Physician Assistant Studies
Master of Science in Physican Assistant (PA) Studies
Augsburg University’s PA Program is a primary-care focused program that challenges students to be their best and become compassionate, empathetic, and forward-thinking healthcare providers. Established in 1994, we are Minnesota’s first PA Program, and we continuously strive to go above and beyond for our students’ education and experience.
During our 27-month long, full-time program, students will gain the skills to provide team-based patient care in an inclusive and active learning environment and will graduate with a Master of Science in PA Studies.
PA Program History
In 1994, Augsburg University began the official launch of the Physician Assistant Program. We were a 4-year post baccalaureate program that enabled students to receive their PA license and certification. Not only was it the first (and only) PA program in Minnesota at the time, it was also designed to follow Augsburg University’s guiding principles and mission.
The first class of 23 students were located in the basement of Anderson hall and had 12 months of coursework followed by 15 months of clinical rotations and a 12-week long preceptorship. In 2002 we made the official switch to the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree, among the first PA programs in the country to do so. Since then Augsburg PA has continued to change and listen to the demands and needs within healthcare.
Today, the program is 27 months long, with 15 months of coursework focused on clinical applications in human anatomy, clinical medicine, pharmacotherapy, history and physical examination, and community health and evidence-based practice. This is followed by 12 months of clinical rotations in family medicine, behavioral health, internal medicine, surgery, emergency medicine, reproductive health, pediatrics and electives. Our classrooms are located adjacent to Augsburg University on a large medical campus and our clinical training sites are located throughout Minnesota, the Upper Midwest, and beyond. We are connected to a wide variety of diverse communities where our students live and learn.
PA Program Mission
The mission of the Augsburg PA program is to educate empathic, community-minded, and forward-thinking health care leaders to practice in primary care with a focus on underserved, underrepresented, and marginalized communities.
The Augsburg PA program values team-based learning for team-based patient care through connection, inclusion, and innovation. Our goal is to have our students become informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, and critical thinkers to help patients from all walks of life.
Graduate Certificates & Fellowships
Augsburg University provides exceptional opportunities for aspiring physician assistants through its graduate certificates and fellowship programs. Designed to enhance both classroom learning and real-world experience, these offerings empower students to build advanced skills, gain hands-on training, and stand out in their careers. Whether through specialized coursework or immersive fellowship experiences, Augsburg University equips students with the tools and expertise needed to excel in the competitive healthcare field.
Augsburg University offers this program for professionals who want to develop their leadership skills without undertaking a full-length leadership degree program. It can be completed alongside your PA studies.
Certificate Course Outline
- ML 505 Foundations of Leadership (Required)
- ML 5xx Elective #1
- ML 5xx Elective #2
Visit the full Leadership Certificate Page to learn more about the certificate.
This course credit-seeking certificate program aims to create awareness for health, equity, and racial justice in health, healthcare systems, and communities. This certificate is designed for current graduate students and alumni in healthcare-focused disciplines at Augsburg University who desire a graduate certificate in Health Equity and Racial Justice in Healthcare. The certificate courses are part of distinct graduate departments with Augsburg: Nursing, Physician Assistants, Leadership, Social Work, and Business.
Certificate Learning Outcomes:
- Integrate the social determinants of health into the context of professional practice and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Explore hegemonic norms, privilege, and bias in health care practices as structural barriers and systems of oppression are explored.
- Demonstrate principles of transformative action through advocacy, praxis, and speaking truth to power.
Visit the Nursing Program Certificate Page to learn more about certificate requirements.
This is an opportunity for recently graduated, diversity-minded PAs to grow their leadership and teaching skills in a hands-on classroom setting, between the graduation and clinical practice timeline.
The Graduate Fellow will be supported financially to work with the PA program to become a mentor and role model to current graduate-level PA students and PA faculty, reaffirming and growing our culture of equity, inclusion, and diversity. The Fellow will have an opportunity to prepare for their boards, licensure, and clinical practice while being mentored by PA program faculty in principles of health professions education and then applying those skills in the PA classroom.
PA fellows meet the following guidelines:
- Anticipated Fall 2024 graduation from PA school or recently graduated from an accredited PA program.
- Demonstrates a commitment to teaching future PAs in the clinical or educational setting.
- Possesses a strong understanding of the experiences of historically marginalized groups in medicine and PA education.
- Experience leading and/or organizing scholarly work, events, or projects that serve to create and advance a racially-just and equitable healthcare and learning environment.
“With the mentorship of the Augsburg professors, the connections built between my cohort members, and the skills gained over the 26 months of the program, my understanding of business acumen developed greatly, and I landed an amazing opportunity in health care as a research analyst. The MBA program at Augsburg has been a paramount experience for me, and I will be forever grateful for this journey.”
Na'eema ’22 MBA
Upcoming Events
MBA, MAE/T, and MA in Leadership Information Session
September 25, at 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm
Join us for a chance to learn more about our MA in Education/Teaching, MBA, and MA in Leadership programs from faculty and staff. We are hosting this event at Lake Monster Brewing Company in St. Paul!
“In the City” Information Session
October 7th at 5:30 pm
Join us for an opportunity to learn more about our graduate programs at Augsburg! Connect with faculty and program leaders to review program objectives, educational delivery format, and what makes the graduate student experience unique. Our Graduate Admissions Team members will be available to address any questions to help you navigate the application process. Click the image above to register!
Faculty
Benefit from our faculty’s wealth of real-world experience, guiding you to success in and beyond the classroom.
Have Questions?
We are here to answer all your questions, provide guidance, and help you embark on a successful educational journey. Our personalized approach ensures that you receive tailored support every step of the way.
Accreditation
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Augsburg University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Augsburg 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 2029 June. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy.
The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website.