While volunteering at an LGBTQ+ camp, Brenna M. had an experience that permanently reshaped her approach to healthcare.

She was looking for volunteer work to add to her master’s applications when she came across Brave Trails, a national non-profit organization dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth leadership.

“My time volunteering in the LGBTQ+ community was a turning point,” Brenna said. “It changed my views on how I could use my expertise and career to advocate for those who might not have the same privileges I do.”

Providing care to LGBTQ+ youth ignited Brenna’s unwavering passion and now steers her educational path as a master of physician assistant student at WCU-Center for Graduate Studies.

“I’m excited to come into class having that lens and understand where those gaps are and how I can help fill them,” Brenna said.

Brenna’s path into medicine, driven by her lifelong passion for science, initially led her to a year-long stint in a biomedical engineering lab, where she found herself missing the human-to-human interaction that medicine provides.

“I loved the science from research, but it wasn’t stimulating my need to interact with people,” Brenna said.

However, a conversation with a friend who worked as a physician assistant revealed that the PA profession perfectly aligned with her desires for both science and connecting with people.

Now two-thirds of the way through her first year at şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝, Brenna is enthusiastic about her experience at the Center for Graduate Studies. She said she appreciates the MPA program’s hybrid model, which provides the flexibility to balance work, life, and studies.

“I think that’s a huge advantage to this program,” Brenna said.

When asked what advice she would offer to those considering an MPA program, Brenna emphasized the importance of bringing a passion to your studies that extends outside the classroom.

“Figure out what gets you excited and try and bring that lens to PA school because it’s definitely going to translate at the end,” she said.

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In preparation for their clinical year of the Master of Physician Assistant program, WCU-Texas students put their bedside manner and book smarts to the test in a series of immersive simulations.

Held once a trimester and called “Objective Structured Clinical Examinations” — or OSCE, for short — the tests are a combination of classroom theory and real-life patient care that help hone the MPA students’ ability to diagnose and treat illnesses and communicate effectively.

“The OSCE allows them to pull all of their skills and knowledge together so that before they go out into their clinicals, they’ve actually gone in and learned how to interact with patients,” WCU-Texas MPA Dean Amy Bronson said.

During the OSCE, students confront a patient’s case, complete with a chief complaint and vital signs. The challenges are many: Determine the right questions to ask, perform the necessary physical examinations precisely, and even request diagnostic testing.

“All these things come together to essentially take what is book knowledge and apply it to patient care,” Bronson said.

Critical to this preparation are standardized patients, who follow a script through the scenario and help guide students toward the correct diagnoses. The simulated patients are usually individuals from the community and offer invaluable feedback on students’ performance.

“We have been strategic in having a very diverse group of standardized patients because that also helps our students learn how to take care of and care well for those across the diversity spectrum,” Bronson said.

Besides helping prepare for the clinical year, Bronson said the OSCE also fosters a sense of confidence and competence with şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝ students and gives them a head start on being better-equipped healthcare professionals who can more easily navigate the challenges of patient care.

“The fun part is when students come back to campus during the clinical year, and they say, ‘I felt so much more comfortable going in my first day because I’ve done this before,’” Bronson said.

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When you work in healthcare, meeting new people is a regular part of the job. This is where you create the provider-patient relationship: You want your patients to like you, and you need them to trust you.

As a healthcare provider, you have to make first impressions often—sometimes on a daily basis. The new patient introduction is more complicated than just a handshake and a hello because the person you’re meeting is in a vulnerable position. They may be stressed or even fearful—an actual diagnosis for this is “,” in which the patient has developed physical symptoms like high blood pressure in a healthcare setting.

Meeting your patient for the first time is your opportunity to set the tone that will inform every interaction that follows, whether you’re a physician assistant, an occupational therapist, or a nurse practitioner. When done right, you can put your patient at ease, earn their trust, and open a healthy line of communication that is essential for adherence to treatment plans and improved patient outcomes.

Here are some best practices for a patient introduction:

1. Respect Their Time

Wait time is consistently a top concern for . Of course, you can’t always control for this, but you can make sure you actively consider your patient’s time during your interaction with them.

This means efficiency during the actual consultation, examination, or treatment of your patient, so your patient isn’t there any longer than necessary and others do not have to wait longer than needed. This also means allowing ample time to explain treatments, hear concerns, and answer questions, so your patient feels they have your full and unrushed attention.

