About the Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Welcome from the Program Director
As the Program Director, I am honored to lead a dedicated team of educators, practitioners, and scholars who are committed to providing a transformative educational experience rooted in evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration, and lifelong learning.
Our aim is to be a national leader in PA education, known for our innovative curriculum, rigorous academic standards, and commitment to humanism. We strive to empower our students to become compassionate, competent, and ethical healthcare providers who are prepared to meet the evolving needs of a dynamic healthcare landscape.
As we embark on this journey together, let us embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead with determination, resilience, and a shared commitment to excellence. Together, we will continue to uphold the highest standards of academic rigor, clinical proficiency, and ethical conduct that have long been the hallmark of our program.
Whether you are a prospective student exploring your educational options, a current student navigating your academic journey, an alumna or alumnus making a difference in your community, or a supporter of our program’s mission, we invite you to explore our website and learn more about what sets us apart.
Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare, one exceptional PA at a time.
Sincerely,
Amber Singletary, DMSc, MSHS, PA-C
Program Director, Department of Physician Assistant Education
Curriculum
The WesternU PA Program is a 24-month, full-time graduate professional degree program designed to be taken over six consecutive semesters with a curriculum emphasis on primary care medicine and clinical methods. The program operates within the College of Health Sciences and trains learners to become ethical, compassionate, and competent healthcare providers while preparing them for certification and licensing as graduate PAs. A Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) degree is awarded upon successful program completion.
Classes begin in August of each year matriculating up to max class size of 98 students. It is important to note that all courses must be taken at WesternU while enrolled in the Physician Assistant Program to count toward a student’s MSPAS degree. Currently, the WesternU PA Program does not award or grant advanced placement. Under no circumstances will graduate-level courses taken during a student’s undergraduate education, or at any time prior to beginning the Physician Assistant Program, count towards the MSPAS degree. For example, if a student takes the required Applied Anatomy prior to his/her first semester in the PA Program, the course will not count towards his/her MSPAS degree and the student will be required to retake the course as part of his/her PA education. Furthermore, transfer credits will not be accepted.
Total number of credits for PA program is 100.5 units.
Didactic year
The didactic year is twelve (12) months beginning in August of each year and provides students with a firm background in basic medical science, stressing the importance of patient interaction and teamwork in medicine through courses such as adult medicine, pediatrics, pathophysiology, physical assessment, pharmacology, and clinical skills. Didactic instruction is primarily delivered by Physician Assistants. Physicians may also lecture based upon skill set.
Clinical year
The clinical year is twelve (12) months and consists of nine (9), five (5) week-long Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPEs). SCPEs occur with physicians who are specialty board certified in their area of instruction, NCCPA certified PAs, and other licensed health care providers qualified in their area of instruction. Students will participate in callback activities on the Monday and Friday of the fifth week of each rotation or as needed.
Students entering into the PA program are not required to provide or solicit their own clinical sites or preceptors. All clinical sites will be assigned by the clinical education department.
Required SCPEs
- Family Medicine
- Internal Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Women’s Health
- Behavioral Health
- Emergency Medicine
- General Surgery
- Selective I
- Selective II
vSCPE Rotation Settings
- Emergency Department
- Inpatient
- Outpatient
- Operating Room
Student Life in the Physician Assistant Department at WesternU
As a student in the PA program at WesternU, you will have access to all of the wonderful student resources and events available on campus and in the surrounding communities. As you start your clinical rotations, we will connect you with the many prestigious clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities in the area to receive experience working in diverse settings throughout the regional area.
Available Careers as a Physician Assistant
Our curriculum will prepare you to become a well-rounded PA with expertise in many fields and duties. After all, what is a physician assistant without the training and compassion needed to serve their patients? As a physician assistant, you will work interdependently with physicians to provide a wide variety of diagnostic and therapeutic patient care.
One of the best parts of graduating from the PA program at WesternU is the freedom to work in diverse settings—including private physician offices, hospitals, nursing homes, community health centers, schools, correctional institutions, and federal government agencies. When you join the Physician Assistant program at WesternU, you won’t just be preparing for a career doing what you love and helping patients recover and remain healthy. You’ll also be entering one of the fastest-growing career fields in the country. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for physician assistants is predicted to grow by 28 percent by 2033—more than quadruple the average growth for all other occupations.
American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) Job Central
Western University PA Program Highlights
From the PA Alumni:
- 1 became a California Academy of Physician Associates (CAPA) President
- 2 became California elected CAPA Student Representative Board Member
- 3 became CAPA elected Board members
- 1 became a Florida State PA Academy President
- 1 became a member of the California Physician Associates Committee
From the PA Faculty:
- 2 became CAPA presidents
- 1 became CAPA vice president
- 4 became CAPA board members
- 5 became involved in various American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) committees or subcommittees