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Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MS)
Fully Accredited
Marywood University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSHE). / ADDRESS / 3624 Market Street, 2nd Floor West, Philadelphia, PA 19104 | Phone: (267) 284-5000
The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). / ADDRESS / 3325 Paddocks Parkway, Suite 345, Suwanee, Georgia 30024 | Phone: 770.476.1224
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Marywood University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Marywood University. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards. Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be March 2026. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy.
- Degree Requirements
- 5 Year First-Time PANCE Pass-Rate
- ARC-PA Accreditation History
- Attrition & Graduation Rates
MISSION STATEMENT
The Marywood University Physician Assistant Program is committed to providing students with an exceptional education in a supportive and nurturing environment.
- The Program provides a professional education that will include the biomedical and clinical knowledge necessary to diagnose, treat, educate, and empower patients in a variety of settings across the lifespan.
- The Program is committed to preparing students to deal with the changing healthcare environment while promoting the PA profession.
- The Program emphasizes the importance of creating a knowledgeable community for future PA students to succeed while providing leadership to promote the PA profession.
- The Program acknowledges that patients are more than his or her physical body; therefore, the Program is dedicated to teaching our students to appreciate the patient’s spirit in addition to caring for his or her body.
- The Program recognizes the need for quality healthcare, both regionally and globally. It prepares each student to embrace empowerment within the profession and to provide competent, compassionate care for all people - especially the underserved. Our students learn the value of advocating for patients, serving their communities, and meeting the challenges of an ever- changing healthcare environment.
PROGRAM GOALS
Effectiveness in meeting our goals per ARC-PA »
- To provide students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to be successful, competent physician assistants.
- To prepare students to participate as effective members of interdisciplinary healthcare teams in the promotion of health, prevention of illness, and care of diverse populations across the lifespan.
- To develop effective interpersonal and communication skills within the medical community.
- To encourage students to utilize service opportunities to gain professional experience, enhance their classroom learning, and strengthen their community.
- To develop professionalism and leadership skills at the local, state, and national level, shaping future policy and legislation to promote Physician Assistant practice.
Make a Difference in Healthcare with a Physician Assistant Degree
Earning a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Marywood University prepares you for a medical career that's in demand and growing to meet expanding health care needs. The Physician Assistant Program at Marywood is committed to providing students with an exceptional education in a supportive and nurturing environment. This professional education will include the knowledge necessary to diagnose, treat, educate, and empower patients in a variety of settings.
We provide students with the foundation for professional growth through personalized attention, diverse clinical experience, and a commitment to excellence. Our students are encouraged to incorporate Marywood University’s goal of learning to live and practice medicine responsibly in an interdependent world. Our distinctive program offers a non-competitive team approach and specialized clinical tracks.
The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program is 24 months in duration and begins in May.
Didactic Year: The first 12 months are didactic and include classroom and laboratory work in basic and applied medical science. Typical classes are Monday through Friday and include 40 hours of coursework per week.
Clinical Year: The final 12 months are clinical and include ten 5-week rotations. Students return to Marywood at the end of every 5-week rotation to participate in End-of-Rotation examinations, lectures geared toward PANCE review, and professional development activities.
- Classroom, laboratory, and hands-on experience
- Ten, 5-week clinical rotations
- Personalized attention from highly credentialed faculty
- Specialty clinical tracks available in Emergency Medicine, Orthopedics/Sports Medicine, Hospitalist Medicine, and Surgery.
The job of working in athletics came naturally for me. I wanted to pursue a field where the work I did would be meaningful to others for the long term. Becoming a physician assistant is what I want out of my life. And, while the thoughts of quitting have crossed my mind, I stuck it out, and continue to strive for my goal. I concentrated all my efforts on digging deep and making that decision to pursue a physician assistant degree. Being at Marywood is a good decision. I can’t imagine getting through this pursuit without Dr. Palmiter’s guidance. I’m glad to have her as a resource.
Maleena Reid '23 Read All Testimonials
Outcomes & Opportunities
Top Employers
- Hospitals
- Office-Based Private Practice
- Emergency Medicine
- Internal Medicine Subspecialties
Top Career Paths
- Surgical Specialties
- Family Medicine/General Practice
- Urgent Care
- Federal government/Hospital/Unit
Dig Deeper Into the Program Details
If you have any questions about this program, we're here to help.
