Mount St. Joseph University’s Physician Assistant program prepares students to become outstanding clinicians fully prepared to deliver quality health care in an ever-changing environment.
As one of Cincinnati's top Physician Assistant programs, MSJ emphasizes critical thinking and lifelong learning through its use of hands-on patient care and state-of-the-art technology.
Professional Associations
Program Highlights
- A 27-month graduate program with 12 months of classroom training including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, clinical medicine, genetics, diagnostic lab, EKG, physical exam and clinical skills.
- Clinical rotations in family medicine, internal medicine, general surgery, women’s health, pediatrics, emergency medicine, orthopedics and behavioral health, along with three student selected elective rotations. Following the clinical phase, students complete a comprehensive summative evaluation.
- On campus Simulation Lab featuring Simulation IQ with audiovisual recording capability and embedded electronic health record.
- Advanced Anatomy Lab including AnatomageTM virtual anatomy program to supplement cadaver specimens.
- Graduates receive a Masters degree in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) and are eligible to take the PA National Certification Exam (PANCE).
| Graduated Classes | |||
| Class of 2022 |
Class of 2023 |
Class of 2024 |
|
| Maximum entering class size (as approved by ARC-PA) | 32 | 32 | 32 |
| Entering class size | 24+1 | 24 | 28+1 |
| Graduates | 24 | 21 | 28 |
| * Attrition rate | 4% | 12.5% | 6.9% |
| **Graduation rate | 96% | 87.5% | 93.1% |
*Attrition rate calculation: Number of students who attritted from cohort divided by the entering class size.
Comments:
- The Class of 2022 had one student dismissed for academic reasons and a student from Class of 2021 had been granted deceleration and graduated with the Class of 2022.
- The Class of 2023 had one student, in good academic standing, opt to leave the program at the end of the first semester and a second student dismissed for academic reasons. A third student was granted deceleration and graduated with the Class of 2024.
- The Class of 2024 had one student dismissed for academic reasons and a second student was granted deceleration and joined the Class of 2025.
Program Facilities
Click below for a virtual tour of the PA Skills Lab and the MSJ Physician Assistant Program's simulated learning space.
Program Mission and Vision
Mission
The specific mission of the Physician Assistant program is to educate outstanding, compassionate clinicians, fully prepared to deliver high quality, accessible health care, demonstrating commitment to life-long learning and ethical practice.
Vision
The Mount St. Joseph University Physician Assistant program graduates will be recognized for their leadership and for the quality of health care they provide, exemplifying professionalism, empathy and an attitude of service to others.
Accreditation
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 2032 March. 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-mt-st-joseph-university/ .
Program Competencies
Professional Licensure Information
Mount St. Joseph University’s Physician Assistant Program has Accreditation-Continued status from the ARC-PA. Successful completion of the PA program, whether delivered face to face or via virtual platform, satisfies the academic requirements for initial licensure in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Requirements for licensure/certification as a Physician Assistant vary from state to state. For students who wish to practice in a state other than Ohio, please contact the program director or faculty advisor to discuss additional requirements in that state.
A chart describing initial PA licensure requirements in each state and the District of Columbia is available here, and a directory of state medical licensure boards here.
Healer’s Art
Graduate Admission Counselor Directory
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View a complete listing of tuition, fees, and other costs associated with graduate study at the University.
Physician Assistant Curriculum, Program and Admission Requirements.
Masters in Physician Assistant Studies Fact Card
Jen Garrett