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Physician Assistant Studies, M.S.
Welcome to Middle Tennessee State University's Physician Assistant Program. This is a 27-month-long rigorous program. We are welcoming the second class beginning in May 2023. Applications open in Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) for the 2023-2024 applications cycle beginning in late April 2023.
The degree awarded will be a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS). This degree aligns with the institutional mission and will provide the necessary educational credential for licensure to practice in one of the fastest-growing occupational sectors in Middle Tennessee. With a growth rate of 42 percent and one-third of all PA positions in Tennessee located in the Nashville-Murfreesboro-Franklin area, this program will meet employer demand and societal need for access to health care.
Fill out the CASPA Application
ARC-PA Accreditation Status
The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the Middle Tennessee State University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Middle Tennessee State University.
Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation-Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.
Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class. The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at http://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-middle-tennessee-state-university/.
About our Program
What We're Doing
1st student in inaugural class knew MTSU was where he wanted to begin PA journey
Sohil Patel, a student in the inaugural Physician Assistant Studies program at MTSU, said it was the program’s mission statement that captured his eye and led him to the university. “They promote the highest quality of medical education to prepare a diverse community of Physician Assistants eager to provide medical care in underserved areas of the state,” he said. Patel, who grew up in what he described as a “highly underserved rural town,” said he is fully aware of its demand and necessity. As a student in MTSU’s inaugural PA Studies class, Patel said he knew during the interview process with Program Director Dr. Marie Patterson that MTSU was the place for him. “They were so welcoming and friendly, which made the often-stressful interview environment ever so simple and delightful. I knew from that moment that MTSU is where I want to begin my journey of becoming an outstanding future PA-C.” Patel plans to become a surgical PA while providing care at local urgent/primary care simultaneously. “I strongly believe that having the skill set to treat patients in primary care serves as the foundation of all aspects of medicine,” he said.
The Middle Tennessee State University Physician Assistant Study Program will prepare students for a rewarding career in numerous medical and surgical specialties, including, but not limited to:
- Allery and Immunology
- Cardiology
- Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Critical Care
- Dermatology
- Emergency Medicine
- Family Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- General Surgery
- Hematology/Oncology
- Internal Medicine
- Interventional Radiology
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Orthopaedics
- Otolaryngology
- Pain Management
- Pediatrics
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- Plastic Surgery
- Psychiatry
- Pulmonology
- Rheumatology
- Urology
- Vascular Surgery
If granted accreditation-provisional status, the degree awarded will be a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (M.S.). This degree aligns with the institutional mission and will provide the necessary educational credential for licensure to practice in one of the fastest growing occupational sectors in Middle Tennessee.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) has applied for provisional accreditation by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Students should be aware that, to obtain a Physician Assistant license in any state, an individual must graduate from a US PA program and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Only graduates of ARC-PA accredited programs are eligible to take the NCCPA exam.
Licensing authorities for each state set and enforce their own requirements and standards and those requirements and standards are subject to change. States may have other eligibility requirements that must be satisfied to obtain professional licensure. Students in the MTSU MSPAS program should consult the PhysicianAssistantEdu website at https://www.physicianassistantedu.org/ or this state-by-state list of licensing boards for the most current information about licensure in the state in which they plan to practice and discuss their plans with a faculty member.
Physician Assistant Studies, M.S.
Marie Patterson, Program Director
(615) 494-7791
Marie.Patterson@mtsu.edu
Offered by the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (M.S.) degree is designed to provide students with the didactic education, clinical training, and educational credentials necessary to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) and obtain licensure to practice as Physician Assistant (PA).
Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA)
Applications are now open in Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) for the 2023-24 cycle. Please click the link below for direct access to CASPA:
Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA)
Admission Requirements
The following information applies to the 2023-24 admissions cycle.
Bachelor's Degree
- The degree must be from a U.S. institution of higher education accredited by a regional accrediting association.
- A bachelor's degree equivalent from another country may also be accepted. Applicants with a bachelor's degree from outside of the U.S. must send their transcripts to one of the member organizations associated with the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (www.naces.org/members) for translation. Results must be uploaded into the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).
- Students may apply while their degree is in progress; however, proof of degree completion will be required before matriculation in the program.
NOTE: Students beginning the M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies who complete their bachelor's degree in the same month they graduate will need to provide documentation of their undergraduate degree before beginning their coursework at MTSU. Documentation must be sent directly to the College of Graduate Studies at MTSU. Students should either provide a final transcript reflecting the degree conferral or a letter from their undergraduate institution's records office stating that the student has completed all requirements required for graduation, date by which the degree will be conferred, and confirmation that a final transcript has been ordered and will be sent to MTSU once the degree has been conferred. Students will then be considered as fully admitted to the university. If a student receives financial aid for the program but is later discovered not to have been conferred a bachelor's degree, that student must pay MTSU back for all dispersed loan amounts.
Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirements (on a 4.0 scale)
- Minimum GPA requirement as calculated by CASPA: 3.0 overall
- Science GPA will be utilized as preference placement only
- If graduate degree completed, minimum GPA: 3.0 overall for graduate coursework
Direct Patient Care (DPC) Experience
- All completed but no designated minimum number of hours needed for holistic faculty application review.
