Physician Assistant
Physician Assistant Studies (MS)
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Application deadline - September 1st
Overview
Physician Assistants (PAs) are health care providers who practice medicine with physician supervision. They are highly sought after members of the health care team who provide diagnostic and therapeutic patient care. PAs are dependent practitioners who perform a broad range of medical tasks and procedures with the supervision, but not necessarily in the presence, of a supervising physician. The PA scope of practice is authorized by state law and determined by the supervising physician.
PAs take medical histories, perform physical examinations, order diagnostic tests/studies, diagnose, develop and implement a treatment plan in consultation with the supervising physician, prescribe medication in all states, advise and educate patients on health promotion and disease management, provide inpatient hospital care for patients and assist in surgery. They provide care both in teaching institutions and in hospitals where there are no physician residents and are employed in health centers, multi-specialty medical group practices, emergency rooms, college health services, physician's offices, and nursing homes.
Northeastern University's Bouvé College of Health Sciences has been training physician assistants since 1971, making us one of the most experienced programs in the nation. Since its founding, Northeastern's PA Program has been accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant and its predecessors. The 2011 US News and World Report Graduate Rankings list Northeastern University's Physician Assistant Program as #13 in the nation.
The program is a full-time, 24-month graduate program that provides an opportunity to earn a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. Graduates of the PA program take the PA National Certifying Examination (PANCE) after graduation. Certification is required for initial licensure/registration in all states. The pass rates for first-time takers of the Northeastern PA Program compare very favorably with the national rates.
| Class Year | Northeastern PA First-time Taker Pass Rate | National PA First-time Taker Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 100% | 94% |
| 2009 | 94% | 92% |
| 2008 | 91% | 94% |
| 2007 | 100% | 93% |
| 2006 | 100% | 92% |
Tuition and Fees
Tuition for the PA Program for the 2011-2012 academic year is $28,170/year. Additional required fees include:
- Student Fees - $384/year
- Medical Equipment - approximately $800
- Required Textbooks - approximately $300
- Criminal Background Check - $25/year
There are also additional fees associated with parking at some clinical rotation sites.
By law, all students in Massachusetts are required to have health insurance. If a student does not elect to take the Northeastern University student health insurance plan ($2385 for the 2010-2011 academic year), evidence of other comparable health insurance coverage must be provided. More details about the required graduate student fees.
Information about financial aid is available through The Office of Student Financial Services (617.373.5899).
There are several types of financial aid including a loan available only for physician assistant students. Very limited part-time employment during the first year of the program is possible but is not feasible during the second year. There are no graduate assistantships available for PA students.
Contact Info
Physician Assistant
202 Robinson Hall
Tel: 617.373.3195