MHS in Physician Assistant

Ranked 16th in the country by U.S. News & World Report and first in Connecticut, our physician assistant program is focused on building a strong scientific foundation as well as leadership, analytical and interpersonal skills through hands-on clinical experience. You'll learn to be a crucial extension of the physician in various practice settings, conduct diagnostic tests and perform routine procedures. The 27-month program offers a comprehensive blend of courses that examine subjects such as pharmacology, internal medicine, surgery and emergency medicine. You’ll gain extensive practical experience collaborating with health care providers in hospitals, medical centers, nursing homes and extended-care facilities. During your first year, you’ll be paired with a licensed health care provider one-half day a week to begin applying what you’ve learned in the classroom in professional settings with real patients.Our interprofessional approach presents opportunities to collaborate with students from other medical and health science disciplines where you’ll build essential teamwork and leadership skills. You’ll have access to the most sophisticated equipment and facilities, where you’ll learn to interpret diagnostic imaging and perform procedures such as suturing, injections and wound treatment. There are also rewarding volunteer opportunities, such as the Urban Service Track program, which provides medical services to underserved populations throughout Connecticut.

A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or a nationally recognized institution An overall GPA of at least 3.20 (includes all undergraduate and graduate coursework) An overall science GPA of at least 3.20 (includes all undergraduate and graduate science coursework) A combined GPA of at least 3.20 on the following required prerequisites: Four semesters of courses in biology (credits must be in mammalian or human biology), including one semester of microbiology and two semesters of human anatomy and physiology. All of these courses must include labs. Three semesters of courses in chemistry with labs, including one semester of organic chemistry (with lab) or biochemistry One semester of pre-calculus, calculus or statistics