The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Graduate College Division of Research, Graduate Studies & New Program Development
Physician Assistant Studies Bridge Program (MPAS)
Physician Assistant Studies Bridge Program (MPAS)
The Master in Physician Assistant Studies Bridge Program (MPAS) curriculum is a web-based program that enables a practicing physician assistants with a Bachelor’s degree to obtain a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies allowing the physician assistant to remain in their community while completing their course of study. The degree awarded at the completion of the Bridge Program will be a professional Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS).
While enrolled in the Bridge Program, each student will enroll in three clinical tracks (four weeks each) and the research experience course. The emphasis of the clinical tracks is to encourage life-long learning in the area of the professional competencies as agreed on by our professional organizations.
Ranked #1 for Best Online Physician Assistant Programs by Edumed.org (2020)
*This program is offered 100% ONLINE
Step #1: Submit a UTRGV Graduate Application at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply. The university application fee of $50 ($100 for International Applicants) can be paid online by credit card or electronic check (in the online application). All application fees are nonrefundable.
Step #2: Request your official transcripts to be sent electronically to gradapps@utrgv.edu or mailed to:
Review and submit all Program Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Physician Assistant Studies from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or a recognized international equivalent.
- Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
- Official transcripts from each institution attended (must be submitted directly to UTRGV).
- Current license to practice as a Physician Assistant.
- Current NCCPA certification.
- Be employed as a Physician Assistant (for clinical hours participation).
- Must have medical malpractice insurance.
- Letter of reference from their supervising physician agreeing to precept the Physician Assistant.
- Cleared Criminal Background Check (fee non-refundable).
Students whose native language is not English or who studied at a University outside the U.S.:
- TOEFL or IELTS Language Proficiency Test with minimum scores: 550 on paper-based, 213 on computer based, or 79 on Internet-based for the TOEFL; 6.5 for the IELTS. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for 2 years. For additional information, visit the Additional Documents for Domestic Applicants who Attend Foreign Universities section of our website.
- Certified English translation of educational records.
Program Coordinator: Lisa Kuhn
Phone: (956) 665-7049
Office: Edinburg Campus, HABE 2.136
E-Mail: lisa.kuhn@utrgv.edu
Deadlines:
Applications will be accepted year round and prospective students are encouraged to apply at least 2 months before classes start to ensure a timely application review. Applying early will also give prospective students the best opportunity to be considered for scholarships and other possible funding opportunities.
*Note: This program only admits applicants during Fall, Spring and Summer I semesters.
| Residency | Total Estimated Cost |
| Texas Resident | $5,100.56 |
| Non-Resident/International | $11,644.56 |
*We estimate that tuition and fees will closely approximate the rates shown above; however, rates are subject to change. Please note that the rates above are estimated for on-campus students and those enrolled in 16-week online programs. The rate is different for Accelerated Online Programs (AOP). Visit the tuition and fees page for detailed information.
| Required Courses | 16 |
| PHAS 7415: Bridge Clinical Track I | 4 |
| PHAS 7416: Bridge Clinical Track II | 4 |
| PHAS 7417: Bridge Clinical Track III | 4 |
| PHAS 7418: Bridge Research Experience | 4 |
The Bridge Master of Science Physician Assistant Studies is designed for the graduated Physician Assistant to advance their undergraduate PA degree to the Master’s degree. This is a distance learning/online program, allowing graduates to continue working while earning their master’s.
Course Descriptions:
PHAS 7415: Bridge Clinical Track IThis is an advanced clinical course designed to augment and update the existing clinical skills and knowledge of the primary care Physician Assistant. Learning objectives will focus on increasing the core competencies for the PA profession with focus on the medical knowledge competency in the area of medical concentration track the student has chosen.
PHAS 7416: Bridge Clinical Track II
This is an advanced clinical course designed to augment and update the existing clinical skills and knowledge of the primary care Physician Assistant. Upon completing this course, students will be able to understand and clinically apply the core competencies of interpersonal and communication skills as well as patient care in the area of medical concentration track the student has chosen. Evaluation of advanced case studies and discussions highlight this area of concentration.
PHAS 7417: Bridge Clinical Track III
This is an advanced clinical course designed to augment and update the existing clinical skills and knowledge of the primary care Physician Assistant. Upon completing this course, students will be able to understand and clinically apply practice base and system base practice competencies in the area of medical concentration track the student has chosen. Evaluation of “best practice” case studies and discussions highlight this area of concentration.
PHAS 7418: Bridge Research Experience
This course acquaints the student with the philosophy and principles of the research process with emphasis on scientific methods of inquiry. Students will have the opportunity to evaluate current literature from the medical journals in light of research design and data collection. This course introduces student to the concepts of evidence‐based medicine and medical research design, while stressing the examination of evidence from clinical research as a basis for clinical decision‐making. Physician Assistant students learn how to construct well‐built clinical questions based on patient problems and to perform medical literature searching strategies that yield optimal results. As a capstone, students research and prepare a written paper on a topic of relevance to clinical medicine using the principles of evidence‐based medicine. Students utilize data gathered during their clinical Track I, II, and III senior capstone (PHAS 7415, 7417, and 7418) to plan, formulate, write and report their findings.