If your clinic, hospital, or office is busy and a longer patient wait time is inevitable, do what you can to manage expectations. One easy way to do this is at check-in—see if the receptionist is able to give patients an approximation of how long until they’ll be seen. You can also make quick contact with the patient yourself to show that you know they’re waiting and you’ll be with them as soon as you can.

2. Be Intentional in the Meet and Greet

Once you’re able to meet your patient, be methodical in your introduction. Make sure you’re the one who initiates the introduction, and do it as soon as you walk in the room. Take charge of the interaction immediately, and personalize yourself with your name and your role.

In introducing yourself, it’s important to know your social signals: eye contact, facial expression, speech, and space. Let’s go through these one by one:

• Eye Contact: Meet your patient’s eyes right away. Direct eye contact demonstrates that you’re confident and you’re paying attention to your patient. It shows your patient that you see them, and that’s what they’re there for.

• Facial Expression: Don’t hesitate to smile at your patient. Patients, particularly those who have a concerning condition, are trying to read you for worrisome cues. Keep your expression warm, calm, sincere, and reassuring.

• Speech: How you speak to a patient says as much about you as what you say. Speak politely, clearly, and with empathy. Use Mr., Mrs., Ms., or if you aren’t sure of someone’s pronouns, you can use a first name. This bit of provider-patient etiquette might seem formal, but a small sign of respect can be meaningful to a patient who feels vulnerable.

• Space: Even though providing healthcare often requires you to get up close and personal with your patient’s body, during your introduction, give them some room. Personal space has been studied—it’s called —and it varies culturally, but a good rule of thumb is to give your patient at least an arm’s length of personal space while you’re getting acquainted.

Making sure you are mindful of your social signals during an introduction will go a long way toward creating and maintaining the right impression with your patient. Over time, it will become second nature—part of your muscle memory.

3. Come Prepared to Care

Check the chart or file before you walk in the room. A patient will trust you more if they believe you’ve already been briefed on their needs. Show the patient that you know why they’re there, and explain to them what they can expect. Knowing information and giving the patient some agency over what happens next will help them feel secure and empowered.

Make sure you have everything you need with you, and as you come to the end of the appointment, explain what will happen next. Invite the patient to ask questions—make it a two-way conversation—and ask them if there’s anything they need.

Remember: Your departure is almost as important as your introduction. Don’t rush your exit. Before you leave the room and complete your first interaction, thank the patient by name. If you’ll be seeing this patient again in the future, you have laid a solid foundation for trust and comfort. And if another healthcare provider will be taking it from here, you’re leaving your patient with a solid plan for ongoing continuity of care.

4. Make a Follow-up Call

One gesture that can help you stand out from other providers is a personal follow-up to your patient’s first appointment. A call, email, or message via your patient portal or clinical management system will show the patient that your concern for their health extends beyond the confines of your office or clinic.

You can do this even if there’s no new information to relay. Your follow-up communication can be as simple as an invitation to stay in touch with questions, or an inquiry about progress.

Another benefit of the follow-up is that it creates continuity between visits. This has dual benefits: It encourages patient compliance with instructions for better patient outcomes—and for private practice or healthcare business owners, it reinforces your value as a business and may differentiate you from other providers.

Since a follow-up call is low- or no-cost, it’s both a smart and considerate improvement you can make to your patient’s experience.

In summary: You want to create a first patient experience that is respectful, open, and professional. Adhere to these guidelines during your introduction to a patient and you’ll not only make a positive and professional impression, you’ll also lay the groundwork for a healthy provider-patient relationship going forward.

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While working for a biomedical company, Lawson Scott discovered that his interactions with clinical trial participants were the most valuable part of his role and the best part of his day. 

“I wanted to connect with people, know their stories and identify how I can help them,” he said.

That’s when he realized he wanted a career that allowed him to help people as soon as they walked in the door.

“In clinical trials, we have participants. We would monitor them and analyze their results after months,” Scott said. “As a physician assistant, you have patients. With patients, you can potentially help them by the end of the visit.”

Scott explored several different areas within the medical field while looking for a more hands-on approach to helping others. Ultimately, the career options offered as a physician assistant led to his final choice.

“You have more flexibility with your career long-term,” Scott said. “You can do orthopedics for five years and then go do primary care.”

Scott said he is still thankful for his experience in clinical trials because it helped guide him to his correct path. His advice to others is that it’s OK to take time to make the right decision.

“I have friends who recently completed their undergrad, and they feel rushed to apply to PA or med school right away,” he said. “Having the experience beforehand can help lead you and guide you in the right direction.”

