Physician Assistant Studies

Our Mission

At Dominican, we prepare PAs to provide compassionate, high-quality, patient-centered care as members of interdisciplinary healthcare teams. To achieve this, the program provides an exemplary, active learning environment that integrates theoretical learning and inquiry skills with clinical practice, promoting diversity and inclusion among the student body, faculty and staff. Our approach to teaching nurtures reflection, creativity, and critical thinking as core competencies of the profession. Graduates will demonstrate cultural humility and be committed to lifelong learning and their professional development. They will be prepared to make significant contributions to the diverse communities that they serve and to the
advancement of the PA profession. Read more about our program goals, outcomes and PANCE performance. 

Our Vision

Our vision is to be a national leader in PA education and to prepare physician assistants of the highest quality to practice medicine, in partnership with physicians and other members of the healthcare team, in dynamic healthcare environments.

Educational Philosophy

Our students will gain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to respond positively and effectively to challenges and opportunities relating to trends in healthcare delivery. Students will learn in groups, through discussions and lectures and role- playing, and through the use of standardized and simulated patients, independent research, and case-based problem-solving.

Our focus on higher order of learning prepares PAs for critical thinking, ethical decision making, and the synthesis and judgment of problems, based on an integrated biopsychosocial medical model. PA students will learn to be reflective, insightful, and aware of professional roles as well as the limitations, needs, styles, and values of patients and other health professionals.

The Physician Assistant Studies Program 

Dominican's Master in Physician Assistant Studies is a 28-month program. Students complete 16 months of didactic education in medicine utilizing various teaching modalities. Students then embark on a 12-month journey through clinical rotations including family and internal medicine, women's health, pediatrics, surgery, behavioral health, emergency medicine, and other specialties. Learn more about our program on our Physician Assistant Studies Program page.

Physician Assistant Studies Program 

To learn how PAs are legislated in every state and the District of Columbia, read the Statutory and Regulatory Requirements for Initial Licensure and License Renewal for all jurisdictions.