Alumni
Graduate
News
Master of Physician Assistant Program
In our PA program, you can study to become a physician assistant in a supportive, student-centric environment that prioritizes hands-on practice.
24 Months
Earn your Master of Physician Assistant degree in 24 months
1 year of clinical rotations
Complete clinical rotations in your second year of the program to gain real-world experience
65,000 WCU Alumni
Join a community of alumni in diverse fields across the country
Master of Physician Assistant Program Highlights
Learn through a balance of classroom learning, skills labs, and clinical rotations
Practice using advanced technology, including virtual dissection tables
Study alongside students from other healthcare fields to develop interprofessional skills
Get individualized support as you prepare for your PA certification exam
Why Choose a Physician Assistant Program at WCU?
Our Master of Physician Assistant programs are designed for today’s students. Whether you study at our WCU-Texas campus or enroll in our hybrid program through the Center for Graduate Studies in Los Angeles, you’ll be learning in an engaging environment that combines a streamlined curriculum with one-on-one support.
Get hands-on practice at our technologically advanced clinical skills labs. Work through real-world scenarios to build confidence before you begin your clinical rotations. Leverage our comprehensive curriculum, interprofessional education, and experiential learning to prepare for a career as a well-rounded, practice-ready physician assistant.
Request Info
- Flexible online and campus programs
- 65,000 alumni across the globe
- Experienced faculty and staff
Personal Information you submit through our Sites, such as your name, address and other contact information, may be collected by West Coast University for internal marketing and development purposes as well as to respond to your inquiry, complete a transaction for you, or fulfill other forms of customer service. You can choose not to receive marketing from us by “unsubscribing” using the instructions in any marketing email you receive from us.
Overview: Master of Physician Assistant Program
Program Details
California Program
Hybrid – Online and On-Campus
108 Credits
24 Months
6 Trimesters
Texas Program
On-Campus
117 Credits
24 Months
6 Trimesters
Curriculum
The curriculum varied depending on whether you enroll in California or Texas. To view program details, please visit the program page for the campus you plan to attend:
Tuition & Financial Aid
How Much Does the Master of Physician Assistant 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. For a breakdown of the MPA program costs, visit the program page for the campus you wish to attend.
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.
Admission Requirements
To review the admission requirements for the MPA program, please visit the program page for the campus you plan to attend:
Academic Calendar
Academic terms begin in Spring, Summer, and Fall. To see a list of term start and completion dates, view the Academic Calendar.
WCU Campuses with the MPA Degree Program
Clinical Experiences
Learn by Doing
Our MPA programs provide you different opportunities to practice and master your skills.
- Supervised Clinical Practicum Experiences (SCPEs) – Gain real-world experience through our diverse range of healthcare partner facilities. Our clinical team will handle the logistics of your clinical placements.
- Advanced Clinical Skills Lab – Our Texas and California campuses have technologically advanced facilities where students collaborate and engage in clinical preparation exercises. In our simulation and patient exam spaces, students get to practice skills such as taking patient histories, performing physical exams, and communicating with patients and other healthcare staff.
Accreditation
Accreditation is a mark of quality that confirms our programs meet rigorous academic and professional standards. To learn more about our accreditation, please visit the program page for the campus you plan to attend:
Career Services
Support Through Every Step of Your Job Search
Don’t tackle the job search alone! Our Career Services department is here to offer individualized support every step of the way.1 Their services include:
- Help identifying job opportunities in your area
- Resume workshops
- Interview coaching
- Professional guidance and development
FAQs
What is the role of a physician assistant?
Physician assistants are clinicians who work on healthcare teams to deliver patient-centered care. They have comprehensive training that allows them to see patients across all types of healthcare specialties and settings.2
Through collaboration with a medical doctor, a PA is able to conduct physical exams, perform medical procedures, treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and much more, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Each state has its requirements for the level of doctor-PA collaboration that is needed.3
Because physician assistants have generalist medical training, they are able to provide treatment for a wide range of issues, allowing them to treat the “whole patient.”2
How long does it take to finish a PA program at WCU?
You can earn your Master of Physician Assistant degree in 24 months.
Do I need to have a science-based bachelor’s degree to get into one of WCU’s PA programs?
It is ideal for prospective students to have a science-based educational background. However, we accept PA students with all different types of bachelor’s degrees, not just those that are in the sciences.
Will I be able to use transfer credits in the program?
Our physician assistant programs do not allow for transfer credit.
Will I be able to get financial aid?
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify. It’s best to review your eligibility with a WCU financial aid advisor, who can help you explore options such as student loans, scholarships, grants, federal work-study, military tuition reduction, and employer reimbursement. Get more information on our Tuition and Financial Aid page.
1 WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.
2 American Academy of Physician Associates, “What is a PA?”
3 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Physician Assistants, “What They Do,”
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
Call
Info Session