Now a Master of Physician Assistant (MPA) student at WCU-Texas, Scott is looking forward to beginning his second year in the program and starting his clinical rotations. He is looking forward to connecting with his patients and providing care.

“To have someone come in with a problem and potentially leave with a solution is very fulfilling,” Scott said. 

The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝ Physician Assistant Program sponsored by şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝. Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation. Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students. Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class. The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at To become a certified PA (PA-C), one must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). In addition, students must obtain state medical board registration/licensure. The licensure requirements will vary from state to state. A PA may not begin working as a Physician Assistant in most states until he/she has successfully passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) AND has been licensed/ registered by the state in which they practice. There may be exceptions for certain state licensures or for federal employment, such as the military and Veterans Administration. Failure to complete all necessary steps may constitute practicing medicine without a medical license. Upon graduation, students are responsible for ensuring they obtain all required licenses and certifications. şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝ is not responsible for registration or licensing; the student is solely responsible for all such requirements and verifying proper authorizations to practice medicine have been obtained.

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When Destiny W. joined her father on a mission trip to St. Andrews Island at 10 years old, she knew she wanted to pursue a career in healthcare.  

“We were doing outreach and I could see the people had health care needs, but I didn’t have the knowledge to supply it,” she shared. “I wanted to help people, and I realized the best way to do that was through the lens of healthcare.”  

Destiny also grew up inspired by her mother, an obstetrics and gynecology surgical technician. Hearing her fascinating stories influenced Destiny to explore her own path in healthcare, leading her to that of a physician assistant.  

“What really gravitated me towards the PA profession was that I wasn’t limited to one specialty,” she said. “I’ll be able to switch specialties throughout my career, prescribe medication, create a treatment plan, and work on a healthcare team.”   

As part of the first cohort of students in the WCU-Texas Master of Physician Assistant program, Destiny’s goal is to help others by providing quality and affordable healthcare, and by making an impact on patients’ lives. 

“My purpose is still doing missionary work. I think it is very important for PAs to build that bridge between healthcare and underserved communities,” she shared. “PAs make a huge impact on the healthcare profession, and I want to do my part by being a great provider. I want to build a great rapport with my future patients and improve their quality of life as much as possible. I want to truly serve my community.”  

Now well into her program, Destiny’s advice to future WCU-Texas MPA students is to “stay on top of your studies, stay organized, do assignments two days before they’re due, be adaptable, make lifelong friends, but also maintain balance life.”  

“Don’t forget to laugh and enjoy the process,” she said. “I know you’re in school but it’s good to have a balance and live life while getting your education.”  

The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝ Physician Assistant Program sponsored by şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝. Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation. Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students. Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class. The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at To become a certified PA (PA-C), one must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). In addition, students must obtain state medical board registration/licensure. The licensure requirements will vary from state to state. A PA may not begin working as a Physician Assistant in most states until he/she has successfully passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) AND has been licensed/ registered by the state in which they practice. There may be exceptions for certain state licensures or for federal employment, such as the military and Veterans Administration. Failure to complete all necessary steps may constitute practicing medicine without a medical license. Upon graduation, students are responsible for ensuring they obtain all required licenses and certifications. şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝ is not responsible for registration or licensing; the student is solely responsible for all such requirements and verifying proper authorizations to practice medicine have been obtained.

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A part of the first Master of Physician Assistant (MPA) cohort at WCU-Texas, Alexandra A. wants to help rural communities get the healthcare they need by advocating and educating as a physician assistant.

As a child, Arnold had to travel 45 minutes after suffering a foot injury when her leg became stuck between two rocks while walking along a lake near her home.

“By the time we got to the hospital, it was all hands-on deck,” she said. “I had lost so much blood, and there was nothing my parents could’ve done because that was our closest hospital.”

Looking back, Arnold realized the level of care needed to treat her injury would have been much lower if she had closer access to healthcare.

“We can have all these physicians, but if we need them in larger areas focusing on the high scale stuff,” Arnold said. “We need those physician assistants who can focus on the rural stuff.”

Arnold is looking forward to putting her skills to practice and making a difference for her patients and the community she serves.

“You can make an impact at different levels by advocating and educating people to equip themselves to embrace their health and not rely on others,” she said.  

Arnold began the şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝â€™s MPA program in January 2022.

“I solely moved to Texas from Virginia for şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝,” she said. “Upon walking in, it was just seeing the welcomeness of the whole faculty and staff and the school in general. As well as the innovation of using halo lenses, anatomage and other resources that apply to whatever type of learner you are.”

