Physician Assistant

Master of Science

Program Mission Statement: The mission of the Concordia University-St. Paul Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program is to educate and train compassionate PAs who deliver high-quality, evidence-based, and technologically-contemporary care to all patient populations, and are dedicated to improving access to healthcare for all.

Goals of the CSP PA Program

Goal 1: Competent Professionals: Prepare graduates with the foundational medical knowledge necessary to enter clinical practice.

Planned Measure/Benchmark:

• End of Program Written Summative Examination (PAEA End of Curriculum Exam) Performance by cohort / At or above national average.
• First-time PANCE pass rate by cohort / At or above national average.

NOTE: Once students have graduated, the program will provide the required NCCPA PANCE Exam Performance Summary Report (Last 5 Years)

Goal 2: Contemporary Skills: Equip graduates with primary-care clinical and technical skills that leverage contemporary medical technology for optimal patient care.

Planned Measure/Benchmark:

• End of Program Summative Observed Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) Performance by Cohort / > 75 % average per cohort on assessment of technical/procedural skills
• Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE) Final Preceptor Evaluation of Student Performance / ≥ 3.0/4.0 average per cohort on possessing the foundational procedural knowledge and technical skills for common primary-care procedures during the rotation.

Goal 3: Compassionate Care: Prepare graduates to employ professional patient communication during clinical practice.

Planned Measure/Benchmark:

Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE) Final Preceptor Evaluation of Student Performance /  ≥ 3.0/4.0 average per cohort on demonstrating empathy-forward patient communication.

Faculty Evaluation of Curriculum Survey (Student Preparation in Empathy-Forward Patient Communication)  ≥ 3.0/4.0 average per academic year in student preparation of empathy-forward patient communication.

Goal 4: Committed Change: Retain students who will advance the mission of the CSP PA program.

Planned Measure/Benchmark:

• Students with an economically-disadvantaged background / ≥ 15% of each cohort.
• First-generation college students / ≥ 10% of each cohort.
• Current military and/or veteran students / ≥ 5% of each cohort.
• Graduation rate by cohort / At or above national average.

NOTE: ARC-PA Attrition Table: Once students have been admitted, the program will provide the required ARC-PA Attrition Table.

The curriculum for the CSP PA Program is developed in accordance with the standards of accreditation per the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) and meets the “Core Competencies for New PA Graduates” as defined by the PA Education Association (PAEA). Upon successful completion of the program, students will be proficient in the following areas:

Medical Knowledge
MK-1. Demonstrate the acquisition of essential medical knowledge to provide individualized care for patients across the lifespan in a variety of clinical settings.
MK-2. Integrate biomedical science knowledge with patient case scenarios to optimize patient outcomes.

Clinical and Technical Skills
CTS-1. Gather patient information appropriately through an organized and complete history and physical exam for preventive care patient encounters.
CTS-2. Gather patient information appropriately through an organized and problem-focused history and physical exam for common acute, chronic, and emergent care patient encounters.
CTS-3. Perform technical skills/procedures safely and effectively.

Clinical Reasoning and Problem Solving
CRPS-1. Accurately interpret lab and imaging tests, and appropriately apply the results to the patient encounter.
CRPS-2. Integrate clinical findings to develop differential diagnoses with appropriate assessments for patient encounters across the lifespan.
CRPS-3. Synthesize clinical findings to develop appropriate treatment plans for patient encounters across the lifespan.

Interpersonal Skills
IS-1. Conduct patient and/or family communication, education, and counseling in an effective, and culturally humble manner for patient-centered care across the lifespan.
IS-2. Apply the core principles of medical ethics to medical and health care decisions.
IS-3. Communicate with other medical professionals to provide quality, patient-centered care.

Professional Behaviors
PB-1. Demonstrate understanding of the professional responsibilities for the physician assistant profession.
PB-2. Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate professional development.
PB-3. Demonstrate understanding of population health, including the role of social determinants of health, patient advocacy, and resource identification.

Research & Synthesis
RS-1. Synthesize research concepts from multiple sources to inform inquiry and practice.

The CSP PA Program has 105 total credits. The curriculum is divided into two distinct phases: didactic and clinical. The program begins in early May of each year and ends in late August, 28 months later. The didactic phase consists of the first four consecutive semesters of the program. During the first summer semester, courses provide the foundational basic medical science curriculum. The next three semesters emphasize the medical knowledge and medical practice skills necessary for success during the clinical phase and in professional practice. The curriculums within these courses progress through the following units: cardiology, dermatology, emergency medicine, endocrinology, gastroenterology, hematology, nephrology, neurology, obstetrics and gynecology, oncology, orthopedics, otolaryngology, pediatrics, pulmonology, psychiatry, surgery, and urology. Each course progresses through these body systems or medical specialty units simultaneously to provide a comprehensive medical education. The clinical phase of the curriculum is completed in the final three semesters and includes seven core practicums in emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, surgery, and women’s health and two elective practicums in a medical or surgical specialty. The program culminates with a capstone project and summative examination.