DEADLINE: January 15, 2026 is the deadline for Summer 2026 cohort.
The Physician Assistant Program is housed in the Keith O'Neill Center for Healthy Families. It features a cutting-edge, technology-ready, amphitheater style classroom. The Physical Assessment Lab (PAL) includes 22 exam tables and 5 private exam rooms for practical education and individual testing of history taking and physical examination techniques. In addition, there are X-ray view boxes, operating room scrub sinks and a variety of teaching models.
PA students complete Gross Anatomy Lab at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, which is 2 miles away from campus.
Additional in-building areas:
- Ample interprofessional lounge area with tables and couches
- All faculty offices located adjacent to the PA classroom
Facilities off campus:
- Partnership with Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine for Cadaver Dissection lab as part of Human Gross Anatomy Course
Technology features:
- Through the library students have access to: UptoDate, SmartyPance, Rosh Review, Access Medicine, LWW Health Library textbook platforms
Support Features:
- Mentor-Mentee program
- Peer tutoring
- Academic advising
- Academic Coaching Program
- Student Success Program
O'Neill Center for Healthy Families
1401 University AvenueMap & Directions
The O'Neill Center for Healthy Families, located on University Avenue, provides classroom and research space, joining academic programs to innovative research. Students from the Nursing, Nutrition and Dietetics, Exercise Science, Respiratory Therapy, and Physician Assistant programs have classes in this building.
Learn More | Take a Virtual Tour
Physician Assistant Lab
1401 University AveMap & Directions
The Physician Assistant Lab (PAL) is housed in the O’Neill Center for Healthy Families. It features 31 exam tables for student practice as well as a faculty demonstration station with camera projection to four large screens throughout the room and a pediatric exam table to perform pediatric exams and measurements.
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Physician Assistant Lecture Hall
1401 University AveMap & Directions
The Physician Assistant Lecture Hall is equipped with a large, central 14’ projector, 2 suspended screens, recording capabilities and state of the art audio equipment to enhance the classroom experience. The space seats 96 comfortably and offers electrical outlets at each seat.
Learn More | Take a Virtual Tour
Anatomage Virtual Dissection Table
1401 University AveMap & Directions
The Anatomage virtual dissection table is utilized in conjunction with cadaver lab to assist in the Human Gross Anatomy lab training. This state-of-the-art equipment allows for virtual dissection and case studies.
Learn More | Take a Virtual Tour
Mock Operating Rooms
1401 University AveMap & Directions
The Mock Operating Room is fully equipped with OR lighting, a fully functional OR table and surgical scrub sinks to simulate a surgical environment. To further enhance surgical skills, students are able to practice with our Laparoscopic Surgical Simulator to prepare for clinical rotations and practice.
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Exam Rooms
1401 University AveMap & Directions
There are 9 individual exam rooms utilized for practical education and testing of history and physical examination techniques. Each exam room is designed to mimic a provider office and is accessible to students to practice throughout their time here.
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Simulation Rooms
1401 University AveMap & Directions
There are 2 simulation rooms with state-of-the art critical care, birthing, neonatal and pediatric simulators. Each simulation room is equipped with a camera for recording of sessions and 2-way glass for observation.
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Private Study Rooms
1401 University AveMap & Directions
There are 3 private study rooms in the Pascucci Family Health Sciences Pavilion which can be accessed 24/7 with key-card access. These spaces are ideal for group studying and collaboration.
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Student Break Room
1401 University AveMap & Directions
A student break room and kitchen provides space for students to store and prepare food, eat comfortably between classes and socialize with peers.
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Scholarships
Tuition
This program is 103 credits total x $1050 per credit = Total tuition $108,150
PA Program Student Fees (MU fees are separate and can be found on Student Accounts Website): $3,600
The total of $3,600 is an estimate based on current industry costs. Fees will be divided across 6 semesters and can be found on your bill for each semester. Program required fees are subject to change, and include the following:
Anatomy cadaver lab: $600
BLS, ACLS, PALS: $400
Medical Library/Additional Learning Resources: $1,600
Lab Supplies/Equipment: $400
Malpractice Insurance: $200
PANCE prep course: $400
Additional Costs:
Required Medical Equipment: $500-$800
Laptop: $700-$1500
AAPA Membership (2 years): $75
PSPA Membership (2 years): $50
Immunizations/Titers/PPD: Varies by insurance
White Coat/Nametag/MU Patch/Scrubs: $80-$100
FBI Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse Clearance, Drug Screening: $225-250 for clearances (performed yearly)
View Tuition Rates
Marywood University faculty are prepared to provide students with the best learning experience possible.
