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 Augsburg PA program is dedicated to educating compassionate, community-oriented, and forward-looking health care professionals who are prepared to practice in primary care with a commitment to serving a broad range of patient needs.
The Augsburg PA program emphasizes team-based learning to prepare students for collaborative patient care, grounded in connection, inclusion, and innovation. Our goal is to develop informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, and critical thinkers who are equipped to care for patients from all backgrounds.
Program Handbook
Program policies apply to all students, faculty, and the program director. A copy of the Augsburg PA Program policies can be found in the Program Handbook.
Discrimination, Bias, and Sexual Harassment Policies
