This program will no longer be taking new students after January 1. 2009.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Department of Family Medicine, offers a terminal degree in Masters in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) for the practicing Physician Assistant clinician.
The transitional MPAS (t-MPAS) degree is offered through a combination of on-line courses, and clinical experience.
The entry-level MPAS is a “first professional” degree conferred upon completion of the course requirements of an educational curriculum which prepares the graduate for “entry” into the profession of Physician Assistants. Completion of this program allows the graduate to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE), conducted by National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
The (transitional), t-MPAS degree is conferred upon completion of a post-professional educational experience and is available only to nationally certified, clinically practicing Physician Assistants. While the word “transitional” is used, it is not included in the formal awarding of the degree.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the transitional MPAS program at UND is the augmentation of a clinically practicing Physician Assistant’s knowledge, skills, and behaviors to a level consistent with the current professional and academic standards required of the entry level graduate PA student.
The t-MPAS is NOT intended to teach advanced clinical knowledge, skills and behaviors.
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ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Candidates applying for the t-MPAS must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Must be a graduate of a Physician Assistant Program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for Physician Assistants, Inc. (ARC-PA).
- Must have taken the NCCPA Certification examination, received a passing score on the examination, and be currently certified.
- Must be currently licensed as a Physician Assistant-Certified and show verification of such licensure.
- Must have practiced clinically as a licensed PA for a minimum of one year.
- Must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
- Must complete the information requested by the Physician Assistant Program.
- Must submit 2 letters of reference.
- Note: The taking of the GRE is NOT required.
If a graduate of the UND PA/NP program prior to 1994 and have practiced as a Family Nurse Practitioner, must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Must have taken the national Family Nurse Practitioner Boards, received a passing score on the examination, and be currently certified.
- Must be currently licensed as a Family Nurse Practitioner and show verification of such licensure.
- Must be practicing clinically as a licensed FNP.
- Must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
- Must complete the information requested by the Physician Assistant Program.
- Must submit 2 letters of reference.
- Note: The taking of the GRE is NOT required.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the transitional Masters in Physician Assistant Studies (t-MPAS)?
The transitional MPS (t-MPAS) degree is conferred upon completion of a structured post-professional educational experience that results in the augmentation of knowledge, skills, and behaviors to a level consistent with the current professional and academic standards required of the entry level graduate PA student.
The t-MPAS enables the certified physician assistant to attain degree parity with PA’s who hold a Masters degree by “filling in” any gaps between their original PA education and the current Masters degreed PA.
What’s the difference between the t-MPAS and an advanced specialty degree for PA’s?
The t-MPAS does NOT reflect the acquisition of advanced clinical skills (ex. Specialization); rather, it reflects an augmentation in the Physician Assistant professional body of knowledge and practice over the last 5-10 years. The outcome competencies of the graduate of a t-MPAS program are most analogous to those of the current professional standards for PA’s receiving a Masters Degree upon completion of entry level professional work. This degree is different from the post-professional advanced clinical degrees that offer the acquisition of advanced level skills associated with specialization, fellowships, clinical residencies, etc.
Will the t-MPAS always be available at UND?
NO. When the demand for the t-MPAS is essentially met, transition MPAS programs will no long have the necessary economic incentive to remain in operation. While the time frame cannot be stated with certainty, it is likely that these programs will not exist for more than 10 years.
What degree will I receive?
Upon completion of all required course work you will receive a Master in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS).
Are there a set number of courses I must take to complete the t-MPAS?
Yes. The student must take between 22 and 27 credits, some of which must be taken sequentially. However, since graduates vary in individual courses they took in their initial PA education, courses and course content is evaluated on an individual basis against the required curriculum for the entry level MPAS. Within that framework, the required courses are identified for each individual student.
If I enroll in the t-MPAS program, can I remain at home?
Yes. The majority of the coursework will be delivered on-line. Depending on your program of study, some clinical work outside of your present place of employment might be required. Also, it is possible that you will be required to come on campus for the last 2 weeks prior to your graduation. However, given the explosion of on-line technology and its capabilities, this requirement might not still be in place when you are ready to graduate.
How long do I have to complete the program?
Once you begin courses, you will be required:
- To complete the individual course in the semester in which you started
- To take certain courses in sequence
You will have up to 3 years to complete the program.
How many total credits will I be required to take?
This will vary, depending on the courses, clinical experiences, and clerkships you had in your original program. In general, it will be from 22 to 27.
What is the cost of the program?
The cost will be based on the number of credits you take each semester. Presently, the cost is $300 per credit hour. There are also other University fees that you will be required to pay for each fall and spring semester. These fees are based on whether you are a full time or part time student. The PA Program has no control over the University fees.
If this is mostly on-line coursework, what computer hardware and software will I need? What if I am not proficient on the computer?
Good computer hardware and internet connection is a MUST.
The following are the minimum requirements needed in hardware and software. Newer software releases are recommended (minimum configuration may not be capable of necessary performance with all programs).
