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Information Sessions

If you are interested in learning more about the Physician Assistant program we encourage you to attend one of our Information Sessions. Click here for more information.

Quick Reference

Student Handbook: Download Student Handbook Degree awarded: Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) Accreditation: The Physician Assistant program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Physician Assistant Education (ARC-PA) Videos: Click here to learn more about the Physician Assistant Program. Course descriptions: Click here Useful links: CHP Faculty American Academy of Physician Assistants South Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants Contact info: (843) 792-3775 (843) 792-0506 - fax

MSPAS for the Practicing Physician Assistant

Fall Semester classes begin the end of August
Spring Semester classes begin the first week of January

Program Overview

The purpose of the program leading to a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) is to provide the practicing Physician Assistant access to a graduate degree. Coursework will be provided using WebCT, an Internet-based educational program for the delivery of courses.

The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and the Association of Physician Assistant Programs (APAP) have both adopted a policy statement that acknowledges the graduate degree as the appropriate entry-level degree for the profession. Eighty percent (80%) of the nationally accredited physician assistant programs now confer master's degrees. Many of the other programs are planning to implement a master's degree. According to the AAPA, thirty percent (29%) of the profession earned master's degrees from their PA programs.

Traditionally, an additional 36 semester hours are required to earn a master's degree. Physician Assistant education provided by an accredited program prepares the PA to practice medicine with the supervision of a licensed physician. During this preparation, the PA completes more than 100 semester hours of coursework. There are some significant differences between the BS/BA earned from a PA program and the MSPAS degree, and this program is designed to address those differences.

Curriculum (Course Descriptions)

The combination of previous educational accomplishments during the applicant's PA education and these additional twelve semester hours will result in the conferral of an MSPAS. The required three-credit courses are:

• HP-600 Research Methodology
• PA-647 Advanced Clinical Problem Solving
• PA-639 Evidence Based Medicine
• PA-688 Graduate Project

Admissions

The tMSPAS program is no longer accepting applications for admissions. 

Costs (Tuition)

Students must have a computer available with high speed Internet access via either a cable modem or DSL service. The computer must have web browser capability to access WebCT.

Tuition for South Carolina residents an non-residents can be found on the Office of Enrollment Management Website.

Faculty

Reamer Bushardt, PharmD, PA-C
Paul F. Jacques, DHS, PA-C
Martha Green, PA-C
Mary Hewett, PA-C
Arnie Metz, PA-C
Kevin Harmon, PA-C