Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

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Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) Overview

Chatham University’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program is an 85-credit program designed to produce highly skilled and competent healthcare providers. During the first year of the program, you will complete two didactic terms before continuing on to clinical rotations which comprise your second year. At the end of your second year, you will return to campus to finish coursework.
Important Dates

Application Deadline

All applications will be considered on time if they are fully verified in CASPA by October 1. All applications must be submitted through  Additional information can be found in the below Admission Requirements section.

Credits Required

85 (6 terms)

The MPAS is a full-time cohort program that begins in the fall semester and is completed in six terms over 24 months.

Explore the Program

Student Manuals

To learn more about being an MPAS student at Chatham, please view our Student Manual (pdf)

PANCE Success Rate

94%

Graduates of the program have achieved a 94% average first-time pass rate over the past five years on the (PANCE).

You can never teach all of medicine to any one student. If I can teach a student to think, to learn, and to be a compassionate caregiver, then I have made a difference.

— SUSAN HAWKINS, MSED, PA-C, professor emeritus

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Program Tuition & Fees

Click the button below for detailed information regarding the MPAS tuition and program fees. Once enrolled, Chatham's MPAS Tuition Lock guarantees that the tuition you pay during your first year of the program will not rise during your second year, provided that you stay continually enrolled in the program. 

Explore MPAS Tuition & Fees : Checkerboard 2 - Program Tuition & Fees

Courses & Curriculum

Chatham's Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program is a full-time, 85-credit cohort program that begins in the fall semester and is completed in six terms over 24 months. Click the button below to learn more about the curriculum progression and courses.

Explore MPAS Curriculum : Checkerboard 3 - Courses & Curriculum
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Problem-Based Learning

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is the cornerstone of Chatham MPAS students' first year, and an empowering method of education that sets students up for self-directed, life-long learning. Come , and find out why so many of our students say it’s THE reason they chose to come to Chatham.

Learn About PBL : Checkerboard 4 - Problem-Based Learning
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Interprofessional Education (IPE)

Interprofessional education involves students from two or more health professions learning together during their training. The goal of IPE is to enhance communication and decision-making, allowing various domains of knowledge to complement each other.

Learn About IPE : Checkerboard 5 - Interprofessional Education (IPE)
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Clinical Rotation Experience

Clinical rotations are a core experience of Chatham’s MPAS training. Through the seven required rotations in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, Women’s Health, Psychiatry/Behavioral Health, Surgery, and various electives, students are able to become well-rounded practitioners and solid members of healthcare teams, as well as fine-tune their career aspirations.

Explore Clinical Rotations : Checkerboard 6 - Clinical Rotation Experience
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Program Faculty

If one word could best sum up Chatham's MPAS faculty, it would be engaged. Professors bring a wealth of clinical experience as well as teaching experience in a range of practice settings. They serve as mentors and advisors and are there for you every step of the way.

Meet the Faculty : Checkerboard 7 - Program Faculty
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Admitted Student Profile (Fall 2024)

  • Matriculated: 62
  • Average age: 23.5
  • Average cumulative overall GPA: 3.81
  • Average cumulative science GPA: 3.76
  • Gender identification: 87% female, 13% male
  • Residence: 18 states represented. 53% in-state, 47% out-of-state
  • Ethnicity identification: 2% Black or African American, 7% Hispanic, 24% Asian, 68% White, 2% Not Reporting

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Program Mission

The Chatham University MPAS program is committed to cultivating knowledgeable, compassionate, ethical, and clinically skilled graduates. We empower our students to become lifelong learners, dedicated to delivering inclusive, patient-centered care. Our graduates are prepared to contribute to sustainable health practices and effectively serve diverse communities with a commitment to health equity.

View Full Mission & Program Competencies : Checkerboard 10 - Program Mission
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Integrated Degree Program

Chatham University offers a 3+2 Integrated Degree Program (IDP) for prospective undergraduate students looking to accelerate their path toward enrolling in the master’s program. Highly qualified first-year applicants may be eligible for admission to the PA program based on high school and undergraduate performance. Interested students should work with the undergraduate admissions team for assistance with applying to the IDP.

Learn About IDP : Checkerboard 11 - Integrated Degree Program
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Accreditation

The , Inc. (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Chatham University Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program sponsored by Chatham University. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards. 

View Full Accreditation : Checkerboard 12 - Accreditation
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Support a PA Student

Professor Emerita Susan Hawkins and former PA Program Director Judy Truscott launched the first-ever PA Student Award to honor Susan’s retirement from Chatham University. The purpose of the Student Award is to provide recognition and financial assistance to a deserving PA Student who has completed the didactic phase of the program. 

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Pi Alpha Honor Society

Chatham's PA program has a chapter within the Pi Alpha Honor Society. The motto of Pi Alpha is "Scholarship, Service, Leadership." The organization is committed to lifelong learning and participation in intellectual life.  

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Visits & Events

Start the next steps in your graduate journey at Chatham University by visiting campus or attending upcoming events. Join virtual info sessions, open houses, or admitted student sessions to learn about our programs and the application process, interact with faculty, and experience the Chatham community. Click the button below to view the schedule and register, and email graduate@chatham.edu with any questions.

View Graduate Event Schedule : Checkerboard 16 - Visits & Events

Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

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Do you have questions?

We make it easy to get in touch:

Call Us

800-837-1290

Text Us

412-419-3772 (standard text/SMS rates will apply)

Email Us

graduate@chatham.edu

Request Information

Or, answer a few questions and we will be glad to help.

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