Program Overview

The Master of Science (M.S.) Degree in Physician Assistant Studies is a 9-quarter program (with one summer break) that includes streamlined courses with innovative content delivery, a state-of-the-art simulation lab, and world-class clinical anatomy experiences as well as early exposure to patient care.  

Students will receive mentorship and support in their academic and research focus areas by clinically practicing Stanford PAs.  During the didactic work, PA students will be located at the medical school and enroll as a cohort in a clinically focused curriculum. They will take several courses along with medical students, allowing for inter-professional education. During their clerkship year, students will rotate through Stanford Medicine sites as well as select sites throughout California.

In an innovative approach to PA education that will encourage the next generation of PA leaders, students will be required to select a leadership track and complete a Capstone Project. The leadership tracks include: Community Health, Health Services and Policy Research, Clinical Research, Medical Education, and Healthcare Administration.

Upon completion of the program, students will earn a Master of Science (MS) degree in Physician Assistant Studies and be prepared to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination (PANCE). 

In addition to a faculty advisor, each MSPA student is assigned a PAC mentor. PAC mentors are clinically practicing PAs who dedicate one day per week to mentoring and working with our MSPA students on patient communication skills, physical examination skills, clinical reasoning, and professionalism.  In addition, with more than 150 PAs within the Stanford health care community, there are endless opportunities for students to engage with clinically practicing PAs both during the pre-clinical and clinical years. 

Visit the Center for Immersive and Simulation-Based Learning