MPA - Master of Physician Assistant - Texas

Program Mission Statement

The West Coast University MPA Program prepares students to excel as clinicians and leaders by providing them with opportunities to learn and adopt practice-ready knowledge, skills, and behaviors that are patient-centered, innovative, and embracing cultural humility, adaptability, and agility within the evolving, challenging, and ambiguous context of contemporary healthcare. We prepare professionals who will contribute to the advancement of the physician assistant profession through exemplar practice, life-long learning, and service within and across their healthcare communities.

Program Vision Statement

The West Coast University MPA Program seeks to be an innovative leader in PA education by offering the medical community intelligent and talented clinical providers who are well-prepared for the rapidly evolving, challenging, and ambiguous nature of contemporary healthcare.

Tools for Today’s Students

At WCU, our goal is to help you build both the skills and the confidence required to be an effective physician assistant. That’s why our Physician Assistant program in Dallas is designed to deliver a variety of innovative, hands-on learning experiences.

• Physician Assistant Center for Advanced Immersive Learning for comprehensive, collaborative, and clinical preparation exercises
• Immersive learning resources that include virtual dissection, augmented reality, and advanced 3D experiential platforms
• Simulation room equipped with high-fidelity manikins that mimic real-life physical functions
• Patient exam rooms for students to practice history taking, physical examination, and communication skills
• Real-world clinical experience with preceptors at our partner medical and hospital facilities

One-on-One Support

From the admissions process until beyond your last day of class, WCU aims to give you the support you need to earn your MPA degree. These are just some of the teams and resources available to you as a WCU student.

• Financial Aid – Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify. Our dedicated financial aid advisors can help you find the funding option that’s right for you.
• Clinical Team – Completing your clinical hours is an important part of your education, which is why our clinical team is available to help you find clinical sites.
• NCCPA Board Preparation – Get help preparing for your licensure exam to become a physician assistant.

Support Beyond Graduation

West Coast University supports its MPA students beyond the last day of class. We are committed to helping our graduates throughout their careers. Through our Career Service department, we provide ongoing assistance with professional and career development through workshops and guidance for our students and graduates of the MPA program in Dallas.

WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.

Program Learning Outcomes
(Competencies Required for Entry-Level Practice)

Upon successful completion of the WCU MPA program, a student acting in the capacity as an entry-level PA will be able to:

Medical Knowledge

1. Demonstrate acquisition of core medical knowledge to provide person-centric care for patients across the lifespan and in various clinical settings

Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving Abilities

2. Evaluate a patient effectively during a medical encounter through the proper selection and accurate interpretation of laboratory and diagnostic studies
3. Formulate a differential diagnosis based upon historical information, physical exam, laboratory, and diagnostic study findings
4. Design person-centric patient therapeutic management plans that consider cost, efficacy, possible adverse reactions, contraindications, monitoring, and referrals
5. Apply an evidence-based medicine approach that also considers the social determinants of health in patient care decisions

Clinical and Technical Skills

6. Elicit an accurate and pertinent medical history from patients
7. Perform a comprehensive or problem-focused physical exam adapted to the patient’s age and care needs
8. Perform medical and surgical procedures common to general medicine

Interpersonal Skills

9. Demonstrate interpersonal skills necessary to communicate clearly and effectively with patients/family members, and members of healthcare teams
10. Communicate the findings of a clinical encounter in appropriate and effective written and oral forms
11. Deliver evidence-based education and counseling to patients, and their family members regarding patient evaluation and care that includes principles of preventive care, public health, and health literacy

Professional Behaviors

12. Demonstrate professionalism including principles of sensitivity, respect, collaboration, accountability, cultural humility, and commitment to excellence in all interactions with patients, families, and members of the healthcare teams

Admission Requirements

A student applying for admission to a graduate program at West Coast University must:

1. Submit a completed application to WCU through Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).
2. Pay a non-refundable $75 application fee through WCU.
3. Submit original transcripts for all previous higher education through CASPA.
4. Participate in an admissions interview.
   1. Meet all requirements by the application deadline to be considered.
   2. Meet the program-specific admissions requirements.
   3. Complete the enrollment agreement if accepted to the program.

