M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies

Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University’s Physician Assistant (PA) Program is a two-year graduate professional program consisting of 103 semester credit hours that emphasizes basic medicine and clinical methods. The program will prepare its graduates to be certified and licensed to practice as physician assistants under a practicing physician’s supervision. The program aims to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to respond positively to the challenges and opportunities of future trends in healthcare delivery. Learning methodologies include traditional lecture, problem-based learning, small group projects, role-playing, use of standardized patients, case-based problem solving, and hands-on work in the patient simulation lab. The program’s focus is on higher-order learning that will prepare PA students for critical thinking, ethical decision making, and the synthesis and judgment of problems based on the biopsychosocial model. PA students will need to be insightful and aware of their own professional roles and limitations, as well as the needs, styles, and values of patients, and those of other health professionals. They should aspire to be life-long learners of the art and science of medicine, as well as active learners who ask questions, uncover meaning, and make decisions.

College of Health and Human Services