Master of Physician Assistant Studies at Towson University

Degree: Master of Science
https://www.towson.edu/chp/departments/health-sciences/grad/physician-assistant/index.html

Program Director: Dr. Marsha Davenport
Phone: 410-704-5244
Email: [email protected]  

Towson University offers a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies. The program begins in June of each year and is 26 months in length. In a time-efficient manner, students complete the requirements to sit for the physician assistant certification examination and earn a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies. The program prepares the physician assistant to assume roles in clinical practice, health care leadership, advocacy for clients, education of others and clinical research, as well as carrying out the other responsibilities of a physician assistant. Such roles are important for physician assistants in a variety of practice, education and administrative positions. 

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant Inc. (ARC-PA).

At its September 2021 meeting, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) placed the Towson University CCBC Essex Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Towson University on Accreditation-Probation status until its next review in September 2023. 

Probation accreditation is a temporary accreditation status initially of not less than two years. However, that period may be extended by the ARC-PA for up to an additional two years if the ARC-PA finds that the program is making substantial progress toward meeting all applicable standards but requires additional time to come into full compliance. Probation accreditation status is granted, at the sole discretion of the ARC-PA, when a program holding an accreditation status of Accreditation - Provisional or Accreditation - Continued does not, in the judgment of the ARC-PA, meet the Standards or when the capability of the program to provide an acceptable educational experience for its students is threatened. Once placed on probation, a program that fails to comply with accreditation requirements in a timely manner, as specified by the ARC-PA, may be scheduled for a focused site visit and is subject to having its accreditation withdrawn. 

Specific questions regarding the Program and its plans should be directed to the Program Director. 

The program's accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website. 

1. Medical Knowledge: demonstrate core knowledge about biomedical and clinical sciences and the application of this knowledge to patient care.
2. Interpersonal and Communication Skills: demonstrate verbal, nonverbal and written communication skills that result in effective information exchange with patients and all other persons regarding the health care system.
3. Patient Care: demonstrate care that is effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient and equitable for the treatment of health problems and the promotion of wellness.
4. Professionalism: demonstrate a high level of responsibility, ethical practice, sensitivity to a diverse patient population and adherence to legal and regulatory requirements.
5. Systems-Based Practice: demonstrate an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger system of health care to provide patient care that is of optimal value. Also incorporated within this goal = Students will use technologies to identify, retrieve, and apply relevant information.