First Five-Year, Entry Level Master's Degree for PAs
Emma Brinton recently graduated with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree. As a Duquesne University swimmer who competed in the U.S. Olympic trials, she credits her coaches and professors for the support needed to reach her bigger goals.
The Physician Assistant Studies program at Duquesne is the first-ever five-year, entry-level master's degree program in the nation. Because they are both teachers and active professionals, our faculty know this unique program can help you realize your goals.
Students like Emma become skilled health professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. Graduates are prepared to provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services in primary and specialty care in medical and surgical practice settings.
Hear from Emma Brinton
It's a tough balance to manage both athletics and academics successfully, but I received a ton of support from everyone at Duquesne
Why Choose Duquesne's Physician Assistant Program?
Preparing You For Anything
Students who complete the five-year curriculum earn both a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree and a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree. The program is completed in two phases. Pre-requisite courses throughout the three-year pre-professional phase provide the strong science background necessary for academic success in the accredited student phase. Pre-professional phase students meet with PA program faculty on a regular basis and have numerous opportunities to learn more about the program and the PA profession. Once the pre-professional phase is completed, students advance into the accredited phase of the program.
Our PA Program Stands Out
With over 800 successful graduates of the program, Duquesne University is recognized for educating highly qualified clinical practitioners. Our graduates perform exceptionally on the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination, and their clinical practice spans a variety of medical and surgical specialties. Guided by highly qualified and experienced faculty, students receive top-notch instruction in a state-of-the-art facility.
A Leading Model in PA Education
Duquesne's first-of-its-kind five-year program prepares students with the skills, experience and confidence to provide exceptional patient care—and we'll get you there in just five years. Though many PA programs across the country offer a master's degree, the few that offer an entry-level master's program require six or more years of education. Our five-year program gives you the education and experience you need to share your gifts with the world sooner than later.
The pre-professional component consists of 91 credits of humanities, basic sciences
and medical sciences. This educational component is completed in three academic calendar
years. The accredited component is completed over 27 months, consisting of 89 credits, and
is divided into two phases. Phase 1 is composed of 14 months of didactic and case-based courses in clinical and
behavioral sciences, clinical laboratory science, and applied clinical skills. Phase 2 consists of 12 months of Supervised Clinical Practice, in which students participate
in the evaluation and management of patients in a wide variety of clinical areas.
Students also participate in case-based coursework, as well as complete an evidence-based
medicine Master's project, suitable for publishing. Fall Semester - 16 credits Spring Semester - 15 credits Fall Semester - 17 credits Spring Semester - 15 credits Fall Semester - 14 credits Spring Semester - 14 credits Summer Semester - 13 credits Fall Semester - 17 credits Spring Semester - 18 credits Summer Semester - 11 credits Fall Semester - 12 credits Spring Semester - 9 credits Summer Semester - 9 credits All students are assigned the above eight clinical rotations. The order in which the
student completes each rotation may vary. For those students who do not choose to complete a full women's health rotation as
their elective or internal medicine specialty, each student must complete a 1 to 2-week
women's health experience to satisfy the clinical requirements. Students are not required to provide their clinical sites or preceptors. The Duquesne
University Physician Assistant Program takes full responsibility for site development
and maintenance. Students can recommend new sites for elective rotations and may provide
additional leads to the Clinical Coordinator. The Program takes full responsibility
for coordinating clinical sites and preceptors for all rotations.
Physician Assistant Program Curriculum
Below you will find detailed information about our curriculum semester-by-semester.
Course descriptions for all courses may be found in the University Catalogs.Curriculum by Academic Year
You can learn more about what physician assistants do by visiting this website. FAQs about the Physician Assistant Studies ProgramPhysician Assistant Informational Websites
Frequently Asked Questions
These expenses, such as medical equipment and white lab coats, are integral to the
student's professional development.
Students may also voluntarily choose to join PA professional organizations, including
the PSPA and AAPA. Student membership in these professional organizations provides
many advantages, including educational conferences, networking, and scholarship opportunities.
Professional liability insurance for students during the accredited phase of their
education is provided by Duquesne University at no additional cost.
Contact us!
Terri Critchfield
Donna Gobble