- Hours logged to satisfy the direct patient care requirement will only be considered if the experience involves direct responsibility for some aspect of patient care, either by administering, influencing, or providing care in a "hands-on" capacity. It is recommended that students acquire direct patient care hours in various medical settings to obtain strong, diverse direct patient care experiences.
- Medical scribe experience is not accepted as direct patient care.
- The focus for DPC will be on the quality of experience.
- Direct patient hours CANNOT be completed with a relative or family member.
Community Service or Mission Work
- No minimum number of hours required for an interview, but the focus will remain on the quality of experience.
- Hours do not need to be health care related.
Physician Assistant Shadowing
- Applicants must identify and initiate all PA shadowing experiences. The program cannot suggest nor arrange shadowing opportunities for prospective students.
Letters of Recommendation
- At least three strong letters of recommendation detailing the potential of the applicant to be a PA are required.
- At least one letter of recommendation from a PA is highly recommended.
- Letters from friends or family will not be accepted.
Personal Statement
- A personal statement should be crafted to detail the applicant's desire to become a PA, communicating ideas appropriately and effectively. Well-written personal statements should be free of grammatical and spelling errors.
Other Requirements
- Applicants must not have a history of dismissal from another Physician Assistant program for academic or disciplinary reasons.
- The MTSU Physician Assistant Studies Program does not accept transfers from other programs.
- Applicants must not have a history of current drug abuse or conviction of a felony. All students will be required to submit to criminal background checks and drug screens before matriculation and during enrollment in the program.
- All applicants must be able to meet the program's technical standards. Please refer to the technical standards section found at mtsu.edu/programs/physician-assistant-studies-ms/info.
Standardized Tests
- GRE not required
- MCAT not required
- PA-CAT not required
Applicants whose primary language is not English will be required to complete an English Proficiency exam with minimum score as follows:
- TOEFL: iBT score of 80, PBT score of 550, or CBT score of 214
- IELTS: an overall band score of 7.0, with no individual band score below 6.0.
Prerequisite Courses
| Course Work | Semester Credit Hours |
| Anatomy and Physiology with Lab | 8 |
| Microbiology | 3 |
| Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry with Lab | 4 |
| Medical Terminology* | 1 |
*Not subject to the 10-year time limit
- All applicants must successfully complete prerequisite requirements with a grade of "B-" or higher within the bachelor's degree or through coursework at a regionally accredited U.S. institution of higher education.
- Prerequisite science courses are to be completed within 10 years prior to the date of admission. A waiver of the 10-year requirement for a prerequisite course may be requested by the applicant if the following occurs: there is a continuous employment history that would demonstrate knowledge of the course content.
- Prerequisites and waivers must be completed and verified by the end of February of the matriculating year.
- Knowledge-based testing does not satisfy prerequisites.
All courses need to be completed by February prior to matriculation (February 2024).
Advanced Placement
The MTSU PA Studies program does not award or grant transfer credits or advanced placement to any matriculating student. Prerequisite and graduate coursework from other institutions, which may correspond to courses in the program, will not be considered as substitutions for programmatic curriculum.
International Student Policy
International applicants with degrees from outside the United States must have a degree equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree as verified by an acceptable evaluation service. Transcripts must be provided in the original language and with an English translation. Regardless of where undergraduate studies are completed, if a student does not indicate English as the primary language the program may require an English proficiency exam score to be submitted.
In addition, all applicants must successfully complete prerequisite courses with a grade of "B-" or higher at a regionally accredited U.S. institution of higher education. Prerequisites may NOT be completed at a foreign institution for credit. All required items must be sent to CASPA for verification and official application to the program. No exceptions will be made.
International applicants must also comply with the International Graduate Admissions policies within the MTSU College of Graduate Studies.
Admissions PracticesThe admissions process is highly selective. Applicants who meet the criteria as outlined above will have their files forwarded to the program for faculty review. The program faculty will conduct a holistic review of the applicant's CASPA application and make recommendations for interviews. It is anticipated that the MTSU Physician Assistant Studies Program will receive a large number of applications for a class of 30 students. Competitive applicants will likely have more than the required minimums; thus, applicants meeting the required minimums are not guaranteed an interview.
The MTSU PA Studies Program endeavors to recruit and retain a diverse community of Physician Assistant students whose qualifications align with programmatic mission and goals. As such, the program has admissions and enrollment practices that advantage specific individuals or groups. Applicants demonstrating any of the following attributes will receive incremental weighting within various sections of the admission's rubric.
