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:
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the graduate program in physician assistant studies, prospective candidates must first meet all requirements for graduate admission to UT Rio Grande Valley, as well as the other requirements listed below:
- 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 in the last 60 semester credit hours.
- 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.
Additional requirements for domestic applicants who attended foreign universities:
- For additional information, visit the Additional Documents for Domestic Applicants who Attend Foreign Universities section of our website.
Additional requirements for international applicants:
- For additional information, visit the International Admission page of our website.
To view a list of application deadlines and program contacts for our traditional programs, click here.
| Fall 2021-Summer 2022 Rates Tuition and Mandatory Fees | ||||
| Graduate | ||||
| Resident | Non-Resident* | |||
| Number of graduate course(s) (hours per course) |
Fall or Spring | Summer Session (each) | Fall or Spring | Summer Session (each) |
| One graduate course (3 hours a semester) |
$1,584.89 | $1,437.79 | $2,808.89 | $2,661.79 |
| Two graduate courses (6 hours a semester) |
$2,875.58 | $2,728.48 | $5,323.58 | $5,176.48 |
| Three graduate courses (9 hours a semester) |
$4,166.27 | $4,019.17 | $7,838.27 | $7,691.17 |
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, or Differential Tuition. To view graduate tuition and fees rates, visit UTRGV’s U Central.
Click here to view the program's course requirements from the current catalog.
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