She and her cohort are working towards their goal of graduating, and every day they are forging a new trail for the next cohort to follow.

“Their path is going to be easier, but at the same time, we are putting our stamp in, not only the profession but also the school,” Arnold said.  

The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝ Physician Assistant Program sponsored by şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝. Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation. Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students. Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class. The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at To become a certified PA (PA-C), one must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). In addition, students must obtain state medical board registration/licensure. The licensure requirements will vary from state to state. A PA may not begin working as a Physician Assistant in most states until he/she has successfully passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) AND has been licensed/ registered by the state in which they practice. There may be exceptions for certain state licensures or for federal employment, such as the military and Veterans Administration. Failure to complete all necessary steps may constitute practicing medicine without a medical license. Upon graduation, students are responsible for ensuring they obtain all required licenses and certifications. şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝ is not responsible for registration or licensing; the student is solely responsible for all such requirements and verifying proper authorizations to practice medicine have been obtained.

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The is richly intertwined with American history. Before it was a recognized profession, military medics who had received “fast track” medical training were helping provide healthcare during World Wars I and II. Around the same time, rural doctors were informally training employees to assist them in treating populations in pastoral areas, far from hospitals.

The same skilled armed-forces medics who were already providing care to soldiers in combat would return home as vets seeking work. Many became among the first physician assistants, as the profession emerged in response to a doctor shortage in the late 1950s. In 1965, the first official PA program began at Duke University, using the “fast track” model.

If you’re thinking of pursuing this respected profession, we encourage you to check out our Master of Physician Assistant program to learn more about what it takes to carry on this tradition of essential medical professionals. As a PA, you’ll provide care in any of an array of medical settings, from hospital operating rooms to rural primary care centers.

Table of Contents

Physician Assistant Job Duties

Career Opportunities

Degree Requirements

şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝ PA Program

Next Steps

Physician Assistant Job Duties

What Does a Physician Assistant Do?

A physician assistant works on a team with a supervising physician in a medical setting to provide preventative care, treatments, and procedures. A PA’s specific duties vary by specialization and place of work. For example, a pediatric physician assistant might perform a child’s physical examination or administer vaccines. A surgical physician assistant may assist in the preoperative, performance, and postoperative aspects of a procedure.

While specializations may dictate what treatments you’ll perform within your placement, physician assistant responsibilities will generally include the following (as cited by the ):

• Reviewing and evaluating the patient’s condition and history
• Performing examinations
• Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and labs
• Diagnosing conditions, illnesses, and injuries
• Administering treatments, such as immunizations and splints
• Providing patient education and counseling
• Prescribing medication
• Assessing and recording progress
• Researching and staying up to date with treatment options
• Participating in patient and population outreach and education

What Is the Difference Between a Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner?

Let’s start with PAs. Physician assistants study and practice medicine broadly in a medical school and will typically work in and for a particular medical field: orthopedics, internal medicine, urology, etc. Physician assistants then work closely with specialists within each field. Studying for a PA degree resembles study toward an MD, with a disease-centric approach.

By contrast, nurse practitioners (and nurses more generally) are educated to work with a specific patient population: children, women, geriatric patients, and more. Within those populations, they may specialize further: neonatal, acute care, family care, etc. A nursing course of study is highly patient-centric.

What Can Physician Assistants Specialize In?

The list of PA specialties is long and diverse. Focuses of specialty can include both general and subspecialty disciplines. There are literally dozens of possible paths to advance your physician assistant career to choose a specialty, but the American Academy of Physician Assistants lists the following :

• Cardiovascular and thoracic surgery
• Emergency medicine
• Family medicine
• Geriatrics
• Hospital medicine
• Internal medicine
• Nephrology
• Obstetrics and gynecology
• Oncology
• Orthopedic surgery
• Pediatrics
• Psychiatry/mental health

And the list goes on. PAs work in all areas of medicine, so you may find yourself teamed with an anaesthesiologist or endocrinologist – or any of a number of other specialists not listed above.

Career Opportunities

Where Do Physician Assistants Work?

Curious what you can do with a MPA degree? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, once you’re licensed to practice as a physician assistant, you may have the opportunity to work in a including:

• Physicians’ offices
• Hospitals
• Outpatient care centers
• Educational services
• Government healthcare facilities

Degree Requirements

How Long Does It Take to Become a Physician Assistant?

Completing an MPA degree is typically a two-year program (the şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝â€™s MPA program is 24 months). You’ll also need an undergraduate degree in order to apply as a graduate student. After that, you will need to pass your certification exam so you can begin working as a PA.