Capacity for Academic Success
Preference will be given specifically to (in no order of importance):
- Tennessee residency
- MTSU alumni
- Second career applicants
- Military service with honorable discharge
- Continual medical employment greater than one year
- Volunteer commitment greater than 100 hours
- Healthcare/Research experience with documentation of completion
- Achievement of graduate degree
- College athlete
- Extracurricular commitment greater than one year
- Applicants raised in medically underserved areas
- Applicants raised in a family who received public assistance or who are deemed economically disadvantaged
- Bilingual applicants
- Re-applicants to MTSU Physician Assistant Studies program with documented improvement in application
Application Procedures
Applicants must apply to the program through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) to be considered for admission. Students must submit the appropriate CASPA and MTSU applications fees to be considered. If selected for an interview, students may be asked to complete an additional, abbreviated application form through the College of Graduate Studies.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies requires completion of a minimum of 108 semester hours comprising both didactic and clinical education. Candidates will be required to maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA to complete the program and graduate. The following grading scale is used in the Physician Assistant Studies program:
| Grading Scale | |
| A | 90-100% |
| B | 80-89% |
| C | 70-79% |
| F | 69% or below |
No D grades will be assigned.
Curriculum: Physician Assistant Studies
Semester One (Summer) - Didactic Phase (20 hours)
- PA 6010 - Regional Anatomy 4 credit hours
PA 6010 - Regional Anatomy
4credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to the Physician Assistant Studies program. As the cornerstone of medicine, the study of gross anatomy will provide students with a strong foundation for building a healthcare career. Through a clinically relevant approach, exploring both the structure and function of the human body's major systems will be accomplished primarily through lectures and examination of cadaveric specimens, augmented with virtual learning tools and models. The emphasis will remain on the practical application of anatomical knowledge to the clinical practice of medicine.
- PA 6110 - Scientific Basis of Medicine I 3 credit hours
PA 6110 - Scientific Basis of Medicine I
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to the Physician Assistant Studies program. A thorough understanding of the scientific basis of medicine is required to diagnose and treat disease. As such, this course will encompass both integrative human physiology and the pathophysiology of disease. The complex interrelationships of function and dysfunction at the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, and systemic levels will be explored, as well as the genetic basis of disease. As the first in this series of courses, the focus will be on the scientific basis of cells and tissues, hematology, and malignancy, emphasizing homeostatic mechanisms, etiologies of diseases, and applicable treatments.
- PA 6210 - Diagnostic Tests I 2 credit hours
PA 6210 - Diagnostic Tests I
2credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to Physician Assistant Studies program. Serves as a comprehensive overview relating to the use of diagnostic modalities, particularly as it relates to concepts in laboratory medicine. Emphasis will remain on a thorough understanding of the laboratory evaluations of various diseases across the spectrum of major body systems. The survey including indications, techniques, and interpretation of results. Furthermore, students will learn how working and differential diagnoses are shaped and refined through the use of diagnostic studies. Through integrated lab, students will also get to apply various classroom principles through active case-based formats.
- PA 6310 - Clinical Pharmacology I 3 credit hours
PA 6310 - Clinical Pharmacology I
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to the Physician Assistant Studies program. As a clinical science, the study of pharmacology combines the principles of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacotherapeutics to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to safely prescribe and monitor medications to treat disease in patients of all ages with varying levels of comorbidities. As the first course in the series, students will be introduced to basic principles of pharmacotherapy, pharmacologic treatment of hematologic and dermatologic disorder, and chemotherapeutic drugs.
- PA 6410 - Clinical Medicine I 4 credit hours
PA 6410 - Clinical Medicine I
4credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to the Physician Assistant Studies program. As the first of three courses, Clinical Medicine will be introduced as the essentials of diagnosis, treatment, and disease prevention. Surveying medicine in the capacity will be pathology-based, arranged by body system and specialty. The fundamental elements of clinical medicine, such as epidemiology, precipitating factors, etiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, clinical presentation and manifestations, red flags, diagnostics, clinical intervention, management of diseases and disorders, clinical pearls, and differential diagnoses, will be thoroughly explored. Focusing on nutrition, dermatology, and HEENT, the students will have the opportunity to study acute and chronic care plans. Content will additionally include preventive treatments, patient education, and referrals when necessary.
- PA 6510 - History and Physical Exam I 2 credit hours
PA 6510 - History and Physical Exam I
2credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to the Physician Assistant Studies program. Serves as the foundational journey into the medical interview, physical exam, and subsequent patient encounter documentation. With a focus on developing interpersonal communication skills and professionalism, students will learn the art of taking medical history while simultaneously learning to document findings, prepare oral presentations, and effectively exchange information with the patients and other members of the healthcare team. Introduces the student to the physical exam covering vitals, integumentary, and HEENT exams. Content will be reinforced through practical application.
- PA 6610 - Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving I 2 credit hours
PA 6610 - Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving I
2credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to Physician Assistant Studies program. Opportunity to apply the knowledge gained in other classes to the assessment and care of patients across the lifespan. A team-based learning approach will allow the student to organically develop the critical thinking skills necessary to evaluate patients and provide quality patient care effectively. Diagnosis and management decisions related to disorders and diseases of hematologic, dermatologic, and HEENT systems are explored. This course series also offers opportunities to participate and learn collaboratively in interprofessional teams.
