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Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS)  

Gain essential experience through clinical practice, research and professional services. 

Begin your role as a Physician Assistant by earning a master's level degree from College of Saint Mary. The PA performs many of the same functions as a physician but does so under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician. The PA sees patients independently, examines patients, makes diagnoses and treatment decisions, and performs medical procedures (such as suturing, casting, and assisting in surgical procedures). College of Saint Mary's Physician Assistant Studies program provides the didactic scientific foundation, and essential experiences in clinical practice, research and professional services to prepare the PA for this role.

  • College of Saint Mary's Physician Assistant graduating class of 2021 had a 100% pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). 

  • No GRE or standardized test is required.

  • No CASPer or Altus Suite Assessment is required

  • Be well-equipped to work in a broad range of healthcare settings after completing 12 clinical rotations in various medical specialties.

  •  Gain hands-on experience through our PA specific classroom, six patient exam rooms, simulation equipment and cadaver lab for gross anatomy.

  • Develop a solid foundation of applicable coursework in clinical medicine, pharmacotherapy, medical ethics, and more, to excel and lead in any medical setting.

  • Complete a credible clinical research project focused on evidence-based practice that you can apply to your future career.

Program Details

Program Details

​​Start Date: Cohorts begin each August
Program Length: 24 months
Class Size:  30-34 Students per Cohort

Career Outlook

Career Outlook

The U.S. Department of Labor projects demand for physician assistants will grow by 31%, much faster than average, by 2030. Physician assistants earn a median annual salary of $115,390 nationally and $113,240 in Nebraska.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration

Accreditation Statement

Accreditation Statement

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the College of St. Mary - NE Physician Assistant Program sponsored by College of St. Mary - NE. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.

Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be March 2031. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy.

The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at http://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-college-of-st-mary.

Students Continue to Learn Through Clinical Rotations

Taylor knew from a young age that she wanted to work in the medical field.

“I ultimately decided that being a PA allowed me more time to interact and build relationships with patients while also providing me the flexibility to change specialties throughout my career,” she said.

 “I feel like I have more access to faculty members and support at CSM because it is a smaller university,” she said. “All the faculty members are always available for personal and academic support. They truly want you to succeed here and do what they can to help make that happen.”

CSM’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program provides the didactic scientific foundation and essential experiences in clinical practice, research and professional services to prepare students for this role.

“It is amazing how much you learn during your didactic year, only to enter clinicals and realize you have only scratched the surface,” Taylor said. “There is immense medical knowledge and expertise, which is both exciting and overwhelming as a clinical student.”

Read More About Taylor's Experience at CSM