Consider preparation for exams an extension of your school-based study. Field experience is often built into your degree curriculum.

What Subjects Are Covered in a PA Program?

Depending on your school and program, your precise curriculum will vary. We invite you to view the for a detailed look at what your education will include. You can expect your course of study at şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝ to touch upon all of the topics below:

• Medical Science
• Clinical Anatomy and Physiology
• Patient Assessment and Counseling
• Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics
• Clinical Diagnostics
• Disease and Society
• Mental Health
• Evidence-Based Medicine
• Art of Care
• Clinical Experience (Women’s/Pediatric/Behavioral/Surgical)

These disciplines and subjects will be taught in the classroom, labs, and through practice experience.

What Is the PANCE Exam?

The (PANCE), administered through the (NCCPA), is the credentialing test you must pass after graduation from an MPA degree program, before you are allowed to practice as a physician assistant.

The provide for more details on eligibility, testing protocols, and more.

Steps for Taking the PANCE Exam:

1. Complete an accredited MPA degree program.
2. on the NCCPA website.
3. Submit your application and pay the $550 exam fee.
4. Receive your exam acknowledgement through NCCPA.
5. and schedule your exam within the 180-day required timeframe.
6. Prepare for your exam. (NCCPA offers some study resources.)
7. Take and pass your exam, or retake the test (up to six times within six years).
8. Receive your Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) certification.
9. Optional: Consider earning a in a PA specialty.
10. Renew your certification prior to expiration (varies by state).

şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝ Physician Assistant Program: Campus & Hybrid Options

At şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝, we provide multiple options for completing your Master of Physician Assistant degree. You can enroll in our Texas MPA degree program, which is completed at our Richardson campus in the Dallas Metro area. Or, you can sign up for our hybrid MPA degree program in California,¹ which includes both remote study and some attendance at our Center for Graduate Studies in Los Angeles.

Our campuses have technologically advanced simulation centers that allow students to learn patient care techniques in a safe and realistic practice environment. We also use innovative tools such as virtual dissection tables and augmented reality to improve our students’ learning experiences.

Next Steps

Being a physician assistant is a meaningful career that is indispensable to patient outcomes and a functioning healthcare system. If you’re interested in pursuing an MPA degree and beginning your path as a future physician assistant, tap the Request Info button on this screen or call us at (866) 508-2684 to discuss your education options. We want to help you achieve your educational goals!

¹ The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝ Physician Assistant Program sponsored by şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝.

Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation (if fully implemented as planned) of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards, or when a program holding Accreditation-Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.

Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class. The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at .

To become a certified PA (PA-C), one must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). In addition, students must obtain state medical board registration/licensure. The licensure requirements will vary from state to state.

A PA may not begin working as a Physician Assistant in most states until he/she has successfully passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) AND has been licensed/registered by the state in which they practice. There may be exceptions for certain state licensures or for federal employment, such as the military and Veterans Administration. Failure to complete all necessary steps may constitute practicing medicine without a medical license. Upon graduation, students are responsible for ensuring they obtain all required licenses and certifications. şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝ is not responsible for registration or licensing; the student is solely responsible for all such requirements and verifying proper authorizations to practice medicine have been obtained.

şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝ provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.

With the COVID-19 endemic, the university is currently offering some on-ground courses in the distance education modality, as needed. As the situation changes, students may be expected to return on-campus to complete their program on-site in the regular learning modality as outlined in the university catalog.

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We are excited to announce that şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝, which has been educating the next generation of healthcare professionals for more than 100 years, will be expanding access to its Physician Assistant program. şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝ is launching a new MPA degree program in California to add to the one it already offers at the WCU-Texas campus.

The new program, which received its provisional accreditation from the ARC-PA in June of 2022, is accepting applications now and will enroll its first cohort of students in January 2023. (See the last section of this post for more information about our ARC-PA provisional accreditation.)

“At its core, our Physician Assistant program has been designed to produce clinically and culturally competent medical providers prepared to deliver compassionate and person-centric care to all communities served.”

Elizabeth Bunting, Program Director, şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝ MPA of California Program

What to Expect in the MPA Degree Program in California

Once an MPA student has begun their classes, the path to commencement will take two years to complete with students splitting their time evenly between a year of (mostly online) class-based training and a year of fully on-site clinical training.

In the first year, students can expect synchronous and asynchronous classes combined with one week of on-site intensives (or in-person, immersive learning experiences) each trimester in the first year, and one at the end of the program. These on-site intensives will be held at şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝â€™s Center for Graduate Studies in Los Angeles.