Semester Two (Fall) - Didactic Phase (18 hours)
- PA 6120 - Scientific Basis of Medicine II 3 credit hours
PA 6120 - Scientific Basis of Medicine II
3credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to the Physician Assistant Studies program; PA 6110. Building upon the foundational knowledge from PA 6110, the student will continue to amass a foundational understanding of physiologic and pathophysiologic principles relating to the cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and male genitourinary systems. Emphasis is placed upon the relationships of the major systems involving the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis.
- PA 6220 - Diagnostic Tests II 2 credit hours
PA 6220 - Diagnostic Tests II
2credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to Physician Assistant Studies program; successful completion of PA 6210. Building upon the medical knowledge gained in PA 6210, this course shifts focus toward the study of radiology as a diagnostic and therapeutic modality of modern medicine. Emphasis will be placed on methodology, indications, and interpretation of various types of imaging studies. Case-based integrated learning in lab will continue to help students apply these principles to practice.
PA 6250 - Introduction to the Medical Profession and Ethical Practice
2credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to the Physician Assistant Studies program. For the future physician assistant, it is critical to understand the historical perspectives of the profession, as well as the legal and ethical implications of practice. After surveying the history of the profession, students will begin the transition into contemporary medical practice intricacies. Students will study risk management strategies, quality improvement initiatives, patient safety, and prevention of medical errors in addition to a vast array of medico-legal ramifications of contemporary practice. Explores moral concepts related to practical medical decision-making and problem solving to allow students to form a strong foundation for ethical medical practice.
- PA 6320 - Clinical Pharmacology II 3 credit hours
PA 6320 - Clinical Pharmacology II
3credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to the Physician Assistant Studies program; successful completion of PA 6310. Building on the principles learned in PA 6310, students will continue to enhance their knowledge regarding the pharmacology of autonomic drugs and various classes of medications used in treating cardiovascular, renal, and gastrointestinal disease. Students will be additionally exposed to other classes of medications affecting smooth muscle. Further emphasis will be placed on additional special topics in pharmacotherapy.
- PA 6420 - Clinical Medicine II 4 credit hours
PA 6420 - Clinical Medicine II
4credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to the Physician Assistant Studies program; successful completion of PA 6410. Moving into a comprehensive survey of cardiology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, and urology, Clinical Medicine II will continue the exploration of the epidemiology, precipitating factors, etiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, clinical presentation and manifestations, red flags, diagnostics, clinical intervention, management of diseases and disorders, clinical pearls, and differential diagnoses of the applicable systems. In addition to acute and chronic care plans, the prevention of illness will additionally be highlighted. Discussions regarding patient education and referral will also be considered as parts of the treatment plan.
- PA 6520 - History and Physical Exam II 2 credit hours
PA 6520 - History and Physical Exam II
2credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to Physician Assistant Studies program; successful completion of PA 6510. Continues a pragmatic approach to the examination of the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis. The intricacies of cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary portions of the physical exam will thoroughly be discussed, demonstrated, and practiced. The written medical record, oral presentation, and interpersonal/ professionalism skill sets will be continually reinforced.
- PA 6620 - Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving II 2 credit hours
PA 6620 - Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving II
2credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to Physician Assistant Studies program; successful completion of PA 6610. Continues to horizontally integrate the materials in other classes into a comprehensive team-based approach to learning. Encompasses the cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and renal/genitourinary systems. The principles of working collaboratively in effective healthcare teams will be integrated and practiced in these the learning modules.
Semester Three (Spring) - Didactic Phase (19 hours)
- PA 6130 - Scientific Basis of Medicine III 3 credit hours
PA 6130 - Scientific Basis of Medicine III
3credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to the Physician Assistant Studies program; successful completion of PA 6110 and PA 6120. As the culmination of the Scientific Basis of Medicine series, students will develop a working knowledge of the physiology/pathophysiology of the musculoskeletal, neurological, and endocrine systems. The human immune system will also be highlighted regarding its protagonist function in defense of infectious disease and its antagonistic role in inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.
- PA 6230 - Diagnostic Tests III 2 credit hours
PA 6230 - Diagnostic Tests III
2credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to Physician Assistant Studies program; successful completion of PA 6210 and PA 6220. In the last of the three-part series on diagnostic testing, the student will learn to perform and interpret a 12-lead EKG to evaluate cardiac symptoms and disease. The course also surveys noncardiac conditions that will produce various EKG changes. Students will gain foundational knowledge that is reinforced through practical application of skill.
- PA 6330 - Clinical Pharmacology III 3 credit hours
PA 6330 - Clinical Pharmacology III
3credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to the Physician Assistant Studies program; successful completion of PA 6310 and PA 6320. Advancing understanding of pharmacotherapeutics, students will move on to become increasingly proficient at the pharmacologic treatment of disease. This installment will focus on pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics related to orthopaedics, rheumatology, neurology, and endocrinology. Also involves a broad survey of toxicology and a systematic approach to the poisoned patient. Additional emphasis will be on the intricacies of prescribing medication to specialized populations.
