Overview
he Master of Science in Health Science with a Physician Assistant Concentration at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is a comprehensive 24-month program designed to train skilled and compassionate primary care providers. With a focus on integrating rigorous academic coursework and hands-on clinical training, this program prepares graduates to excel in diverse healthcare settings and meet the demands of the rapidly evolving medical field.
Key features include a full-time, in-person curriculum comprising 116 credits, delivered over two years. Students gain expertise in critical areas of patient care, medical ethics, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification exam for Physician Assistants and are equipped to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
For more details, visit the MSHS-PA program page.
Program structure
The Master of Science in Health Science with a Physician Assistant Concentration at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is a comprehensive 24-month, 116-credit program designed to develop competent, ethical, and compassionate primary care providers. The curriculum is structured to integrate foundational medical knowledge with practical clinical experience, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for diverse healthcare settings.
Program Structure:
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First Year:
- Summer Term: Courses include Foundations of PA Practice, Applied Medical Sciences, Introduction to Library Resources and Scholarly Writing, and Legal/Ethical Issues for Health, Human Services, and Clinical Professionals.
- Fall Term: Focuses on Clinical Diagnostic Studies, Clinical Medicine, Pediatric Medicine, Psychiatric Medicine, Pathophysiological Approach to Pharmacotherapeutics, and Biostatistics for the Health Professional.
- Spring Term: Continues with Clinical Medicine, Pediatric Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Clinical Correlations, Pathophysiological Approach to Pharmacotherapeutics, Transition to Clinical Clerkships, and Essentials of Chronic and Infectious Disease Epidemiology.
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Second Year:
- Summer Term: Involves Clinical Clerkships and courses like Clinically Applied Social and Behavioral Health Theory, and Communication and Leadership.
- Fall Term: Includes additional Clinical Clerkships, Advanced Applied Pharmacology, and Research Seminar.
- Spring Term: Concludes with Clinical Clerkships, Issues and Trends in Health Care, Summative Evaluation, Research Seminar, and Improving Quality of Care in Health Systems.
This structured approach ensures that students not only acquire essential medical knowledge but also develop critical thinking and practical skills necessary for effective patient care.
For detailed curriculum information, please refer to the Curriculum for Class of 2025 and forward.
Graduates are eligible to apply for the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE), a crucial step toward licensure. It's important to note that while the program satisfies educational requirements for the PANCE exam, UMB has not determined if the curriculum meets licensure requirements in all states. Prospective students should consult licensing authorities in the jurisdictions where they plan to practice.
For more information on licensure, visit the Licensure Disclosure.
This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as physician assistants, emphasizing both academic excellence and professionalism.
Fees and Funding
The Master of Science in Health Science with a Physician Assistant Concentration at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) entails specific tuition rates and associated fees. Understanding these costs and available funding options is crucial for prospective students.
Tuition:
Auxiliary Fees (Per Semester):
- Full-Time Students:
- Student Activities Fee: $25.50
- Student Government Fee: $11.00
- Campus Center Infrastructure Fee (CCIF): $675.00
- Shuttle Fee: $94.50
- Technology Fee: $60.00
- Student Services Fee: $166.50
University of Maryland
Registration Fees:
- Malpractice Insurance: $6.50 per semester
- Student Accident Insurance: $15.00 per semester
- Student Health Insurance Premium:
- Fall Semester: $2,351.00
- Spring Semester: $2,312.00
- Note: University's health insurance or equivalent coverage is mandatory for all full-time students (9 credit hours or more).
- Matriculation Fee (one-time for new students): $55.00
- Late Payment Fee: $200.00 or 5% of the outstanding balance, whichever is less
University of Maryland
Financial Aid and Funding Opportunities:
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Federal Direct Loans:
- Unsubsidized Loan: Up to $20,500 annually
- Grad PLUS Loan: Up to the cost of attendance minus other aid received
University of Maryland
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Scholarships and Grants:
- UMB offers various scholarships and grants. Eligibility criteria and application processes vary. Prospective students should consult the UMB Scholarships and Grants page for detailed information.
Additional Considerations:
- Tuition and fees are subject to change. It's advisable to consult the Student Financial Services page for the most current information.
- Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal financial aid programs.
For personalized financial planning and assistance, prospective students should contact UMB's Office of Student Financial Assistance and Education.
Scholarship Guidance
The Master of Science in Health Science with a Physician Assistant Concentration at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) offers several financial aid opportunities to support students in funding their education.