In the second year, students will complete nine 5-week clinical rotations comprised of seven core rotations (emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, surgery, and women’s health) and two elective rotations (in any of the available core areas or a specialty practice).

Admission Requirements

Students who are interested in joining this first cohort must have completed their bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college – and all required prerequisite courses (applicants will be allowed to have one class pending in the fall) – by Sept. 1, 2022. Additionally, they must complete all steps in the application process by Dec. 1, 2022.

The steps in the application process include the following:

• Completing a Application (Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants) with official transcripts for all previous higher education institutions attended
• Submitting three letters of recommendation
• Completing the supplemental admissions application
• Participating in an admissions interview

Learn more about the California MPA degree program and its admissions requirements, or reach out to MPA Admissions at CGSGradAdmssions@westcoastuniversity.edu with any questions you have about enrollment.

ARC-PA Provisional Accreditation Disclosure

The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝ Physician Assistant Program sponsored by şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝.

Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation (if fully implemented as planned) of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards, or when a program holding Accreditation-Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.

Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class. The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at .

To become a certified PA (PA-C), one must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). In addition, students must obtain state medical board registration/licensure. The licensure requirements will vary from state to state.

A PA may not begin working as a Physician Assistant in most states until he/she has successfully passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) AND has been licensed/registered by the state in which they practice. There may be exceptions for certain state licensures or for federal employment, such as the military and Veterans Administration. Failure to complete all necessary steps may constitute practicing medicine without a medical license. Upon graduation, students are responsible for ensuring they obtain all required licenses and certifications. şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝ is not responsible for registration or licensing; the student is solely responsible for all such requirements and verifying proper authorizations to practice medicine have been obtained.

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In This Guide

• Approach to Learning
• What Is a Nurse Practitioner?
• What Is a Physician Assistant?
• NP vs. PA: Key Differences to Know
• How to Choose Your Path
• Frequently Asked Questions

Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) both diagnose conditions, create treatment plans, and prescribe medications. The difference is in the training that they receive. NPs are advanced practice registered nurses educated in a nursing model focused on a specific patient population, while PAs are trained in a generalist medical model similar to medical school. The sections below break down the education, practice approach, and autonomy of each role so you can choose the right path for you.

Of all the degrees in nursing and medicine, Nurse Practitioner (NP) and Physician Assistant (PA) are the two most commonly compared by aspiring healthcare students. From a patient perspective, there may be little or no apparent difference; patients are simply seeing a provider for care.

Both NPs and PAs have advanced education. NPs earn their degrees in nursing and must achieve a minimum of a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from an accredited school to become licensed within a state. PAs need a minimum of a master’s-level degree from a PA program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

Both are certified to prescribe medications–NPs in most states and PAs in all states, including controlled substances when appropriate. Both can order and interpret diagnostic testing (e.g., laboratory and imaging tests), and both can perform office-based and hospital-based procedures. Additionally, both NPs and PAs can manage patients with acute, subacute, and chronic conditions and preventive care. At first glance, the careers have some commonalties, but the training is much different.

At second glance, you’ll find the distinction between an NP and a PA meaningful, and it significantly affects how each studies and approaches patient care.

Approach to Learning

For students who want to practice healthcare without going to medical school, two options stand out: a career as a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant. Both paths can give you the opportunity to diagnose, treat, and care for patients across specialties and settings.

Beyond those similarities, however, there are some key differences to know about these two roles. We’ll go over the distinctions between a nurse practitioner and a physician assistant to help you make the best choice for your career.

What Is a Nurse Practitioner?

A (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse who can diagnose and treat patients. Nurse practitioners provide primary, specialty, and acute care for a range of patients, including young children, families, and older adults.

Their responsibilities can include:

• Record patients’ medical histories
• Order, perform, and evaluate diagnostic tests
• Diagnose health conditions
• Develop treatment plans and manage patients’ care
• Prescribe medications
• Educate patients about health management and disease prevention

What Is a Physician Assistant?

A (PA) is a licensed clinician who provides medical care for patients. Like nurse practitioners, PAs can diagnose and treat patients for a wide range of conditions.

Their responsibilities often include:

• Take patients’ medical histories
• Perform exams
• Order and assess diagnostic tests
• Diagnose health conditions
• Create treatment plans
• Prescribe medications
• Perform medical procedures and help with surgeries

NP vs. PA: Key Differences to Know

It may seem like these two careers have many similarities, but there are also meaningful differences between the role of a PA versus an NP. Let’s take a closer look at the education, autonomy, and approach to practice for each role.

