Established in 1892 by Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO, the founder of osteopathy, A.T. Still University (ATSU) began as the nation’s first college of osteopathic medicine and has evolved into a leading university of health sciences. Today ATSU is comprised of one college and four schools, with campuses in Mesa, AZ and Kirksville, MO, as well as online. ATSU offers master’s degrees across allied health disciplines; doctorates in health education, physical therapy, occupational therapy, health sciences, and audiology; the doctor of dental medicine; and the doctor of osteopathic medicine.
One such master's program is the Advanced Physician Assistant Degree Program. Culminating in a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Physician Assistant Studies, the APA program is a 40 quarter credit-hour curriculum of didactic study offered 100 percent online. The course of study is designed for graduates of physician assistant training programs who wish to expand their clinical knowledge and academic status while continuing to work in their respective field. Candidates may choose a concentration in either Clinical Medicine or Education and Leadership. In addition to the didactic course work, the Clinical Medicine concentration requires 400 hours of direct patient care which is typically completed at the PA’s current place of employment.
The Advanced PA program is only available to physician assistants who previously have graduated from a physician assistant program. For the PA without a bachelor's degree, a non-bachelor degree option is available (additional admission requirements apply).
ATSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Arizona Campus
A.T. Still University
5850 E. Still Circle
Mesa, AZ 85206
877-469-2878
www.atsu.edu/onlinepa
Missouri Campus
A.T. Still University
800 W. Jefferson. St.
Kirksville, MO 63501
660-626-2121
atsu.edu
Established in 1981, Drexel University has been a forerunner in the fields of technology and research. Consequently, Drexel offers comprehensive online degrees which "do not lack the quality" of traditional programs.
Drexel offers a post-master's PA degree, which is designed to help the student prepare for a more advanced job within the field. Students must complete 45 quarter credits and can create their own unique curriculum dependent on their interests within the field.
Drexel University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and recognizes transfer credits from other accredited universities.
Drexel University Online
3001 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
drexel.com
Some online universities offer one-year accelerated programs. One such school is the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the leader in medical research in the Nebraska area. UNMC has created a "Distance Learning Program" to provide students a 100 percent online degree with no travel requirements whatsoever. Most students continue to work, and after one year, are awarded the Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree.
UNMC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and accepts transferring credits from other accredited colleges.
University of Nebraska Medical Center
42nd and Emile
Omaha, NE 68198
402-559-4000
unmc.edu/alliedhealth/padlp.htm