Program specific application requirements

1. 1. Obtain a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university, by October
   2. Complete all aspects of the CASPA application, including the personal statement and program-specific questions.
      1. List all college coursework taken (including foreign coursework and transcript evaluation from an approved agency on the CASPA application).
      2. Submit three letters of recommendation. These letters of recommendations must be able to provide feedback regarding your preparation for a profession in medicine, including professionalism, work ethic, ethics and character, and academic preparation. Letters of recommendation must come from the following: medical providers (MDs, DOs, PAs, etc.), professors, supervisors/employers, and/or mentors. Letters must not come from personal contacts such as family members, neighbors, personal medical providers, or religious leaders.
   3. Submit results of CASPer for non-academic attributes and/or people skills. acuityinsights.com
   4. Meet the technical standards for admission as follows:
      1. Candidates must be able to observe and participate in demonstrations and experiments in the basic sciences.
      2. Candidates must have sufficient use of the sensory, vision, hearing, motor, and somatic sensation necessary to perform a physical examination including point-of-care techniques.
      3. Candidates must be able to perform examination activities such as palpation, auscultation, percussion, the administration of intravenous medication, the application of pressure to stop bleeding, the opening of obstructed airways, and the movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the sense of touch and vision.
      4. Candidates must be able to learn to respond with precise, quick, and appropriate action in emergency situations.
      5. Candidates must have the interpersonal skills necessary to communicate with accuracy, clarity, efficiency, and sensitivity.
      6. Candidates must have the skills to be able to analyze and synthesize information, solve problems, and reach diagnostic and therapeutic judgments.
      7. Candidates must be able to acknowledge evaluation and respond appropriately.
      8. Candidates must possess the interpersonal skills to develop rapport and positive relationships with patients.
      9. Candidates must possess basic technology and digital literacy.
      10. Candidates are expected to possess the perseverance, diligence, and consistency to complete the PA program curriculum. Candidates, therefore, must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads, to function effectively under stress, to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility, and to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of many patients.
   5. Pre-admission academic standards:
      1. Have obtained a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution recognized by the United States Department of Education with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher and a Biology/Chemistry/Physics (BCP) grade point average of 2.7 or better. Competitive candidates exceed the minimum GPA.
      2. A minimum number of paid healthcare experience, shadowing, and/or volunteerism hours are not required for admittance into the program. However, a point value for volunteerism, paid healthcare experience, shadowing, and volunteerism is assigned during application review. It is to an applicant’s best interest to pursue 500 hours to be a competitive candidate.
      3. Must earn a “C” or better in all prerequisite courses and they must be completed within the last ten years.
      4. Baccalaureate degree and prerequisite courses must be completed by October 1 prior to matriculation.
      5. For prerequisite courses, advanced placement, transfer of credit, pass/no credit, CLEP or credit for experiential learning will not be accepted.
   6. Applicants for the Master of Physician Assistant- Dallas program must have completed prerequisite coursework from a regionally accredited higher education institution in the United States.
   7. Required Prerequisite Courses:
      1. Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II with lab (6 semester credits or 8 quarter credits) OR Human Anatomy with lab (3 semester credits or 4 quarter credits) AND Human Physiology with lab (3 semester credits or 4 quarter credits)
      2. General Chemistry I and II with lab (6 semester credits or 8 quarter credits)
      3. Microbiology with lab (3 semester credits or 4 quarter credits)
      4. Human Genetics (3 semester credits or 4 quarter credits)
      5. Organic Chemistry with lab (3 semester credits or 4 quarter credits)
      6. Biochemistry (3 semester credits or 4 quarter credits)
      7. Statistics (3 semester credits or 4 quarter credits)
   7. 3 Letters of Recommendations

Program Interview

Interview invitations are extended to the most competitive applicants for admission. Exact dates will be communicated to candidates with an offer to interview.

Interviewees will be evaluated on their performance on the following interview activities: individual interview, group interview (activity), writing sample (essay), and video introduction.

International Applicants

International applicants who are not U.S. citizens and who are living in the U.S. must be prepared to provide proof of legal U.S. residency during the application process. Applicants must provide proof of legal U.S. residency prior to any offer of acceptance.

International Applicants with a degree earned outside the U.S. must meet the following criteria:

1. Submit your foreign degree coursework for a transcript evaluation by World Education Services (WES), submitted through CASPA.
2. All required prerequisite courses must be taken at a regionally accredited U.S. higher education institution and be verifiable through official transcripts.
3. Official TOEFL scores submitted to CASPA with a minimum score of 100 (Internet-based) AND at least 25 in each section (reading, listening, speaking, and writing). TOEFL scores are only valid for two years.

Transfer Policy

The Master of Physician Assistant- Dallas program does not allow for transfer credit.

Advanced Placement Policy

Advanced placement is defined as a waiver of required professional coursework in the MPA program, and will not be granted under any circumstance. All students who enter the program must fulfill all program requirements. All courses within the curriculum are required. No transfer credit is accepted. No credit is granted for pre-admission experiential learning, prior coursework, degrees, certifications, or advanced training.

Candidate Seat Deposit

Applicants are conditionally accepted to the Master of Physician Assistant program until a non-refundable $250.00 good faith payment for a Seat Deposit has been submitted. The Seat Deposit is not a separate charge but will be credited to the program costs should the student not cancel their enrollment. The University will retain the full amount of this deposit should the student cancel their enrollment at any time, for any reason. Seat Deposits may be paid by credit card, debit card, money order, or cashier’s check made payable to West Coast University. A Seat Deposit will be collected for each enrollment and cannot be applied to or carried over to enrollments for other programs or start terms. At their discretion, the Executive Director may refund the full Seat Deposit for unusual or unexpected circumstances that would warrant a full refund.