Education and Training

Both NPs and PAs have advanced education, but their programs and training are much different. To become an NP, you must earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from an accredited school. These programs help you expand upon your nursing knowledge and experience.

For your graduate program, you’ll choose the area where you want to specialize, such as family care, gerontology, or psychiatric-mental health. Your program will most likely follow a holistic model that combines both nursing and medical science. Your studies and clinical training will be heavily focused on providing patient-centric care.

For PAs, the minimum educational requirement is a master’s degree from a PA program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Similar to medical school, PA programs offer a generalist approach to training. As a PA student, you’ll do clinical rotations in multiple specialties, such as family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and general surgery.

Approach to Practice

With their differences in education and training, NPs and PAs practice medicine somewhat differently. According to the , NPs have a “unique emphasis on the health and well-being of the whole person.” They focus not only on diagnosing and treating medical issues, but also on educating people about ways they can prevent future problems and lead healthier lives.

In contrast, PAs have broader medical training, which allows them “to provide a wide spectrum of patient care and treat the ‘whole patient,’” according to the . They may offer health education or preventive care, but they primarily focus on diagnosing and treating medical conditions.

Despite these different approaches, NPs and PAs can both be a patient’s primary point of contact throughout diagnosis, treatment, and management.

Autonomy

Both NPs and PAs need to be licensed in the states where they practice. Depending on the state, and can be autonomous outpatient providers with the ability to practice and prescribe medicine independently. In some states, however, they may need to work under the supervision of a physician.

NPs are generally licensed by state nursing boards. Meanwhile, PAs are usually licensed by state medical boards, though some states have separate PA boards within or under the medical board.

Work Environment

You can find both NPs and PAs working in many medical facilities. NPs can practice in primary care, acute care, and long-term care settings. They in these settings:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Emergency rooms
• Private practices
• Nursing homes
• Schools
• Public health departments

Similarly, PAs can work in nearly any practice setting, including outpatient, inpatient, emergency room, and surgery. They often :

• Hospitals
• Medical offices
• Community health centers
• Nursing homes
• Retail clinics
• Educational facilities
• Workplace clinics
• Correctional institutions

Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner: How to Choose Your Path

If you’re deciding between these two professional paths, consider these factors:

• Degree program requirements: Graduate nursing programs with a bachelor’s degree, but some schools offer RN to MSN programs if you’re a licensed RN with an associate degree. For a physician assistant program, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, like biology, and experience working in healthcare, such as a medical assistant.
• Approach to patient care: Think about the type of care you want to provide. If you want to offer a holistic model of care, a career as an NP may be right for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a care model focused on diagnosis and treatment, you may do well as a PA.
• Opportunities for autonomy: If you want to practice independently, review your state’s requirements for both physician assistants and nurse practitioners. Knowing the level of autonomy in each role can help you make a decision about your future career.

Whichever path you choose, and wherever you decide to practice, you’ll be an indispensable part of the healthcare system.

Begin Your Training as a Nurse Practitioner or a Physician Assistant at şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝

Both nurse practitioners and physician assistants have valuable roles in the healthcare field. The differences between them center on the education and training they receive, their approach to patient care, and the level of autonomy they have. Choosing between a career as a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant depends on how you want to learn and practice medicine.

şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝ offers an educational pathway for whichever one you choose. Our Master of Physician Assistant program (available in Los Angeles and Richardson, TX) offers a blend of classroom instruction and advanced simulation labs to help prepare you for clinical rotations. Meanwhile, our MSN and DNP programs can be completed entirely online with clinical placement support to gain hands-on experience.

Are you ready to take the next step toward a career as a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant? Schedule an information session today to learn more!

Similar to medical school, all PA programs train in a generalist approach, allowing graduates who subsequently pass their national boards to pursue practice in any medical specialty and any practice setting, including outpatient, inpatient, emergency room, and surgery. Unlike physicians, PAs generally do not need to complete post-master’s internships and residencies, although many are open to pursue such training upon graduation.

By contrast, advanced practice registered nurse practitioners (APRNs) build medical expertise upon previous registered nurse knowledge and experience. Nurse practitioners are educated in a holistic model combining both nursing and medical science. Nurse practitioners specialize by patient population: family, pediatric, women, geriatric, and more. And within those populations they may specialize further: neonatal, acute care, etc. NPs train to focus on the patient and how they are affected by a disorder. A Nurse Practitioner course of study is highly patient-centric.