Outline of the Curriculum

All official courses and descriptions are located within the University Graduate Catalog. A link to the catalog will be provided once accreditation is awarded.

Summer I:

• PA 520: Foundations of Medical Science & Pathophysiology (7 credits)
• PA 525: Gross Human Anatomy (7 credits)
• PA 500: Elements of Professional Practice I (2 credits)

Fall I:

• PA 505: Elements of Professional Practice II (2 credits)
• PA 530: Clinical Diagnostics & Procedures I (3 credits)
• PA 540: Clinical Practice I (5 credits)
• PA 550: Clinical Medicine I (7 credits)

Spring I:

• PA 510: Elements of Professional Practice III (2 credits)
• PA 533: Clinical Diagnostics & Procedures II (3 credits)
• PA 543: Clinical Practice II (5 credits)
• PA 553: Clinical Medicine II (7 credits)

Summer II:

• PA 535: Clinical Diagnostics & Procedures III (3 credits)
• PA 545: Clinical Practice III (5 credits)
• PA 555: Clinical Medicine III (7 credits)
• PA 560: Capstone I (2 credits)

Fall II, Spring II, Summer III (Clinical Practicum):

• PA 610: Family Medicine Clinical Practicum (4 credits)
• PA 620: Pediatric Clinical Practicum (4 credits)
• PA 630: Psychiatry Clinical Practicum (4 credits)
• PA 640: Internal Medicine Clinical Practicum (4 credits)
• PA 650: Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinical Practicum (4 credits)
• PA 660: Emergency Medicine Clinical Practicum (4 credits)
• PA 670: Surgery Clinical Practicum (4 credits)
• PA 680/681: Medical Specialty Elective Clinical Practicum (4 credits)
• PA 685/686: Surgical Specialty Elective Clinical Practicum (4 credits)

Spring II (didactic course within the clinical phase practicums):

• PA 695: Capstone II (2 credits)

The CSP PA Program assumes responsibility for the recruitment of clinical sites and preceptors in sufficient numbers for the program-mandated clinical component of the curriculum, known as supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) or clinical practicums. Students will not be required to provide preceptors or clinical sites for any of the program-mandated clinical curriculum. Students may voluntarily submit the name(s) of potential preceptor and/or clinical site(s).

It is the responsibility of the program faculty to assess a site and preceptor not already affiliated with the CSP PA Program. There is no direct or implied guarantee on the part of the University or the CSP PA program that the student will be assigned a clinical practicum with any requested preceptor or clinical site. It is ultimately up to the CSP PA faculty and Program Director to decide whether the preceptor or clinical site is deemed appropriate for use.

A student enrolled in the CSP PA program must have skills and abilities in the following areas: observation, communication, motor function, intellectual, behavioral/social, and ethical/legal. All students admitted to the program must meet and maintain all of the following technical standards while enrolled in the program. All students must meet and maintain these standards, with or without reasonable accommodations. Students who do not meet all technical standards will be subject to dismissal from the program.

Technical Standards

I. Observation

Candidates need keen observational skills for both scientific work and patient care. This includes participating in demonstrations and experiences like cadaver dissections and examining specimens in anatomy and pathology labs. They must also be able to observe patients closely, gather medical histories, conduct thorough physical exams, and use this information to create accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.

II. Communication

Candidates must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with patients, their families, and members of the health care team. They must be able to promptly obtain a medical history, interpret non-verbal communication, and establish therapeutic relationships with patients. Additionally, candidates must be able to record information accurately and clearly, and communicate proficiently with other health care professionals in various patient settings.

III. Motor Function

Candidates must possess the ability to perform physical examinations and diagnostic maneuvers. They must respond to emergency situations promptly and provide both general and emergency care. Additionally, candidates must adhere to universal precaution measures and meet safety standards in inpatient and outpatient settings, as well as in other clinical activities.

IV. Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities

Candidates must have sufficient cognitive (mental) abilities and effective learning techniques to assimilate the detailed and complex information presented in the curriculum. They must be able to learn through a variety of modalities, including, but not limited to, classroom instruction; small group, team and collaborative activities; individual study; preparation and presentation of reports; and use of computer technology. Candidates must be able to memorize, measure, calculate, reason, analyze, synthesize, and transmit information across modalities. They must recognize and draw conclusions about three-dimensional spatial relationships and logical sequential relationships among events. They must be able to formulate and test hypotheses that enable effective and timely problem solving in the diagnosis and treatment of patients in a variety of clinical modalities.