- PA 6430 - Clinical Medicine III 4 credit hours
PA 6430 - Clinical Medicine III
4credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to the Physician Assistant Studies program; successful completion of PA 6410 and PA 6420. In the last of the Clinical Medicine series, students will continue to expand the breadth of medical knowledge required to practice medicine through a problem-oriented approach. An in-depth examination of orthopaedics, rheumatology, neurology, endocrinology, and infectious disease will promote further understanding of the epidemiology, precipitating factors, etiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, clinical presentation and manifestations, red flags, diagnostics, clinical intervention, management of diseases and disorders, clinical pearls, and differential diagnoses relevant to these specialties. As with previous courses, acute/chronic care plans, preventive measures, appropriate patient education, and referrals will be seamlessly integrated into the curriculum as an integral part of holistic healthcare.
- PA 6530 - History and Physical Exam III 2 credit hours
PA 6530 - History and Physical Exam III
2credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to Physician Assistant Studies program; successful completion of PA 6510 and PA 6520. Continues to focus on relevant history and physical examination skills needed to assess the musculoskeletal and neurologic systems. Additionally, students will have a comprehensive survey regarding clinical assessment nuances for special patient populations, including pediatric (infants, children, and adolescents) and geriatric age groups. Allows students to coalesce regional and population-specific history and physical exam techniques into a comprehensive history and physical required for preventive, well-person encounters. Underlying emphasis will also be placed on the development of non-cognitive interpersonal and professionalism skills.
- PA 6630 - Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving III 2 credit hours
PA 6630 - Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving III
2credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to Physician Assistant Studies program; successful completion of PA 6610 and PA 6620. Continues to hone the student's critical thinking skills to support a successful transition to a healthcare provider. Using similar pedagogies and principles as PA 6610 and PA 6620, the course explores clinical manifestations commonly encountered in orthopaedics, rheumatology, neurology, endocrinology, and infectious disease. Additionally, the course supports collaborative interprofessional team-based practice through classroom study and clinical application.
- PA 6740 - Survey of Surgery 3 credit hours
PA 6740 - Survey of Surgery
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to the Physician Assistant Studies program. Principles of pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative care, providing in-depth instruction across the continuum of surgical care. The core curriculum will survey pre-operative assessment of surgical risk and planning, surgical techniques for first assistants, operative treatment of disease, and common principles relating to post-operative care.
Semester Four (Summer) - Didactic Phase (20 hours)
- PA 6260 - Population Health 2 credit hours
PA 6260 - Population Health
2credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to the Physician Assistant Studies program. Aspiring healthcare providers must develop a solid understanding of the principles of disease prevention, surveillance, reporting, and intervention. Thus, students will be introduced to core public health concepts to inform clinical practice and benefit both community and society as a whole. The core focus will be on the frameworks underpinning public health systems, patient advocacy, and population health maintenance. Explores the interrelated facets of social and behavioral sciences to understand the social determinants of health more fully.
- PA 6470 - Clinical Procedures 3 credit hours
PA 6470 - Clinical Procedures
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to the Physician Assistant Studies program. Provides students with the fundamental concepts and skills required to perform common clinical procedures based on current practice standards. Students will receive knowledge of key indications, contraindications, risks, and benefits of procedural skills often performed in various practice settings. A basic review of the appropriate anatomy and physiology will be included. The laboratory environment will provide students an opportunity to perform and practice these procedures.
- PA 6670 - Issues in Practice 2 credit hours
PA 6670 - Issues in Practice
2credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to the Physician Assistant Studies program. Leads students to investigate the current trends and issues facing contemporary PA practice. Professional development topics, such as interprofessional team-based approaches to healthcare; palliative and end-of-life care; patient education and counseling; and the business aspects of healthcare are foundational issues in practice and will be considered accordingly. Students will also delve into various elements of personal and professional wellness, including impairment and burnout. Lastly, the knowledge to provide medical care to a diverse patient population will be secondarily underpinned by understanding patient backgrounds, disabilities, and other social determinants of health. Course content will culminate with the retrospective analysis of previous non-cognitive skill development over the didactic year through previous service-based learning opportunities.
PA 6680 - Critical Appraisal of Medical Literature and Evidence-Based Medicine
2credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to Physician Assistant Studies program. Students will learn to seamlessly coalesce the most up-to-date scientific literature with clinician experience and patient values to provide true evidence-based medical care. Emphasis on formulating research questions, interpreting biostatistical methods, and distinguishing types of sampling methods. Uses various medical databases and recognizes medical research limits through critical appraisal. Aids students in preparing to apply evidence-based medicine to their clinical practices.
- PA 6710 - Survey of Psychiatry 3 credit hours
PA 6710 - Survey of Psychiatry
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to Physician Assistant Students program. Introduces psychiatry and behavioral health as encountered in various medical settings through an integrative approach. Recognition of mental illness will be taught through history and physical exam. In contrast, treatment will be primarily explored through a problem-based approach, emphasizing health promotion and counseling.
