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)
Ranked #4 for Best Online Physician Assistant Degree Program by intelligent.com (2021)
*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.
- International applicants are required to use the following credential evaluation services: Foreign Credential Service of America (FCSA) or World Education Services (WES). Applicants are required to select the course-by-course report option – general reports will not suffice.
To view a list of application deadlines and program contacts for our traditional programs, click here.
| Graduate | ||||
| Resident | Non-Resident* | |||
| Hours | Fall or Spring | Summer Session (each) | Fall or Spring | Summer Session (each) |
| 1 | 677.13 | 539.63 | 1,085.13 | 947.63 |
| 2 | 1,079.26 | 941.76 | 1,895.26 | 1,757.76 |
| 3 | 1,481.39 | 1,343.89 | 2,705.39 | 2,567.89 |
| 4 | 1,883.52 | 1,746.02 | 3,515.52 | 3,378.02 |
| 5 | 2,285.65 | 2,148.15 | 4,325.65 | 4,188.15 |
| 6 | 2,687.78 | 2,550.28 | 5,135.78 | 4,998.28 |
| 7 | 3,089.91 | 2,952.41 | 5,945.91 | 5,808.41 |
| 8 | 3,492.04 | 3,354.54 | 6,756.04 | 6,618.54 |
| 9 | 3,894.17 | 3,756.67 | 7,566.17 | 7,428.67 |
| 10 | 4,296.30 | 4,158.80 | 8,376.30 | 8,238.80 |
| 11 | 4,698.43 | 4,560.93 | 9,186.43 | 9,048.93 |
| 12 | 5,100.56 | 4,963.06 | 9,996.56 | 9,859.06 |
Fees included above:
- University Services Fee - $38.10 per hour ($457.20 maximum)
- Student Services Fee - $5.83 per hour ($69.96 maximum)
- Intercollegiate Athletics Fee - $15.00 per hour ($180.00 maximum)
- Recreation Fee ‐ $75 per Fall or Spring; $37.50 per summer term
- Medical Services Fee ‐ $30 per Fall or Spring; $15 per summer term
- Student Union Fee ‐ $30 per Fall or Spring; $15 per summer term
All resident tuition and mandatory fees shown above remain the same for hours over 20. Add $408 nonresident tuition for each hour over 20.
*Includes nonresident statutory tuition charges set by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and subject to annual change.
Total does not include Lab and Supplemental Instruction Fees which vary by course.
Differential Tuition:
Additional tuition will be charged for upper division undergraduate and graduate courses in the following disciplines.
| College or School | Courses | Rate |
| Robert C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship | All Disciplines | $30 per hour (up to $360) |
| College of Engineering & Computer Science | All Disciplines | $50 per hour (up to $600) |
| College of Health Professions | Communication Disorders | $20 per hour (up to $240) |
| Occupational Therapy | $20 per hour (up to $240) | |
| Physician Assistant Studies | $25 per hour (up to $300) | |
| School of Nursing | Nursing (undergraduate) | $30 per hour (up to $360) |
| Nursing (graduate) | $20 per hour (up to $240) |
Repeated Hours Tuition:
$250 per hour is added for resident undergraduates attempting a class for the third and subsequent times.
Excessive Hours Tuition:
$100 per hour is added for resident undergraduates when the hours previously attempted exceed applicable limits.
Click here to view the program's course requirements from the current catalog.
