Physician Assistant Studies (M.S.)

Program Overview

Physician assistants have the training, flexibility and agility to respond immediately to the demands placed on the U.S. health care system. The 24-month master’s program promotes and supports excellence and professionalism, fosters an evidence-based approach to patient care, advances interest in primary care to rural and under-served populations and supports the ideal of a competent, caring and compassionate physician assistant. Our PA program has been nationally accredited by ARC-PA since 1995 and awarded accreditation-continued status. Learn more at usd.edu/pa.

DELIVERY: On campus

Master of Science, Physician Assistant Studies (non-thesis): Total 104 credit hours

Typical Class Schedule

The graduation requirements for Physician Assistant are subject to change. Please contact the Physician Assistant Studies Department for verification of current requirements and timeframe for completing the program.

General Application Requirements

1. Completed application
2. $35 application fee
3. Official transcripts*
4. Letters of recommendation*
5. Statement of purpose
6. Resume/CV*

*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. This list is not all-inclusive, to view specific program requirements and submission deadlines, follow the “Admissions Information” hyperlink at the top of this page OR visit the specific program/dept. page found here: link.usd.edu/grad-catalog

Program Leading to Professional Licensure

Location Matters. This program allows only on-campus courses during the first semester and is designed to meet the educational requirements for a professional license or certification required for employment in South Dakota. If you intend to apply for licensure or certification outside of South Dakota upon completion of your program, please review and understand the licensure or certification requirements in that state. For more information, visit USD’s Licensure-Track Programs page for links to the USD program websites and state licensure board websites.

This program is authorized to offer supervised field study experiences (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) in South Dakota. Please be aware that there may be some restrictions on your ability to engage in supervised field study outside of South Dakota. If you have questions regarding supervised field study, please contact a program representative.

Questions?

Physician Assistant Studies
Phone:605-658-5926 | pa@usd.edu | usd.edu/pa

Graduate Admissions 
605-658-6140 | gradadmissions@usd.edu  | usd.edu/grad