Master's in Physician Assistant Studies

A Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) is a graduate-level program designed to train students to become highly qualified healthcare professionals. The program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and credentials necessary to provide primary care to patients while working under the supervision of a licensed physician.

The MSPAS program at the University of the Cumberlands can be completed in as little as 27 months. This includes both didactic coursework and clinical rotations, allowing students to gain comprehensive knowledge and practical experience in a relatively short period.

No, the MSPAS program at the University of the Cumberlands is offered on-campus at their Williamsburg and Northern Kentucky campuses. The program requires hands-on clinical training and laboratory work, which cannot be completed online.

Yes, a master’s in physician assistant studies is considered worth it due to the high demand for physician assistants, excellent job prospects, and competitive salaries. The average salary for a physician assistant is $121,530, with a projected industry growth of 31%, making it a lucrative and stable career choice.

With an MSPAS degree, you can work as a physician assistant in various specialties, including primary care, family medicine, emergency medicine, psychiatry, and surgery. PAs examine, diagnose, and treat patients, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medication, and educate patients and their families about medical conditions and treatments.

To get a master’s in physician assistant studies, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree and meet the prerequisite coursework and entrance exam requirements. After being accepted into an accredited MSPAS program, you will complete 113 credit hours of coursework and clinical rotations. Upon graduation, you must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) to become a certified physician assistant.

Click the NKY or Williamsburg tab above to find the prerequisites for the accredited physician assistant program from University of the Cumberlands.

Candidates may have their bachelor’s degree and/or prerequisites in progress, as long as both are complete prior to matriculation. The only exception is if students are admitted through the early admissions process at University of the Cumberlands (Pre-PA track).

All applicants must apply and follow the CASPA application guidelines. A University of the Cumberlands Supplemental application and $30 application fee are also required. The link to the supplemental application will be provided once your CASPA application has been verified.

• Williamsburg: Application cycle opens in April with the CASPA opening and closes August 1.
• Northern Kentucky: Application cycle opens October 1 and closes March 1.