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Physician assistants perform physical exams, diagnose illnesses, develop and carry out treatment plans, order and interpret lab tests, assist in surgery, provide patient education, and prescribe medications, among other essential responsibilities. They work in virtually all health care settings, including private offices, clinics, and hospitals. They can practice in almost any field of medicine, including family medicine, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, and orthopedics.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median annual salary for physician assistants is $126,010, and openings are projected to grow 27% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than most other occupations.

Students follow a prescribed academic sequence for the first three years, which consists of liberal arts, physician assistant classes, and preparatory science prerequisites. Medical studies majors will fulfill all the core requirements during these first three years.

Afterwards, students will embark on a two-year professional phase and train to be a physician assistant, including didactic instruction in all areas of general medicine and direct patient encounters. In order to complete the medical studies major, PA track, students must successfully complete the fall and spring semesters of the first year of the professional program.

Physician assistant faculty advise all undergraduate students from their first year until graduating from the master’s program.

Upon successful completion of their first four years, students will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Studies, PA Track, and a minor in biology. They will then be eligible to earn a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies upon successful completion of a two-year professional phase.

Visit this page for more information on medical science degree requirements and course offerings.

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