- PA 6720 - Survey of Women's Health 3 credit hours
PA 6720 - Survey of Women's Health
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to Physician Assistant Studies program. Explores the female patient's reproductive and gynecological health. Gender-specific history and physical exam techniques are presented as foundational principles of women's health. Students will learn the intricacies of prenatal care and the complexities of normal/abnormal obstetrical presentations. Both routine, preventive care, and diagnosis/treatment of common gynecologic conditions will round out the course content to provide a broad spectrum of knowledge and perspective. Encompasses the patient education and counseling unique to women's health.
- PA 6730 - Survey of Pediatrics 3 credit hours
PA 6730 - Survey of Pediatrics
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to Physician Assistant Studies program. Approaches the care of infants, children, and adolescents through a population-based module focusing on pediatric issues. Addresses the etiology, epidemiology, genetics considerations, clinical signs and symptoms, physical exam findings, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for significant pediatric population problems. Emphasis will also be upon the evaluation of human growth and development through the recognition of milestones. Anticipatory guidance, preventive care, and vaccinations will be thoroughly discussed as integral components of pediatric healthcare. Clinical reasoning and problem solving will be reinforced through case-based study.
- PA 6750 - Survey of Emergency Medicine 2 credit hours
PA 6750 - Survey of Emergency Medicine
2credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to the Physician Assistant Studies program. Focuses on shifting the student's attention toward the recognition and treatment of trauma and acute/emergent medical disorders commonly presenting to the emergency department. Emphasis is on the priority of stabilizing patients with life-threatening trauma or illness and selecting appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic measures. Focuses on various clinical and technical skills required to treat patients in the emergency department, including BLS, ACLS, and PALS. Unique challenges in treating patients in this setting will also be discussed.
Semester Five (Fall) - Clinical Phase (12 hours)
- PA 6910 - Capstone I 2 credit hours
PA 6910 - Capstone I
2credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to the Physician Assistant Studies program; completion of the didactic phase of the PA program and admission to the clinical phase. Capstone I project will be based on a developed research proposal that is selected from a menu of potential approaches, such as a traditional quasi-experimental study, an evidence-based medicine question, a case report, and a comprehensive literature review. The student will formally present the findings to the University community during the Capstone II course. This course takes place during the clinical phase and involves students meeting with the course coordinator and advisor periodically throughout the phase.
- PA 6950 - PANCE Preparation Seminar I 1 credit hours
PA 6950 - PANCE Preparation Seminar I
1credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to the Physician Assistant Studies program; completion of the didactic phase of the PA program and admission to the clinical phase. This is the first in a series in which preparation occurs for successful completion of the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE), necessary for entering medical practice. Strategies for successful study and successful completion of board-style examinations, as well as an intense overview of medical knowledge to help prepare for the PANCE. Covers the cardiovascular system; dermatologic system; endocrine system; eyes; ears, nose, and throat systems. A review of history taking and physical examination while incorporating diagnostic and laboratory studies to formulate the most likely diagnosis will also occur. Pass/Fail.
- Clinical Rotations I-III (PA 6820-6890) 9 credit hours*
Semester Six (Spring) - Clinical Phase (10 hours)
- PA 6960 - PANCE Preparation Seminar II 1 credit hours
PA 6960 - PANCE Preparation Seminar II
1credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to the Physician Assistant Studies program; completion of the didactic phase of the PA program and admission to the clinical phase; passing mark in PA 6950. This is the second in the series in which preparation occurs for successful completion of the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE), necessary for entering medical practice. Strategies for successful study and successful completion of board-style examinations, as well as an intense overview of medical knowledge to help prepare for the PANCE. Covers gastrointestinal system/nutrition, genitourinary system (both male and female), renal system, hematologic system, and infectious diseases. It will also further review the management of patients, health maintenance, patient education, and preventative measures. Pass/Fail.
- Clinical Rotations IV-VI (PA 6820-6890) 9 credit hours*
Semester Seven (Summer) - Clinical Phase (9 hours)
- PA 6920 - Capstone II 2 credit hours
PA 6920 - Capstone II
2credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to the Physician Assistant Studies program; completion of the didactic phase of the PA program and admission to the clinical phase; PA 6910. Each student will present the results of individual projects submitted in Capstone I to demonstrate an understanding of the program and profession's principles in mastering evidence-based medicine and medical research abilities. This capstone project will need to be clearly presented, organized, and succinctly defended.
- PA 6970 - PANCE Preparation Seminar III 1 credit hours
PA 6970 - PANCE Preparation Seminar III
1credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to the Physician Assistant Studies program; completion of the didactic phase of the PA program and admission to the clinical phase; passing mark in PA 6960. This is the conclusion of the series in which preparation occurs for successful completion of the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE), necessary for entering medical practice. Strategies for successful study and successful completion of board-style examinations, as well as an intense overview of medical knowledge to help prepare for the PANCE. Covers musculoskeletal system, neurologic system, psychiatric/behavioral science, pulmonary system, and reproductive system. It will further review clinical intervention, pharmaceutical therapies, and the application of basic scientific concepts while in clinical practice. Pass/Fail.
