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Physician Assistant

Welcome to the Department of Physician Assistant.

At Thiel College, our Physician Assistant programs are dedicated to inspiring you to reach your fullest potential. We foster a collaborative and inclusive learning environment that prioritizes service to society and promotes ethical leadership. Our passionate faculty and staff are committed to supporting your success, ensuring you’re well-prepared for a rewarding career filled with purpose.

As a future PA graduate, you will acquire essential knowledge and clinical skills, along with the interpersonal communication abilities needed to deliver outstanding, patient-centered care. We emphasize the importance of professional accountability, leadership, and community service, equipping you with the tools to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare field.

Professional Credentialing/Licensure

Thiel College is approved to offer programs that may lead to licensure/certification in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Thiel College cannot confirm that the PA program meets the requirements for licensure/certification in any other state or commonwealth. If you are enrolling in the PA education program and anticipate being certified/licensed in a state other than Pennsylvania, please check the specific requirements for licensure in your state. If you are considering working as a PA in another state that may require certification/licensure, you should first seek guidance on that state’s requirements. For more information, please consult the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) on the specific state information on their website.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Thiel College Master of Science in Physician Assistant program is to empower individuals to reach their full potential by creating a collaborative and inclusive learning environment that emphasizes service to society and promotes ethical leadership. The faculty and staff are passionate about encouraging our students to succeed and creating a supportive atmosphere to prepare students for careers and lives of meaning and purpose. Physician assistant graduates will gain the disciplinary knowledge of practice and clinical preparation, interpersonal communication skills and dispositions to provide excellent person-centered care with an emphasis on professional accountability, leadership and service to the community.

Program of Study

Physician Assistant (M.S.). Students who have already completed a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree and wish to attain a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Thiel College are encouraged to explore our 27-month graduate program.

Educational Experience

• Work and study in state-of-the-art facilities, including the new Human Anatomy (cadaver) lab, to provide maximum experience and opportunities to learn.
• Be part of an interprofessional medical education that encourages an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of various healthcare professionals.
• Receive academic knowledge and clinical skills that focus on evidence-based practice to enable you to adapt to the ever-changing healthcare environment.
• Study in a patient-centered environment that promotes critical thinking and medical problem-solving skills.
• Develop the professional, moral, and ethical attitudes essential to your role as a physician assistant.

Experiential Learning and Campus Activities

Thiel’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program emphasizes experiential learning through clinical rotations and hands-on training, combining rigorous coursework with practical experience. This approach equips students with essential clinical skills for diverse healthcare settings and prepares them to pass the Physician Assistant National Certification Exam, ultimately enabling them to positively impact patients’ lives.

Undergraduate students have access to Thiel's Health Professions Institute, which applies classroom knowledge to human health and well-being, and guided tours of the unique contributions of literature, philosophy, and the fine arts to the art and science of healing. Students will also be able to attend health professions seminars to provide guidance and resources to assist in your preparation for medical career.

It's easy to get involved on campus! Joining a student club or organization is an excellent way to meet others and gain leadership experience.  Learn more about the clubs and activities for physician assistant majors.

Career Opportunities

The growing population will continue to increase demand for healthcare services. For example, a rise in the number of older people, who are more likely than young people to require medical care, and of patients with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, will also increase healthcare demand. These increases, in turn, drive the need for healthcare providers such as physician assistants (PAs), who often provide preventive care and treat the sick and can provide many of the same services as physicians. It’s a great time to consider a career as a physician assistant.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook (March 2025). Employment of PAs is projected to grow 28% through 2033. On average, about 12,900 openings for physician assistants are projected each year.