The full-time master’s degree program for physician assistants is 117 credits, extending over a 27-month period. The first 12 months consist of didactic courses, where students learn in the classroom and laboratory. Such courses include, but are not limited to, advanced anatomy, principles of medical science, patient communication, and pharmacology and therapeutics. The last 15 months are made up of five- and 10-week clinical rotations in which students gain supervised, hands-on experience in specialties such as family medicine, emergency medicine and women’s health. Most of the didactic courses are held during the day, but a few are during evening hours. Clinical classes are held at various times and at a wide range of locations. Students must be willing to accommodate random work schedules, and to relocate as needed, during this part of the program. Upon completion of the required classes and clinical rotations, students are awarded a master’s degree in physician-assistant studies and can sit for the national physician-assistant exam to become certified.
At 39 months long, the part-time P.A. program gives students more time to focus on their coursework and, if necessary, hold down a job while attending school. The didactic phase is part time and takes two years to complete; the clinical phase, which is full time, lasts approximately one year.
Drexel’s post-professional physician-assistant master’s degree program is meant for practicing physician assistants who desire career advancement and experience in public health, medical ethics and practice management. The program is offered only online, and students can attend full or part time, as long as they finish within six years. The curriculum consists of 45 credits and includes courses such as research methods and designs, health policy, and leadership and stewardship. Students who successfully complete the program will be awarded a master's of health science degree.