- Department Chair/Program Director
- PA Eligibility Track Coordinator
- Associate Professor of Practice
- msbonavoglia@marywood.edu
- 570-340-6005
- Clinical Coordinator
- Principal Faculty
- Assistant Professor of Practice
- lecohenwhitaker@marywood.edu
- Admissions Chair
- Principal Faculty
- Assistant Professor of Practice
- rkenderes@marywood.edu
- Academic Director
- Associate Professor of Practice
- welby.g@marywood.edu
- 570-348-6298
- Medical Director
- Assistant Professor of Practice
- swblondek@marywood.edu
- 570-348-6211 x2928
- Student Success Coach
- Principal Faculty
- Associate Professor of Practice
- abidavis@marywood.edu
- 570-961-4543
80+ opportunities for you to find the right fit with 50+ undergraduate degrees and 30+ graduate and certificate courses.
Forms/Handbooks
- Clinical Rotation Forms
- Didactic Year Service Hours Form
- Class of 2027 PA Student Handbook
- Class of 2026 PA Student Handbook
- Class of 2025 PA Student Handbook
- Marywood University Physician Assistant Program Graduate Competencies, Learning Outcomes, and Clinical & Technical Skills Taught in the Program
- Technical Standards
- Physician Assistant Program DEI Committee
PA Websites
- AAPA: American Academy of Physician Assistants
- PSPA: Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants
- NCCPA: National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
- NCCPA PANCE Content Blueprint
- PAEA: Physician Assistant Education Association
- JAAPA
- PA Focus
- PA History Society
Marywood Student Resources
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Latest Program News & Events
Physician Assistant Events
Fully Accredited
Marywood University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSHE). / ADDRESS / 3624 Market Street, 2nd Floor West, Philadelphia, PA 19104 | Phone: (267) 284-5000
The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). / ADDRESS / 3325 Paddocks Parkway, Suite 345, Suwanee, Georgia 30024 | Phone: 770.476.1224
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Marywood University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Marywood University. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards. Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be March 2026. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy.
- Degree Requirements
- 5 Year First-Time PANCE Pass-Rate
- ARC-PA Accreditation History
- Attrition & Graduation Rates
MISSION STATEMENT
The Marywood University Physician Assistant Program is committed to providing students with an exceptional education in a supportive and nurturing environment.
- The Program provides a professional education that will include the biomedical and clinical knowledge necessary to diagnose, treat, educate, and empower patients in a variety of settings across the lifespan.
- The Program is committed to preparing students to deal with the changing healthcare environment while promoting the PA profession.
- The Program emphasizes the importance of creating a knowledgeable community for future PA students to succeed while providing leadership to promote the PA profession.
- The Program acknowledges that patients are more than his or her physical body; therefore, the Program is dedicated to teaching our students to appreciate the patient’s spirit in addition to caring for his or her body.
- The Program recognizes the need for quality healthcare, both regionally and globally. It prepares each student to embrace empowerment within the profession and to provide competent, compassionate care for all people - especially the underserved. Our students learn the value of advocating for patients, serving their communities, and meeting the challenges of an ever- changing healthcare environment.
PROGRAM GOALS
Effectiveness in meeting our goals per ARC-PA »
- To provide students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to be successful, competent physician assistants.
- To prepare students to participate as effective members of interdisciplinary healthcare teams in the promotion of health, prevention of illness, and care of diverse populations across the lifespan.
- To develop effective interpersonal and communication skills within the medical community.
- To encourage students to utilize service opportunities to gain professional experience, enhance their classroom learning, and strengthen their community.
- To develop professionalism and leadership skills at the local, state, and national level, shaping future policy and legislation to promote Physician Assistant practice.