- Clinical Rotations VII-VIII (PA 6820-6890) 6 credit hours*
*NOTE:
REQUIRED clinical rotation disciplines include Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, Surgery, Women's Health, and Psychiatry/Behavioral Health. Additionally, each student will also complete an elective clinical rotation in a medical or surgical specialty/subspecialty of their choice.
Academic Credit
Total academic credit offered by the program is reflected in the chart below:
| Semester Credit Hours | |
| Didactic Courses | 77 hours |
| Clinical Courses | 31 hours |
| Total | 108 hours |
Our adjunct faculty bring outstanding professional experience to our programs. Many are industry leaders with decorated careers and honors. Importantly, they are innovative educators who offer hands-on learning to our students to prepare them to enter and thrive in a dynamic, and oftentimes emerging, industry and professional world. They inspire, instruct, and challenge our students toward academic and professional success.
Admissions in CASPA for the 2023-2024 will open on April 28, 2023, and will close on December 1, 2023. All applicants must have the CASPA designation of "verified" by that date to be considered for an interview.
Fill out the CASPA Application
Admission Requirements
The following information applies to the 2023-2024 admissions cycle.
Bachelor's Degree
- The degree must be from a U.S. institution of higher education accredited by a regional accrediting association.
- A Bachelor's Degree equivalent from another country may also be accepted. Please refer to the international student instructions.
- Students may apply while their degree is in progress; however, proof of degree completion or documentation of planned degree conferment be will be required before matriculation in the program.
Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirements (on a 4.0 scale)
- Overall GPA 3.00
- Graduate Course GPA (if applicable): 3.00
Direct Patient Care (DPC) Experience
- No minimum number of hours is required for an interview; the focus will remain on the quality of experience, but direct patient care hours must still be completed.
- Hours logged to satisfy the direct patient care requirement will only be considered if the experience involves direct responsibility for some aspect of patient care, either by administering, influencing, or providing care in a "hands-on" capacity. It is recommended that students acquire direct patient care hours in various medical settings to obtain strong, diverse direct patient care experiences.
- Medical scribe experience will NOT be counted as direct patient care.
- Direct Patient care hours can NOT be complete with a relative or family member.
Community Service or Mission Work
- No minimum number of hours is required for an interview; the focus will remain on the quality of experience, but community service or volunteerism hours must still be completed.
- Hours do not need to be health care related.
Physician Assistant Shadowing
- No minimum number of hours is required for an interview; the focus will remain on the quality of the experience, but physician assistant shadowing hours must still be completed.
- Applicants must identify and initiate all PA shadowing experiences. The program cannot suggest nor arrange shadowing opportunities for prospective students.
- Virtual/Zoom shadowing is not accepted.
Letters of Recommendation
- At least three strong letters of recommendation detailing the potential of the applicant to be a PA are required.
- At least one letter of recommendation from a PA is highly recommended.
- Letters from friends or family will not be accepted.
Personal Statement
- A personal statement should be crafted to detail the applicant's desire to become a PA, communicating ideas appropriately and effectively. Well-written personal statements should be free of grammatical and spelling errors.
Preference will be given specifically to (in no particular order of importance):
- Tennessee residency
- MTSU alumni
- Second Career Applicants
- Military service with honorable discharge
- Continual medical employment >1 year
- Volunteer commitment >100 hours
- Healthcare/Research experience with documentation of completion
- Achievement of graduate degree
- College athlete
- Extracurricular commitment >1 year
- Applicants raised in medically underserved areas
- Applicants raised in a family who received public assistance or who are deemed economically disadvantaged
- Bilingual applicants
- Re-applicants to MTSU PA Studies program with documented improvements in application.
- First-generation college student
Standardized Tests and Other Requirements
- No GRE required
- No PA-CAT is required
- No MCAT is requited.
- Applicants that indicate their primary language is NOT English must submit official test scores for either Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The following are the minimum scores for admission consideration:
- TOEFL: iBT score of 80, PBT score of 550, or CBT score of 214.
- IELTS: an overall band score of 7.0, with no individual band score below 6.0.
- Applicants must not have a history of dismissal from another Physician Assistant program for academic or disciplinary reasons.
- The MTSU Physician Assistant Studies Program does not accept transfers from other programs.
- Applicants must not have a history of current drug abuse or conviction of a felony. All students will be required to submit to criminal background checks and drug screens before matriculation and during enrollment in the program.
- All applicants must be able to meet the program's technical standards. Please refer to the technical standards section found at mtsu.edu/programs/physician-assistant-studies-ms/info.
Prerequisite Courses
| Course Work | Semester Credit Hours |
| Anatomy and Physiology with Lab | 8 |
| Microbiology | 3 |
| Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry with Lab | 4 |
| Medical Terminology* | 1 |
*Not subject to the 10-year time limit
- All applicants must successfully complete prerequisite requirements with a grade of "B-" or higher within the bachelor's degree or through coursework at a regionally accredited U.S. institution of higher education.
- Prerequisite science courses are to be completed within 10 years prior to the date of admission. A waiver of the 10-year requirement for a prerequisite course may be requested by the applicant if the following occurs: there is a continuous employment history that would demonstrate knowledge of the course content.
