LAKERS TOGETHER: View the university’s COVID-19 response. Also, be sure to complete the online daily self-assessment.
Physician Assistant Studies, M.P.A.S.
Physician assistants (PAs) are valued members of the medical community who work with a collaborating physician. They take medical histories, perform physical examinations, make clinical diagnoses, treat illnesses, provide patient education, counsel patients, assist in surgery, create patient orders, interpret lab studies, and prescribe medications.
16%
Job Growth in West Michigan by 2025
Source: EMSI, 2020
Program Overview
The 28-month Master's degree accepts 48 students each year (36 in Grand Rapids and 12 in Traverse City). Four semesters are spent on campus in lectures, labs, small groups, and simulations. The final three semesters are spent in clinical rotations were students get experiences in family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, mental health, surgery, womens health and specialty practices.
Why Choose Physician Assistant Studies at Grand Valley?
- The program is located in the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids' medical mile and in The University Center in Traverse City. Both facilities offer dedicated lab and classroom space, access to a simulation center, and connections to the local health care community.
- Over the last five years GVSU grads have had a first-time pass rate of 100 percent on the NCCPA certification exam.
- Small student-to-faculty ratio means students have greater access to our 15 dedicated faculty members and opportunities for small group discussions.
- The program has been recognized by the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) as both regional and national Outstanding Credit Program in 2019.
- Accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (arc-pa.org).
Program Details