Physician Associate degree programs
- Dual pathways to success.
- State-of-the-art facilities.
- Comprehensive curriculum and hands-on experience.
In the competitive landscape of healthcare education, Alvernia University offers a top-rated Physician Associate (PA) degree program. With a curriculum designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern healthcare, Alvernia provides a comprehensive pathway for aspiring PAs through its Master of Medical Science in Physician Associate Studies.
Choose a Path Aligning With Your Background
Learn More About the Program
Program Director Renee Langstaff and Medical Director Ankit Shah discuss Alvernia's Physician Associate Program in this video.
Success Stories
Two members of the physician associate faculty at Alvernia are making a difference with their volunteer work, providing wound care on the streets of Philadelphia. Read their story and many more inspiring tales of perseverance and triumph.
Getting Started
- Technical Standards for Admission
The technical standards for the Alvernia University Physician Associate Program have been established to ensure that candidates have the ability to demonstrate academic mastery, competence when performing clinical skills, and the ability to communicate clinical information. Those standards can be read here.
- Admission Requirements
• See the admission requirements for the post-baccalaureate track.
• See the admission requirements for the Bio-PA (3+2) accelerated track.
- Application Instructions
• Complete your CASPA application.
• Complete your financial aid paperwork.
• For Bio-PA (3+2), submit your transcripts.
- Financing Your Education
There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our Student Financial Services page for a detailed overview of the process, and visit our FAFSA page to stay up to date on the latest from federal student aid. Alvernia’s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.
- Career Outlook
The PA profession is one of the fastest growing in the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected job growth rate for 2023-2033 is 28%, which is much higher than the average growth rate for all professions. The median annual wage for physician associates was $130,020 in 2023. Obtaining a Master of Medical Science in Physician Associate Studies will allow graduates to:
- Take medical histories
- Conduct physical exams
- Diagnose and treat illness
- Order and interpret tests
- Develop treatment plans
- Prescribe medication
- Counsel on preventive care
- Perform procedures
- Assist in surgery
- Make rounds in hospitals and nursing homes
- Do clinical research