About the Program
The Mississippi State University-Meridian Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program (MSU-MPAS) is a rigorous 29 month program that recruits adult learners who have prior experience in health care. Our mission is to prepare PAs to practice and promote empathetic, primary care-focused medicine that serves the culturally diverse state of Mississippi.
Mississippi State University-Meridian initiated the development of the Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program after several years of needs assessment and after community support was determined to be strong. Located in Meridian, Mississippi, the program has access to several highly esteemed Mississippi medical systems.
Admission to the Program is extremely competitive. The MSU MPAS will accept up to 30 students in each cohort. Applicants invited for interview must visit MSU-Meridian to participate in an on-campus interview. Invitation to interview does not imply acceptance to the program.
Physician assistants play a critical role delivering high quality, affordable healthcare and more than ever before, they fill the gaps in healthcare, meeting the needs of our nation and the world. The MSU MPAS Program is the perfect place to gain the skills, knowledge, and experience to prepare you to practice in this exciting, ever-evolving profession. We offer a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree for individuals seeking to become physician assistants.
The MSU MPAS program begins in January, and is 29 months in duration. The first year, which comprises the didactic portion of the program, is devoted to classroom study. Students attend courses five days a week during this time.
During the final phase of the program, students complete nine individual clinical rotations at sites predominately located throughout Mississippi. The clinical rotations include internal medicine, family medicine, women’s health, pediatrics, behavioral health, emergency medicine, general surgery, and elective clinical experiences of the students choosing.
Employment
Because of the program’s rigor and intensity, employment while a student is highly discouraged.
Mission - Vision - Values
Mission
The Mississippi State University-Meridian Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program will educate highly qualified, competent, health care providers who will increase access to care and provide primary care services to the diverse citizens of Mississippi.
Vision
The Mississippi State University-Meridian Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program will graduate health care professionals who will be leaders in the Mississippi health care community, dedicated to increasing access to care and to actively addressing health care disparities in the state.
Values
- Attaining proficiency in evidence-based medicine
- Assuring quality in patient-centered care
- Advancing professionalism in interdisciplinary relationships
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mississippi State University-Meridian Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program?
The Mississippi State University-Meridian Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MSU-MPAS) Program is a rigorous 29-month graduate program designed to prepare Physician Assistants to practice and promote empathetic, primary care-focused medicine that serves the culturally diverse state of Mississippi.
How long is the Mississippi State University Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program?
The MPAS Program at Mississippi State University is 29 months in duration and begins each January. The first year consists primarily of didactic classroom instruction, followed by clinical education experiences.
When does the Mississippi State University Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program begin?
The Mississippi State University-Meridian Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program begins in January each year.
How competitive is admission to the MSU Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program?
Admission to the program is extremely competitive. The MPAS Program at Mississippi State University accepts up to 30 students in each cohort. Meeting or exceeding the requirements does not guarantee admission.
Are interviews required for admission to the MSU Physician Assistant Program?
Yes. In-person interviews are conducted by the Admissions Committee at the MSU-Meridian campus. An invitation to interview does not imply acceptance into the program.
What is the mission of the Mississippi State University-Meridian Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program?
The mission of the program is to educate highly qualified and competent healthcare providers who will increase access to care and provide primary care services to the diverse citizens of Mississippi.
What is the vision of the Mississippi State University-Meridian Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program?
The program's vision is to graduate healthcare professionals who become leaders in the Mississippi healthcare community, increase access to care, and actively address healthcare disparities throughout the state.
What clinical rotations are included in the MSU Physician Assistant Program?
Students complete nine clinical rotations that include internal medicine, family medicine, women’s health, pediatrics, behavioral health, emergency medicine, general surgery, and elective clinical experiences.
Where do students complete clinical rotations in the MSU Physician Assistant Program?
During the final phase of the program, students complete clinical rotations at sites predominantly located throughout Mississippi.
Can I work while enrolled in the MSU Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program?
Working while enrolled in PA program courses, including the clinical portion, is not recommended due to the rigorous academic demands of the program.
Why choose the Mississippi State University-Meridian Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program?
The program offers a rigorous curriculum, access to highly regarded Mississippi medical systems, extensive clinical experience throughout the state, and preparation for a career as a Physician Assistant in an increasingly important healthcare profession.