Approach to Practice

This major distinction in educational approach presents a philosophically different, if equally important, approach to practicing medicine. In oversimplified terms, the NP focuses on the individual while the PA focuses on holistic patient care, which includes the patient, the family, the environment, and the underlying medical condition. PA training has considerable foundation in medical sciences and NP training has considerable foundation in nursing sciences.

In many circumstances, the patient’s primary point of contact throughout diagnosis, treatment, and management can be an NP or a PA, with both serving as primary care providers and PAs also serving as specialty care providers. Research has shown that both NPs and PAs can improve access to high-quality and excellent care.

Autonomy

Depending on the practice specialty, years of experience, and state, both NPs and PAs can be autonomous outpatient providers with the ability to practice on their own licenses. NPs are generally licensed by state nursing boards. Meanwhile, PAs are generally licensed by state medical boards with some states having separate PA boards functioning within or under the medical board. Both NPs and Pas can choose to be a partner in a group clinical practice, choose a private practice, or work in a hospital-based practice.

In deciding which of these professional paths to pursue, consider the requirements of the relevant degree programs, the approach that each profession takes to patient care, and the opportunities of autonomy that both paths provide. Whichever path you choose, and wherever you opt to practice, you’ll be an indispensable authority on medicine and care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a nurse practitioner and a physician assistant?

The main difference is the training model. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who are educated in a nursing model focused on a specific patient population, such as family, pediatric, or psychiatric-mental health. In contrast, physician assistants (PAs) train in a generalist medical model, similar to medical school, and rotate through multiple specialties. Both roles diagnose conditions, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medications, however an NP earns a graduate nursing degree, while a PA earns a master’s degree from an program.

What degree do you need to become a nurse practitioner?

To practice as a nurse practitioner, you need at least a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Many NPs also go on to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). During your graduate program, you choose a population focus, such as family or gerontology, and complete clinical training in a holistic, patient-centric model. After you finish an accredited program, you complete national certification and state licensure. You can read more in our guide to how to become a nurse practitioner.

What degree do you need to become a physician assistant?

To practice as a physician assistant, you need a master’s degree from a PA program accredited by the Admission usually calls for a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as biology, along with hands-on healthcare experience. PA programs use a generalist approach with clinical rotations across specialties such as family medicine, pediatrics, and general surgery. After graduating, you take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) to earn licensure.

Can nurse practitioners and physician assistants prescribe medication?

Yes. Both NPs and PAs can prescribe medications, including controlled substances, when appropriate. This is true of NPs in most states and PAs in all states. Both can also order and interpret diagnostic tests, such as laboratory and imaging tests, and both manage patients with acute, subacute, and chronic conditions, as well as provide preventive care.

Do nurse practitioners and physician assistants work independently or under a physician?

It depends on the state. In some states, NPs and PAs practice as autonomous outpatient providers with full practice authority, while in others they work under the supervision of a physician. NPs are generally licensed by state nursing boards, and PAs are usually licensed by state medical boards. Your state will have scope-of-practice rules that outline the autonomy available in each role.

How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant?

The timeline depends on your starting point and the program you choose. Both roles require a graduate degree, so the path includes undergraduate education followed by a master’s-level program: an MSN or DNP for NPs, and an ARC-PA-accredited master’s for PAs. If you’re already a licensed RN, an RN to MSN track can build the bridge toward an NP role.

Can a registered nurse become a physician assistant?

Yes. A registered nurse can prepare to become a physician assistant by completing an ARC-PA-accredited PA program. An RN’s clinical background can be an asset in the application process because PA programs value hands-on healthcare experience. You’ll still need to meet the program’s prerequisites, earn the master’s degree, and pass the PANCE.

Should you become a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant?

As you make your choice, consider how you want to learn and practice. Three factors differentiate the two roles:

1. The degree requirements for each path.
2. The model of care you prefer (a nursing-based, population-focused approach as an NP, or a generalist medical model as a PA).
3. The level of autonomy available in your state.

Both roles let you diagnose, treat, and care for patients across a range of settings.

Does şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝ offer nurse practitioner and physician assistant programs?

Yes. şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝ offers a Master of Physician Assistant program at its Los Angeles and Richardson, Texas locations, combining classroom instruction with advanced simulation labs to help prepare you for clinical rotations. For the nurse practitioner path, şěĚŇ´ŤĂ˝ offers online MSN and DNP programs with clinical placement support.

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