicians
- Diagnose and treat patients across diverse populations
- Gain extensive hands-on clinical experience
- Serve rural, underserved, and community-based populations
- Build a rewarding career in a growing healthcare profession
Facilities & Clinical
Learning Environment
Learn through hands-on medical education
Students gain practical experience through medical science laboratories, clinical skills training, and supervised clinical rotations that reinforce classroom learning and prepare them for professional practice.
Facilities & Technology Include:
- Human anatomy and physiology laboratories
- Applied medical science laboratories
- Clinical skills instruction and assessment experiences
- Evidence-based medicine and medical literature review activities
- Nine supervised clinical rotations with licensed preceptors
- Interprofessional and patient-centered learning opportunities
Students benefit from immersive learning experiences that strengthen clinical judgment, communication skills, and confidence before entering professional practice.
Careers in
Physician Assistant Studies
Career Paths
Physician Assistant Studies graduates from West Liberty University are prepared for diverse career paths, including:
- Family Medicine Physician Assistant
- Internal Medicine Physician Assistant
- Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant
- Surgical Physician Assistant
- Orthopedic Physician Assistant
- Pediatrics Physician Assistant
- Women’s Health Physician Assistant
- Cardiology Physician Assistant
- Urgent Care Physician Assistant
- Rural and Community Physician Assistant
Graduates provide essential healthcare services, improve access to medical care, and make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
PA Program
Mission & Goals
The mission of the WLU PA Studies Program is to deliver exceptional education to PA candidates, preparing them to be integral members of the collaborative healthcare team. Through our commitment to individualized education, we aim to develop compassionate and competent professionals who provide empathetic care to all patient populations, with a particular focus on underserved areas.
PA Program Goals:
- Prepare PA candidates with the medical knowledge, professional skills, and clinical reasoning abilities necessary to provide competent and evidence-based care.
- Promote professional behavior, teamwork, collaboration, and effective communication.
- Foster engagement within the WLU PA program and local communities with a focus on West Virginia.
- Support the development of empathy, cultural sensitivity, and patient-centered care.
Graduate
Competencies
PA Program Learning Outcomes:
- Apply medical knowledge in the clinical care of patients.
- Demonstrate interpersonal skills and communication skills appropriate to the situation and individuals.
- Demonstrate clinical and technical skills in the care of patients.
- Exhibit professional behaviors consistently and adhere to ethical standards.
- Demonstrate clinical reasoning and problem-solving to make evidence-informed patient-care decisions.
Student Resources
& Engagement
Students and alumni benefit from a wide range of departmental resources and engagement opportunities, including:
- Dedicated faculty mentorship
- Small cohort learning environment
- Clinical placement experiences
- Licensed clinical preceptors
- Career preparation and professional networking opportunities
- NCCPA certification exam preparation
- Alumni engagement opportunities
- Access to healthcare and medical education resources
- Personalized academic support
- Interprofessional learning experiences
Contact the
Department
Have questions about programs, admissions, or career pathways? Our faculty and advisors are here to help you take the next step.
Physician Assistant Program
College of Sciences
West Liberty University
208 University Drive, CUB 173
West Liberty, WV 26074
Phone: 304-336-5098
Fax: 304-336-8868
Email: paprogram@westliberty.edu
Become A
Hilltopper
West Liberty University is a place where you can pursue your dreams and prepare for the future. With more than 60 programs, a vibrant campus life, small classes, and an affordable cost, the quality education you’ll get at West Liberty is like no other.