- Waivers will be provided to students after CASPA submission. The waiver must be approved by the program.
- Prerequisites and waivers must be completed and verified by the end of February of the matriculating year.
Advanced Placement
The MTSU PA Studies program does not award or grant transfer credits or advanced placement to any matriculating student. Prerequisite and graduate coursework from other institutions, which may correspond to courses in the program, will not be considered as substitutions for programmatic curriculum.
International Student Policy
International applicants with degrees from outside the United States must have a degree equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree as verified by an acceptable evaluation service. Transcripts must be provided in the original language and with an English translation. In addition, all applicants must successfully complete prerequisite courses with a grade of "B-" or higher at a regionally accredited U.S. institution of higher education. All required items must be sent to CASPA for verification and official application to the program. No exceptions will be made.
International applicants must also comply with the International Graduate Admissions policies within the MTSU College of Graduate Studies.
Admissions Practices
The admissions process is highly selective. Applicants who meet the criteria as outline above will have their files forwarded to the program for faculty review. The program faculty will conduct a holistic review of the applicant's CASPA application and make recommendations for interviews. It is anticipated that the MTSU Physician Assistant Studies Program will receive a large number of applications for a class of 30 students. Competitive applicants will likely have more than the required minimums; thus, applicants meeting the required minimums are not guaranteed an interview.
The MTSU PA Studies Program endeavors to recruit and retain a diverse community of Physician Assistant students whose qualifications align with the programmatic mission and goals. As such, the program has admissions and enrollment practices that advantage specific individuals or groups, as mentioned above. Applicants demonstrating these attributes will receive incremental weighting within various sections of the admission rubric.
Application Procedures
Applicants must apply to the program through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) to be considered for admission. Students must submit the appropriate CASPA and MTSU applications fees to be considered. If selected for an interview, students may be asked to complete an additional, abbreviated application form through the College of Graduate Studies.
Physician Assistant Student Technical Standards
Professional healthcare clinicians are challenged in environments that demand certain abilities, behaviors, and skills. The Physician Assistant must have the knowledge and skills to function in a broad variety of clinical situations and to render a wide spectrum of patient care. Students must be able to integrate all information received by whatever sense(s) employed, consistently, quickly, and accurately, and they must have the intellectual ability to learn, integrate, analyze, and synthesize data. A student for the Physician Assistant profession must have abilities and skills including observation, communication, intellectual, motor, conceptual, integrative, and quantitative, and behavioral and social. To be eligible to enroll in the program, the student must be able to perform these skills and behaviors successfully either unassisted, with dependable use of reasonable assistive devices, or by employing another reasonable accommodation. The following descriptions define the capabilities expected from an individual to successfully complete the Middle Tennessee State University Physician Assistant Studies Program.
In addition to the abilities and skills set forth above, the student must possess the general physical health necessary for performing the duties of a Physician Assistant student without endangering the lives of patients and/or colleagues with whom the student might have contact. Students whose performance is impaired by abuse of alcohol or other substances are not suitable for admission, continuation, promotion, or graduation.
Tuition/Fees
- Regional Out-of-state explanation (regional scholars’ program)
- All amounts shown are estimates and subject to change
- Cost of attendance (explains average cost of living expenses)
- All amounts shown are estimates and subject to change
- Estimated Tuition and Fees
- All amounts shown are estimates and subject to change
-
Other Common Expenses** for the PA Studies Student:
Expense Didactic Phase Clinical Phase Total Textbooks $3,500 $500 $4,000 Computer, software, etc. $2,100 NA $2,100 Medical Equipment $840 NA $840 Optional Conference Fees $500 $500 $1,000 Health Insurance (Needlestick care will vary based on exposure risk and health insurance coverage.) $3,000 $2,400 $5,400 Background Checks $25 $75 $100 Health Services (Drug screens, physical exam, immunizations, etc.) $228 $228 $456 BLS/ACLS $180 NA $180 Housing $18,000 $14,400*** $32,400 Travel Expenses $2,000 $7,200 $9,200 Internet Connection $1,000 $800 $1,800 Personal/Miscellaneous $4,500 $3,600 $8,100 Total $65,576 *Tuition and fees are subject to change.
**These are an estimate of common expenses related to attendance over the duration of the program. They may fluctuate year to year and are subject to change.
*** Some clinical rotations may require students to temporarily reside outside of the Murfreesboro area. While reasonable efforts will be made to provide housing, ultimately, students are responsible for the supplemental costs that may incur with housing and transportation at all clinical training sites.
Interested in becoming a clinical preceptor for the MTSU PA Studies program?
Need more information about becoming a preceptor?
Preceptor Resources
Online or Hybrid Programs at a Glance
This program is available .
For More Information or Explore Your Options
Contact your department / program coordinator or advisor for more details about the program OR work one-on-one with your advisor to explore your options.
The Online Advantage
With over 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning, MTSU Online offers students access to innovative, high-quality programs. Designed with students in mind, our courses allow maximum flexibility for those unable to participate in person.
Resources and services for online students are available from MTSU Online or contact us at distance@mtsu.edu.
