Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS)
The DeSales MSPAS is a state-of-the-art program with some of the most technologically advanced facilities in which to learn and train. Experience a relevant curriculum that centers on experiential learning and practical application, and also imbues a spirit of care and compassion for others.
24-Month Master’s Level Graduate Program
5-Year, Direct Entry BS-MSPAS Program
An In-Demand Career—Now and in the Future
Healthcare is the nation's leading job growth industry, and Physician Assistants are a major driver of this increase. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 27 percent job growth among PAs through 2032.
Physician Assistants are in demand as integral members of care teams with physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare workers — they examine, diagnose, and treat patients in a variety of healthcare settings.
The DeSales MSPAS program is a two-year program of 99 credits: Year one focuses on didactic studies and year two centers on clinical rotations.
To be a graduate of DeSales' Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies is to be dedicated to the total well-being of the patient and cognizant of the Christian humanistic traditions of DeSales University.
The Gambet Center
Our newest 77,000 square foot academic building has some of the most exciting and cutting-edge technology available in healthcare education. The facility features:
- simulation labs
- the area's only gross anatomy lab
- a standardized patient lab
The Center is a showcase of green architecture featuring environmentally advanced design consistent with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification standards of the U.S. Green Building Council.
Summer Updates at Trexler Library
Welcome back Bulldogs! There are exciting updates to the library this semester. Over the summer, we added new resources and reorganized some of our spaces. Check out all the updates below.
Printing
A Reference Release printer has been added to the second floor of Trexler Library. You can print to this printer from PaperCut, selecting the “Trexler_2ndFloor_ReleasePrinter.” For more information, see our Library Services page.
Resources
We expanded our collections over the summer with some exciting new resources. We added four anatomical models located on reserve at the circulation desk. Three of the models – a full body figure, an arm, and a leg – are muscled. The fourth model is a life-sized skeleton. These models would be perfect for any of our health sciences students studying anatomy! The models can be checked out for two hours at a time and may not leave the library.
Recent topics were added to our Opposing Viewpoint Book Series, which explores current issues in a balanced pro/con discussion. New topics include Black Lives Matter, feminism, net neutrality, and sanctuary cities. We also added new children’s books to our curriculum collection on immigration and STEM. Lastly, we added best-selling titles, such as “The President is Missing” by James Patterson and Bill Clinton.
Spaces
The TCC area received new carpeting this summer and the 3D printer was moved to the Math Department. To use the 3D printer, contact Dr. Karen Ruggles at ext. 1806 or email her at Karen.ruggles@desales.edu.
The former 3D printing lab is now the tutor space for the ARC, and it includes movable furniture.
Due to flooding, we’re experiencing some disruption on our first floor. Please be patient as the damage is repaired and seating returned to its regular location.
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Health Humanities Scholars (HHS) Association
HHS is a student-led, faculty mentored program for students in our graduate healthcare curricula (PA, DPT, NP, DNP, Healthcare MBA, SLP). Students will facilitate humanities content and develop reflective practice through narrative medicine concepts in order to foster resiliency, empathy, and avoidance of burn-out.
PANCE Rates
The DeSales PA program excels at PANCE preparation, with a near-perfect first-time pass rate since the program began
PANCE is the only exam given to graduating physician assistants and it must be passed in order to be eligible for licensure in all 50 states.
The DeSales MSPAS program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Therefore, when you graduate you are eligible to sit for the PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certification Examination).
ARC-PA Accreditation
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the DeSales University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by DeSales 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 June 2027. 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 at http://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-desales-university/.