V. Behavioral and Social Attributes

Candidates must demonstrate the maturity and emotional stability required for full use of their intellectual abilities. They must accept responsibility for learning, exercising good judgment, and promptly completing all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients. They must understand the legal and ethical aspects of the practice of medicine and function within both the law and ethical standards of the medical profession. Candidates must be able to work effectively, respectfully and professionally as part of the healthcare team, and to interact with patients, their families, and health care personnel in a courteous, professional, and respectful manner. They must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and long work hours, to function effectively under stress, and to display flexibility and adaptability to changing environments. They must be capable of regular, reliable and punctual attendance at classes and in regard to their clinical responsibilities. Candidates must be able to contribute to collaborative, constructive learning environments; accept constructive feedback from others; and take personal responsibility for making appropriate positive changes. It is expected that minimum accommodation will be requested with regards to this set of standards.

VI. Ethical and Legal Standards

Candidates must demonstrate integrity, accountability, and adherence to legal requirements, including confidentiality and patient safety protocols. These standards are designed to ensure that students can meet the rigors of both the academic and clinical components of the program while upholding the highest levels of patient care and professional conduct. Compliance with these standards is critical to fostering trust, competency, and responsibility within healthcare environments.

CSP PA Program Tuition

The inaugural PA Program cohort will begin in May 2026 (summer semester). The program has 105 course credits. Tuition is $965.00/course credit. The total program tuition for students is $101,325.00.

This price model includes, but is not limited to: digital subscription(s) for all required course texts, American Heart Association ACLS and BLS certification, simulated patient lab materials, clinical diagnostics and procedures lab materials, HIPAA & OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens training, CSP PA Student white coat (required for clinical rotations), UpToDate student subscription, AAPA and MAPA student membership dues, PAEA exams, and PANCE preparation materials.

Total Program Tuition + Total Program Fees = $105,525.00

Additional Student Costs (Not covered by PA Program)

Not included in the CSP PA Program’s tuition, and is the responsibility of the student includes, but is not limited to, cost related to national and state background checks and drug screenings (Certiphi & LabCorp), TB screening, stethoscope, laptop computer, and housing/travel-related expenses to clinical rotations.

* For estimate only. Actual cost will vary significantly from student to student.

PAs are in high demand throughout the healthcare industry. As essential members of the diagnostic and care team for millions of patients, hospitals and medical clinics are increasingly turning to PAs for diagnosis and treatment of common ailments, patient education, and more.

CSP Global is extending the university’s catalog of healthcare-related degree programs that offer affordable, quality, focused academic programming that leads to practice-ready professionals in rewarding career fields.

Physician Assistants (PAs) have emerged as an essential part of the patient care team within hospitals, clinics, and medical specialty programs. They are licensed medical professionals who practice medicine in every medical specialty and medical setting. As trusted, rigorously educated and trained healthcare professionals PAs are dedicated to expanding access to care and transforming health and wellness through patient-centered and team-based medical practice. PAs are able to diagnose and treat medical diseases and conditions, order and interpret medical tests, prescribe medications, and offer a wide range of treatment regimens for their patients.

PAs practice in every work setting, from hospitals and urgent care centers to outpatient offices and clinics, often serving as a patient’s primary care provider. They practice medicine in all medical and surgical specialties,including family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, pediatrics, gerontology, and more.

PAs are not medical doctors, but they serve in much of the same capacity within the training and licensure that covers their areas of expertise. They often work alongside MDs to ensure a continuum of care, depending on the scope of a patient’s individual needs. PAs require a specific graduate degree that is highly structured and standardized, so the scope of their patient care is consistent across healthcare organizations.

For more information on the PA profession please visit the American Academy of Physician Associates.

CSP Global’s PA program is being led by leading healthcare industry professionals who know PA requirements inside and out. The requirements are highly standardized, so the university has a detailed plan to ensure compliance with all accreditation requirements. CSP Global has multiple programs in healthcare and medicine that are fully accredited, proven, and highly effective in developing practice-ready medical professionals. The PA program structure and staffing will directly reflect industry best practices and standards to prepare students for rewarding careers as Physician Assistants.

Much like nursing, PA roles are in extremely high demand across hospital and clinical settings. They are also in high demand regardless of region, including rural and metropolitan areas. PAs are increasingly relied on as a primary provider to patients for general medical issues, diagnosis, and treatment.

According to The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for PAs is expected to grow by 27-28 percent over the next decade, which is much faster than the rate of growth for occupations overall.