Master of Physician Assistant – Program Requirements

1. Obtain background clearance.*
2. Undergo one or more comprehensive drug screening tests.*
3. Strict adherence to the Bloodborne Pathogens Policy and Exposure Control Plan.
4. Submit documentation of immunizations, vaccinations, and tuberculosis clearance.*
5. Provide and maintain a current Basic Life Support (BLS).*
6. Expect the hours and days to vary depending on the trimester schedule.
7. Expect the clinical year schedule to be variable, final, and non-negotiable. If a student refuses a clinical assignment, the student may be dismissed from the program.

*Information regarding these requirements is provided during the application process and at the program orientation.

MPA Curriculum

Physician Assistant Courses

Program Goals Metrics and Benchmarks

Leadership

Develop student passion for leading in the delivery of team-based compassionate care evidenced by a commitment to learning, service, collaboration, and resiliency.

How: Audit of the student portfolio for participation in community service and leadership opportunities.

The WCU MPA Program strives for 90% of students that have completed a community-service or leadership opportunity prior to graduation.

Data: 100% of the graduating class completed a community-service or leadership opportunity prior to graduation.

Collaboration and Accountability

Create physician assistant clinical leaders who are entry-level practice-ready and can serve as part of the healthcare team.

How: Graduate data information from alumni survey.

The WCU Master of Physician Assistant Program strives to have 90% of graduates employed as a Physician Assistant within one year of graduation.

Data: We will update with our inaugural cohort data in 2025

Competency

Prepare graduates for the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination (PANCE), who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary for excellent medical practice.

How: Physician Assistant National Certification Exam (PANCE) first-time taker pass rate.

The WCU MPA Program strives to have a PANCE first- time pass rate equal to or greater than the national average. The five-year first-time test taker summary report will be uploaded here upon completion of the PANCE by our first cohort.

Data: PANCE Exam Performance Summary

Innovation and Student Centricity

Provide an academic and clinical curriculum that utilizes innovative technologies and diverse opportunities to engage students’ full capacity as learners with student-centered instruction that leads to program completion.

How: Program Exit Survey data.

The WCU MPA Program strives for 90% of students graduating from the program and 90% of respondents on the program Exit Survey rate the program as innovative and student centric.

Data: 98% of students graduated from the program
96% of students rated the program as innovative
98% of students rated the program as student centric

Master of Physician Assistant Program Clinical Requirements

1. Obtain background clearance.*
2. Undergo a drug screening.*
3. Strict adherence to the Bloodborne Pathogens Policy and Exposure Control Plan.
4. Submit documentation of immunizations, vaccinations, tuberculosis clearance.*
5. Provide and maintain a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.*
6. Expect the hours and days to vary depending on the trimester schedule.
7. Expect the trimester schedule to be final and non-negotiable.  If a student refuses a clinical assignment, the student will be dismissed from the program.

*Information regarding these requirements is provided during the application process and at the program orientation.

Clinical Rotations

Students are not required to provide or solicit clinical sites or preceptors. Clinical site coordination is completed by the WCU clinical team, which is responsible for identifying, contacting, and evaluating sites and preceptors for suitability as a required or elective supervised clinical practice experience.

Master of Physician Assistant Program Accreditation Disclosure

The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the West Coast University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by West Coast University.

Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appears to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation.  Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.

Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status.  It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class.  The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website.

Master of Physician Assistant Program Licensure Disclosure

To become a certified PA (PA-C), one must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).  In addition, students must obtain state medical board registration/licensure.  The licensure requirements will vary from state to state.

A PA may not begin working as a Physician Assistant in most states until he/she has successfully passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) AND has been licensed/registered by the state in which they practice.  There may be exceptions for certain state licensures or for federal employment, such as the military and Veterans Administration.  Failure to complete all necessary steps may constitute practicing medicine without a medical license.  Upon graduation, students are responsible for ensuring they obtain all required and licenses and certifications.  West Coast University is not responsible for registration or licensing; the student is solely responsible for all such requirements and verifying proper authorizations to practice medicine have been obtained.

Health Insurance Requirement

Students enrolled in the MPA program will be required to provide evidence of health insurance prior to participation in clinical experiences.  Participation in all clinical experience courses is required to complete the program.

Physician Assistant National Certifying Examinations

Five-year First-Time Test Taker Summary Report

View Report

WCU MPA TX Program Attrition Table

*Attrition rate calculation: Number of students who attrited from cohort divided by the entering class size.

**Graduation rate: Number of cohort graduates divided by the entering class size.

How Much Does The Master of Physician Assistant, Dallas MPA Program Cost?

We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.

Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of Master of Physician Assistant, Dallas MPA tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the MPA program costs in Master of Physician Assistant, Dallas at West Coast University.

We offer several financial aid options – including scholarships, grants, and loan access – to help support you through your studies.

For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.

The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the West Coast University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by West Coast University.

Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation. Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.

Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class. The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website.

You can find a list of our program administrators and full-time faculty members on the online catalog.