Master of Physician Assistant at Saint Louis University
The Physician Assistant at Saint Louis University is a Full Time Master program offered at the university's main campus in Saint Louis , United States of America. The program is delivered on campus in English and can be completed in 2 years. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on August 23, 2027.
About Master of Physician Assistant
Saint Louis University's Physician Assistant (PA) Master of Medical Science (M.M.S.) is a 27-month, year-round graduate program with a rigorous didactic and clinical curriculum that provides a broad foundation in medicine and surgery.
As one of the first universities in the country to offer a PA program, Saint Louis University has maintained a tradition of academic excellence and earned a national reputation as a leader in PA education. Educational facilities at SLU provide an exceptional learning environment and include a simulated medical office with eight exam rooms equipped with cameras for recording and reviewing student performance.
The mission of Saint Louis University's PA program is to educate individuals to become competent, compassionate physician assistants dedicated to excellence in health care and to the service of humanity.
Traditional pre-PA tracks can be found in many Doisy College of Health Sciences (DCHS) programs. In addition, DCHS proudly offers the direct-entry PA Scholars option for eligible incoming freshmen who are interested in the opportunity to secure a spot in the SLU PA program upon graduation from a specific pre-PA degree program.
SLU also offers the M.M.S./M.P.H. dual-degree option for students who are passionate about pursuing both PA and public health interests.
PA students at SLU are involved in community service, including working at the student-run free clinic, the Health Resource Center.
Graduates of SLU's PA program are eligible to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
Annual NCCPA PANCE Exam Performance Summary
SLU PA Program Attrition Rates
SLU Physician Assistant Education Program Costs
Despite potential reasons for leaving the program, most fees are non-refundable. Tuition refunds usually cannot be granted due to the timing and sequencing of our curriculum. If, however, a tuition refund is applicable, the student will be guided through this process as well. Information on withdrawal and tuition and fee refunds may be found at Student Financial Aid Services.
These program learning outcomes reflect outcomes specific to the university Higher Learning Commission (HLC) assessment process:
Graduates will be able to communicate with patients for effective clinical encounters.
Graduates will be able to use the critical thinking skills necessary to evaluate patient medical problems.
Graduates will be able to demonstrate respect for patients and other medical professionals as a component of professionalism in medical practice.
Graduates will be able to demonstrate core medical knowledge in the provision of patient care.
Graduates will understand how to apply the Jesuit value of "cura personalis" when treating patients.
Students matriculating in the SLU PA program undertake a difficult, rewarding and life-changing journey. The program has high expectations of its students, and the students are expected to live up to the challenge. As students, and later as health care providers, there is great responsibility placed upon them.
The SLU PA program competencies help prepare students for this responsibility and correlate with entry-level practice expectations. Students work toward the attainment of the program competencies as they progress through the curriculum. A summative evaluation of every student occurs in the last few months of the program. It is an assessment that determines whether each student has attained competence (met all the program competencies) and is ready for graduation and the transition from PA student to practicing PA-C.
The competencies are interwoven with and complementary to our mission, goals, learning outcomes and instructional objectives and are fundamental to the curricular and operational framework of our program.
SLU PA Program Competencies
The SLU PA program has a long and rich history of excellence in didactic and clinical PA education. The program goals interact within the context of the program mission and broadly capture many of the details and components that come together to create the curricular and operational framework of our program. Program competencies, learning outcomes and instructional objectives are interwoven as part of the support for this framework.
Information about our SLU PA program goals and success in meeting them is outlined here: Outline of SLU PA Program Effectiveness in Meeting Program Goals
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Physician Assistant at Saint Louis University
Entry Requirements
Completed application
Undergraduate degree (most successful applicants have an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better)
Official transcript from a degree-granting institution
Statement of purpose (about 500 words)
Resume or curriculum vitae
External reference recommendations (encouraged but not required)
Upon admission, a new student must successfully complete a virtual meeting with their academic coach to be enrolled in first term coursework.
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.
English Requirements
PTEMin 54
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 80
Career Opportunities after Completing Master of Physician Assistant
PAs are employed in essentially every medical and surgical specialty and subspecialty in which MDs and DOs are employed. PAs work in hospitals, clinics, offices and other settings. PAs obtain histories, perform physical exams, order diagnostic tests and imaging, interpret the results, diagnose and treat illnesses, counsel and educate patients, assist in surgery and prescribe medications.
Some PAs work in primary care, such as family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics and women's health, while others work in various medical and surgical specialties and subspecialties. SLU's PA graduates can be found in hospitals, clinics, private offices, community health centers and many other settings.
Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Physician Assistant at Saint Louis University
Application Fee 65
How to Apply for Master of Physician Assistant at Saint Louis University
Step 1: Accept or decline your admission
If you applied using SLU’s online graduate application, you can notify us about your decision to accept or decline your admission by logging in and clicking on “Manage Your Account.” From there, you can access the decision form.
If you’ve used a third-party, centralized application to apply — such as SOPHAS for public health programs or CASPA for physician administration programs — you’ll need to email us directly at [email protected] with your decision.
Step 2: Set up your SLU Net ID
Follow these step-by-step instructions to set up your SLU Net ID.
Step 3: Log into MySLU
Log into mySLU at auth.slu.edu. Use your SLU Net ID and SLU Net Password, then click "Login." Click on the "Tools" tab to find links to systems, such as Banner Self-Service and other SLU applications and systems.
When logging in for the first time, you will be directed to set up your multi-factor authentication. You will need to log in upon completing that process.
Step 4: Check with your academic department
Contact your department in order to receive enrollment directions, important dates and other information specific to your graduate program. You can also check the University calendar.
Step 5: Read the Saint Louis University Graduate Catalog
The Saint Louis University Graduate Catalog has useful information about life at SLU as a graduate student, including campus resources, academic policies and program curricula.
Step 6: Submit your immunization and health insurance forms
If you decide to attend SLU, you will need to submit your immunization records and health history. You will also need to submit a health plan enrollment/waiver form.
Step 7: Visit parking and card services to obtain your SLU ID card
You’ll use your SLU ID card to access student services and campus buildings such as the library. Make sure to bring a photo ID, along with a copy of your class schedule.
Step 8: Finalize your financial aid
If you plan to take out student loans, make sure you’ve filled out your FAFSA for the current year. Contact student financial services with any questions. For questions about assistantships, contact your program.
Master of Physician Assistant at Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University
United States of America, Saint Louis
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