Physician Associate Studies
Master of Science in Physician ASSOCIATE (PA) Studies
Augsburg University’s PA Program is a primary-care focused program that challenges students to be their best and become compassionate, empathetic, and forward-thinking healthcare providers. Established in 1994, we are Minnesota’s first PA Program, and we continuously strive to go above and beyond for our students’ education and experience.
During our 27-month-long, full-time program, students will gain the skills to provide team-based patient care in an inclusive and active learning environment and will graduate with a Master of Science in PA Studies.
In the City: October 6th at 6:00 PM
Join us for an informative and engaging evening to learn more about Augsburg’s graduate programs. Meet faculty and program leaders as they share insights on curriculum, learning formats, and what sets the graduate student experience apart. Light appetizers and refreshments will be served.
PA Program History: leading the profession in Minnesota
In 1994, Augsburg University launched Minnesota’s first Physician Assistant program. Originally structured as a four year post baccalaureate program, it prepared graduates for PA licensure and national certification while reflecting Augsburg’s mission grounded in service, community engagement, and academic excellence. The inaugural class of 23 students began in Anderson Hall, completing 12 months of didactic coursework followed by 15 months of clinical rotations and a 12 week preceptorship.
In 2002, Augsburg transitioned to the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree, among the first programs in the nation to award the master’s credential. As the profession evolved, Augsburg continued to lead its advancement. The University became the first in Minnesota to launch the Doctor of Medical Science degree for PAs and the first in the state to formally adopt the national professional title of Physician Associate.
The creation of the Department of Physician Associate Medicine within the School of Health further reflects Augsburg’s commitment to strengthening professional identity, advancing scope of practice, and preparing leaders in team based healthcare.
Today, the 27 month program includes 15 months of clinically integrated coursework in anatomy, clinical medicine, pharmacotherapy, history and physical examination, community health, and evidence based practice, followed by 12 months of supervised clinical rotations in family medicine, internal medicine, behavioral health, surgery, emergency medicine, reproductive health, pediatrics, and electives. Students train in diverse healthcare settings across Minnesota, the Upper Midwest, and beyond.
For more than three decades, Augsburg has not simply educated PAs.
It has helped shape the profession in Minnesota.
Why Augsburg?
We strive to provide PA education based on a foundation of respect and sensitivity to people of every culture and background. In addition to a comprehensive primary care curriculum that advances alongside healthcare (think telehealth and point-of-care ultrasound), our students learn in an active and belonging environment with a wide range of community engagement opportunities.
🥇 First PA Program in Minnesota
🥇 First PA Doctoral Program in Minnesota
🥇 First to Adopt the Physician Associate Title in Minnesota
Graduate Fellowship & doctor of medical science
Augsburg University offers advanced pathways for physician associate students to expand their impact in clinical practice, leadership, and education. Graduate and Doctoral coursework strengthen skills in leadership, teaching, and community-centered care.
This is an opportunity for recently graduated, access-minded PAs to grow their leadership and teaching skills in a hands-on classroom setting, between the graduation and clinical practice timeline.
The Graduate Fellow will be supported financially to work with the PA program to become a mentor and role model to current graduate-level PA students and PA faculty, reaffirming and growing our culture of inclusion, belonging, and human dignity. The Fellow will have an opportunity to prepare for their boards, licensure, and clinical practice while being mentored by PA program faculty in principles of health professions education and then applying those skills in the PA classroom.
PA fellows meet the following guidelines:
- Anticipated graduation from PA school or recently graduated from an accredited PA program.
- Demonstrates a commitment to teaching future PAs in the clinical or educational setting.
- Possesses a strong understanding of the experiences of under-resourced groups in medicine and PA education.
- Experience leading and/or organizing scholarly work, events, or projects that serve to create and advance healthcare and learning environment for all.
The writing is on the wall. Seamlessly transition from your MSPAS to DMSc
Be practice ready and profession ready. Augsburg MSPAS graduates have a streamlined pathway to earn their Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree, with reduced tuition and credit for courses taken in the MSPAS program. Augsburg’s DMSc program will strengthen your PA career by supporting you as you transition from graduate to practicing clinician and preparing you to lead as an innovative clinician, scholar, advocate, and educator.
All you need is:
- Enrollment in an ARC-PA accredited PA program (MSPAS, MPAS, or equivalent)
- Graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale)
- A strong record of leadership, scholarship, and service in PA school
To support your transition into practice, the Augsburg DMSc offers:
- Intentional course sequencing and curriculum design to support PANCE preparation and a smooth transition into your first clinical role
- Early-career mentorship connecting you with experienced PAs and healthcare leaders
- Fall and Spring start dates for students across the nation
Augsburg MSPAS Alumni Pathway
Augsburg MSPAS graduates have a streamlined pathway to earn their Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree, with reduced tuition and credit for prior coursework. The program is intentionally designed to strengthen your transition from graduate to practicing clinician while preparing you to lead as an innovative clinician, scholar, advocate, and educator.
- $80 per-credit alumni tuition discount
- Up to 6 prior learning credits* to waive up to two required DMSc courses
- Intentional course sequencing to support PANCE preparation and early-career transition
- Early-career mentorship and professional development support
Click here to learn more.
Upcoming Events
MBA, MAE/T, and MA in Leadership Information Session
September 25, at 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm
Join us for a chance to learn more about our MA in Education/Teaching, MBA, and MA in Leadership programs from faculty and staff. We are hosting this event at Lake Monster Brewing Company in St. Paul!
“In the City” Information Session
October 7th at 5:30 pm
Join us for an opportunity to learn more about our graduate programs at Augsburg! Connect with faculty and program leaders to review program objectives, educational delivery format, and what makes the graduate student experience unique. Our Graduate Admissions Team members will be available to address any questions to help you navigate the application process. Click the image above to register!
Faculty
Our dedicated team of faculty and staff is committed to supporting your success—both in the classroom and beyond.
Have Questions?
We are here to answer all your questions and help you embark on a successful educational journey to ensure that you receive support every step of the way.
Accreditation
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Augsburg University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Augsburg University. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards. Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be 2029 June. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy.
The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website.