- Internet-Capable, IBM PC-compatible, multimedia computer: Intel Pentium III or higher
- 128 MB memory (RAM)
- Windows XP
- 56.K modem
- printer
- CD/DVD drive
- Adobe Acrobat v.6.0 or later (Note: this is NOT Adobe Acrobat Reader)
- Microsoft Office Professional 2000, XP, or 2003 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint,)
- Internet Service Provider (ISP) with hi-speed internet access
- Graphical Web Browser: Microsoft Internet Explorer
When you are accepted into the program:
- The Program will send you a CD that reviews with you how to utilize all of the above named programs.
Do other PA Programs offer a transitional Masters?
Yes, several other schools offer the equivalent of a transitional Masters. They can be found by checking the AAPA website. In addition, some PA programs offer Degrees that are equivalent to specializations, residencies, fellowships, etc. These programs offer the acquisition of an advanced level of clinical knowledge and skills.
Is there a limit to the number of students you will take for this program?
There is a limit at any one time of 30 t-MPAS students taking: PA 510, PA 515, PA 520 and PA 525. This is because the entry level Masters students are also in these classes .
I am interested and want to apply for the UND transitional Masters Program. What do I need to do?
All the information needed to apply can be found under the button entitled “Application Process.”
If you have other questions you can e-mail us at tmpas@medicine.nodak.edu.
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Transitional MASTERS IN PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES (t-MPAS)
REQUIRED COURSES
| PA 510 |
Pathophysiology for the PA Clinician – 3 credits |
3 credits |
| PA 515 |
Investigative Studies for the Physician Assistant – 3 credits |
3 credits |
| PA 520 |
Evidence Based Medicine I – 2 credits |
2 credits |
| PA 525 |
Evidence Based Medicine II – 2 credits |
2 credits |
| PA 565 |
PA Role – 3 credits |
3 credits |
| PA 585 |
Current Trends and Issues for the Physician Assistant Practitioner – 2 credits |
2 credits |
| PA 995 |
Scholarly Project – 2 credits |
1-2 credits |
| PA 589 |
Readings in Physician Assistant Studies – credits vary |
4-8 credits |
| PA 599 |
Special Topics in Physician Assistant Studies: Specialty Clerkship – credits vary |
2 credits |
| |
Total Required Credits: |
22-27 credits |
Some courses must be completed prior to taking another course in the sequence. The following is a list of the courses that must be completed sequentially:
COURSE SEQUENCE
- PA 510, Pathophysiology is a 12 week course offered only in the fall.
- PA 515, Investigative Studies is a 5 week course offered upon completion of Pathophysiology.
- PA 520, Evidence Based Medicine I is offered in the spring.
- PA 525, Evidence Based Medicine II is offered in the fall.
- These 2 courses MUST be taken sequentially.
- BOTH courses MUST be completed before taking PA 995, Scholarly Project
- PA 585, Current Trends, is offered in the spring.
- All other courses are offered on demand
The courses that you need to take for the transitional masters program depends on the coursework that you completed during your initial PA program.
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APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Application Requirements
The following materials must be completed and submitted in one envelope before an application is considered complete:
1. Completed "Application for Admission". Please note this application form has 4 parts:
- Graduate School
- Part II
- Part III
- Part IV - Clinical Skills Checklist
2. Letters of Reference: The person writing the letter should place it in a sealed envelope, sign the back flap of the envelope, and return to the applicant.
3. $35 application fee made out to the University of North Dakota (if application is submitted on-line it will be reviewed, but cannot be processed until the application fee is received by the Program office at the address below)
Additionally, official transcripts from all universities you have attended are required. Have the university(ies) send this directly to the UND PA Program.
Applications and transcripts should be sent to:
University of North Dakota
Physician Assistant Program, t-MPAS
PO Box 9037
Grand Forks, ND 58202-9037
Attn: P. Boltz
Downloadable applications:
Click on the link to download the application form in either Microsoft Word format or PDF (portable document format created by Adobe Acrobat.) You can download free Adobe Acrobat Software by going to www.adobe.com
Word Format instructions: Click on the "Download Application" link next to "Word Format". Select the "Save" option to save a copy on your computer (remember where you saved it!). Open the copy you saved on your computer, key in your answers and save the filled in application with a new name such as "MJohnson App". Then send the file as an attachment to tmpas@medicine.nodak.edu . You will need to mail your application fee to the address on the form.
Adobe Format instructions: Click on the "Download Application" link next to "PDF Format". The form will open in Adobe Acrobat. Click on the option that says "Save a Copy" (remember where you saved it!). After saving, locate the copy on your computer, open it and print a copy. Using a typewriter, type your answers on the form and mail the application along with your application fee to the address on the form.
For additional information, go to : www.med.und.nodak.edu or call 701-777-2344 and ask for Sue Kuntz, Coordinator of the t-MPAS program.
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