Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)
Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)
The Master in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) prepares graduates with intelligence, sound judgment, intellectual honesty, appropriate interpersonal skills, and critical thinking skills. The graduate will be capable of medical patient assessment and developing a plan of action for addressing health concerns.
The professional curriculum for PA education includes basic medical, behavioral, and social sciences, introduction to clinical medicine and, supervised clinical practice, and health policy and professional practice issues.
Ranked #1 for Best Physician Assistant degree by intelligent.com (2021)
Note: Because the number of applicants may exceed the number of available spots, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
- #1 in Texas for Lowest Net Price – Washington Monthly, 2022
- #2 Top Texas Public University -Washington Monthly, 2022
- #3 Among National Public Universities for Least Student Debt -U.S. News & World Report, 2022
- #4 for Awarding Master’s Degrees to Hispanic Latino Students -Hispanic Outlook on Education Magazine, 2022
- Top 10 Best Online Colleges in Texas -EDSMART.ORG 2021
For more information on UTRGV’s notable achievements and recognitions visit our Reputation site.
Prerequisites
Although the pre-professional course of study may be accomplished at any accredited junior college, senior college or university, it is preferred that all science courses be taken at a senior college and/or university. All prerequisite coursework must be completed by the application deadline for that year’s admissions cycle. Coursework must include the following:
- General Biology (I and II)
- Genetics
- Anatomy and Physiology (I and II)
- Microbiology
- General Chemistry (I and II)
- Organic Chemistry OR Biochemistry
- General Psychology OR Abnormal Psychology
- Statistics
STEP 1
- Submit a UTRGV Graduate Application. 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.
- Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) application http://www.caspaonline.org
STEP 2: Admission Requirements and Courses
Click here to view the program’s admission requirements and courses from the current graduate catalog.
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.
Document Submission Procedures
You must submit your required documents including transcripts to CASPA. The Graduate College staff will retrieve your documents from CASPA including: transcripts, personal statement, letters of recommendation,resume, documentation of shadowing, and completion of prerequisite coursework.
NOTE: Students who are admitted to the PA program will be required to have official transcripts sent to UTRGV after notification of admission which usually occurs in Mid-Spring.
Additional Documents
If after submitting your CASPA application, you realize you need to submit additional documents, you may upload them in your UTRGV application.
(Note do not upload documents that have already been submitted to CASPA).
To view a list of application deadlines and program contacts for our traditional programs, click here.
For estimated costs visit Tuition and Fees.
About O*NET
The Occupational Information Network (O*NET) Database was developed under the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor. The database contains information about almost 1,000 occupations covering the entire U.S. economy. The database is free and continually updated with detailed information about jobs in each state and industry.
Job Opportunities
For more information, please visit the PA program webpage.
