PA
Physician Assistant Studies
Samford’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program equips future physician assistants with the knowledge, skills and calling to serve others through collaborative, compassionate health care.
Is This Program for Me?
Physician assistants provide patient-centered care alongside physicians and other health care professionals across diverse clinical settings, and the profession continues to be recognized nationally for strength and stability. Anchored in Christian understanding, Samford University’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies forms students both spiritually and academically to deliver compassionate, ethical and service-oriented care. As part of the College of Health Sciences, students learn in an interprofessional environment alongside peers across the health professions.
The MSPASS is designed for students who are called to serve others through compassionate, collaborative health care.
Because physician assistants work closely with physicians and other health care professionals, successful applicants are those who thrive in fast-paced environments, communicate effectively and desire to make a meaningful impact on patients and communities.
This program is ideal for students who:
- Are motivated by patient-centered care
- Value teamwork in clinical settings
- Have a strong academic foundation in the sciences.
- Demonstrate intellectual curiosity, professionalism and a commitment to lifelong learning.
“For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord.” — Jeremiah 30:17
What Will I Learn?
Students in the physician assistant program receive comprehensive training grounded in medical knowledge, clinical reasoning and professional practice.Students Will
- Complete courses in foundational medical sciences, evidence-based medicine, clinical assessment, diagnostics, pharmacology and patient management.
- Receive didactic instruction, hands-on simulation and supervised clinical experiences
- Complete in 27 months and be prepared to sit for national certification and state licensure examinations
The fully integrated curriculum equips students with the skills needed to evaluate patients, diagnose illness, develop treatment plans and deliver care across the lifespan.
What Makes Us Different?
Samford University’s physician assistant program offers a personalized educational experience rooted in Christian values, small class sizes and strong faculty mentorship. With low student-to-faculty ratios, students are known by name and supported throughout both didactic and clinical phases of the program.
Fact-Centered Education
Anchored in Christian understanding, the program emphasizes ethical practice, servant leadership and compassionate care, forming physician assistants who serve with skill and purpose.
Interprofessional Collaboration
Students learn in an interprofessional environment alongside future nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, social workers and other health care professionals. This collaborative approach reflects real-world practice and strengthens communication and team-based care skills.
Faculty Mentorship
Small class sizes foster meaningful relationships, individualized support and close faculty engagement, allowing students to be known, challenged and supported throughout their academic and clinical journey. Faculty members bring extensive clinical and educational experience and are deeply invested in student formation, professional growth and service to others.
Practice-Ready Preparation
The program’s integrated, lock step curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for immediate entry into clinical practice with confidence, competence and professionalism, grounded in strong medical knowledge, clinical reasoning, documentation skills and appropriate professional conduct.Clinical Education
Students are formed as adaptable health care professionals prepared to work across settings and specialties, reflecting the flexibility and breadth of the physician assistant profession. With 44 weeks of supervised clinical rotations, students gain hands-on experience across diverse care settings, applying knowledge in real-world environments alongside experienced preceptors.Career Preparation
A career as a physician assistant is inherently collaborative and in high demand across the health care system. Graduates of Samford’s physician assistant program are prepared to enter a wide range of clinical settings, including primary care, specialty practices, hospitals and surgical environments.
Clinical
Students complete 44 weeks of clinical rotations during the final three semesters of the program. Rotations are four weeks in length and provide exposure to areas such as family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics and specialty electives, including trauma and cardiovascular surgery.
All clinical sites and preceptors are provided by the program. Students are not required to locate clinical placements or perform administrative duties.
Simulation
Students engage in high-quality simulation experiences through Samford’s Experiential Learning and Simulation Center. Using high-fidelity adult, pediatric and neonatal simulators, students practice clinical skills in realistic care settings, including hospital rooms, operating suites and simulated home environments.
Student Outcomes
As students graduate from our programs, outcome data will be published regarding:
- Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination Exam Performance Summary Report
- Graduation/Completion Rate
| Year | Graduates Employed |
|---|---|
| Class of 2025 | 100% |
| Class of 2024 | 100% |
| Class of 2023 | 100% |
| Class of 2022 | 100% |
| Class of 2021 | 94.4% |
Accreditation & Admission Information
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Samford University Physician Assistant Studies Program sponsored by Samford University. Discover more indepth information about our accreditation status, admission requirements, application, interview processes and student outcomes.
