Physician Assistant Studies MSPAS
Degree: MSPAS
Location(s): Rhode Island
Start Date: June
Length: 2 years
Credits: 104
Become a Patient-Centered Clinician
Becoming an effective clinician involves more than understanding body systems and drug interactions: It requires active listening and empathy. JWU’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) focuses on training healthcare professionals who treat the whole patient.
Our curriculum will prepare you to meet the complex needs of patients — and to develop the critical thinking skills to integrate seamlessly into a collaborative, patient-centered medical team. You’ll study at our Center for Physician Assistant Studies, a fully-customized space that contains everything you’ll need to strengthen your skills, collaborate with your peers and grow into your profession as a practitioner.
Enrollment is limited to 36 students each year, and classes begin each June.
Individual states may require specific licensing or professional certification in addition to earning a degree in order to practice in the field. Review Licensure & Professional Certification Disclosures for more information.
Admission is contingent upon meeting the technical standards for this program.
Learn in Our Innovative Facility
JWU’s PA Studies program is housed in the LEED-certified Center for Physician Assistant Studies, an 18,000-square-foot facility dedicated to the health sciences and located in Providence’s Knowledge District.
Program Structure
- The first 12 months of the program are devoted to preclinical didactic studies.
- Work sequentially through each body system course to learn the physiology, pathophysiology, clinical medicine, evidence-based medicine, diagnostic skills and treatment specific to that system.
- Your second 12 months focus on applying knowledge during clinical experiences in primary care and medical and surgical specialties.
Course Sequence
- Didactic year courses cycle through body/anatomic systems, patient care and physical examination skills.
- Your clinical year progresses through 9 clinical rotations spanning 5 weeks and occurring at off-campus clinical sites.
- The Master’s Course (PAS6800) runs in parallel to the rotations and helps prepare students for the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination (PANCE). PAS6800 concludes with a cumulative evaluation ensuring professionalism and entry-level readiness.
PA Students on JWU’s ‘Right Fit’ Program
Aurora DiMarco ’20, ’24 MSPAS (pictured inset) completed her undergraduate degree in Biology at JWU, so she knew it was a supportive place in which to learn. When she decided to pursue becoming a PA, she didn’t have to look far for her program:
“The people and the school made JWU’s PA program my #1 choice. I knew that JWU would be the right fit for me.”
What swayed her the most? “I love the small class sizes. I have built personal, lifelong relationships with professors and mentors, and I am so grateful that I found a home here in Providence.”
Join a Growing Profession
Top-ranked MSPAS in Rhode Island
28%
anticipated job growth between 2023-2033
according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2024 Occupational Outlook
New Combined MPH/MSPAS
Receive two degrees in 36 months: a One-Year Master of Public Health (MPH) and a two-year Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS). Beginning in Summer 2027, students taking this three-year, 149-credit, full-time program will receive a broad foundation in the determinants of public health practice and healthcare delivery.
Graduate Health Programs Earn National Recognition
JWU’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program was ranked among the top 30% of programs nationwide by U.S. News & World Report, making it the highest-ranked PA program in Rhode Island.
Program Contact
Katie Spolidoro
Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions
401-598-2381
katie.spolidoro@admissions.jwu.edu