Institutional Scholarships:
While UMB does not list specific scholarships exclusively for the Physician Assistant (PA) program, students are encouraged to explore general scholarships available through the university. The Office of Student Financial Assistance and Education provides information on various institutional scholarships and grants.
External Scholarships:
Numerous external organizations offer scholarships specifically for PA students. Resources such as EduMed.org and Scholarships.com provide comprehensive lists of available scholarships, including eligibility criteria and application deadlines.
State and National Scholarships:
Professional organizations and state-specific programs often offer scholarships to PA students. For instance, the Maryland Academy of Physician Assistants (MAPA) provides scholarships to students enrolled in PA programs within the state. Additionally, the Physician Assistant Foundation offers national scholarships to PA students demonstrating leadership and commitment to the profession.
Federal Financial Aid:
Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal loans and grants. The Office of Student Financial Assistance and Education at UMB can assist with the application process and provide information on available federal aid programs.
Additional Resources:
Prospective students are advised to explore these resources early and adhere to application deadlines to maximize their financial aid opportunities. For personalized assistance, contact UMB's Office of Student Financial Assistance and Education.
Admission Requirements
The Master of Science in Health Science with a Physician Assistant Concentration at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) seeks candidates who demonstrate academic excellence, relevant healthcare experience, and a commitment to compassionate patient care. Below are the detailed admission requirements:
Educational Prerequisites:
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Degree: A bachelor's degree or higher from a nationally recognized institution.
University of Maryland Graduate School
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Cumulative GPA: A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
University of Maryland Graduate School
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Prerequisite Coursework: Completion of the following courses with a minimum grade of 'B' (3.0) in each:
- Anatomy and Physiology I*
- Anatomy and Physiology II*
- General Microbiology
- General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or Biochemistry
- Introduction to Psychology, General Psychology, or Developmental Psychology
- Elementary Statistics, Biostatistics, or Statistics in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Note: Anatomy and Physiology courses must have been completed within seven years prior to the application submission date.
University of Maryland Graduate School
Application Process:
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CASPA Application:
- Submit a completed application through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).
- Ensure all official transcripts, reflecting the conferred degree and prerequisite courses, are sent to CASPA.
- Include three letters of recommendation.
- Document patient contact experience; a minimum of 1,400 hours is preferred.
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Supplemental Application:
- After initial review, qualified applicants will receive an email invitation to complete a supplemental application specific to UMB.
- There is no fee associated with the supplemental application.
Additional Requirements:
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Patient Contact Experience: While not mandatory, a minimum of 1,400 hours of direct patient care experience is preferred.
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Letters of Recommendation: Three letters are required, ideally from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic abilities and healthcare experience.
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International Applicants:
- Transcript Evaluation: International transcripts must be evaluated by agencies such as ECE or WES.
- English Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must submit TOEFL scores with a minimum of 250 (computer-based) or 100 (internet-based).
Technical Standards and Compliance:
- Health Requirements: Provisionally accepted students must provide proof of required immunizations and titers.
- Technical Standards: Submission of a form confirming the ability to meet the program's technical standards.
- Background Check and Drug Screening: Completion of a criminal background check and possible drug screening is mandatory.
Application Timeline:
Prospective students are encouraged to apply early, as the CASPA verification process can be time-consuming. Meeting all prerequisites and submitting a complete application by the deadline is essential for consideration.
For further information or assistance, please contact:
Karen Frank
Assistant Director of Admissions
Email: PAprogram@umaryland.edu
Phone: 410-706-5242
Application Procedure
of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is a full-time, 24-month program designed to develop competent, ethical, and compassionate primary care providers. The application process is structured to identify candidates who meet the program's academic standards and demonstrate a commitment to healthcare excellence.
Application Process:
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Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA):
- Submit a completed application through CASPA.
- Ensure all official transcripts, reflecting the conferred degree and prerequisite courses, are sent to CASPA.
- Include three letters of recommendation.
- Document patient contact experience; a minimum of 1,400 hours is preferred.
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Supplemental Application:
- After initial review, qualified applicants will receive an email invitation to complete a supplemental application specific to UMB.
- There is no fee associated with the supplemental application.
Application Timeline:
- CASPA Application Opens: April 27, 2024
- Application Deadline: September 1, 2024
- Program Start Date: May 2025
Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as the CASPA verification process can be time-consuming. Meeting all prerequisites and submitting a complete application by the deadline is essential for consideration.
Contact Information:
For detailed information on admission requirements, please refer to the Program Admission page.
Prospective students are advised to review all application components carefully and reach out to the admissions office for any clarifications.
