Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies - Residential

Curriculum

* Students are scheduled in the following disciplines for clinical rotations 1-8; Emergency medicine, Family medicine, Internal medicine, Mental health, Pediatrics, Surgery, Women's Health and Adjunct Clinical Experience (ACE). In addition, the students are required to complete an elective in a specialty of their choice.

A Summative Evaluation is required by the Accreditation Review Commission for Physician Assistant Education (ARC-PA) within the last four months of the program. Each student must successfully pass all components of the Summative Evaluation to be eligible for completion of the program and graduation. The components of the Summative Evaluation include the following:

• PAEA End of Curriculum Exam
• Summative Professionalism Evaluation
• Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

Clinical Education

The clinical education of physician assistants (PA) is at the heart of our program with active clinical experiences each semester. There is a total of nine clinical rotations that commonly occur in a variety of geographic and clinical settings in order to maximize each student’s clinical year experience.

During clinical rotations, students gain real-world experience working as part of health care team and hone their skills and knowledge learned in didactic year classes.

During the clinical year, students complete supervised clinical experiences, or “rotations,” across seven core areas of medicine: pediatrics, women’s health, mental health, surgery, emergency medicine, internal medicine and family medicine. To further personalize training, students complete an Adjunct Clinical Experience (ACE) rotation, assigned by the program to support individual interests in a subspecialty or core rotation setting. The final rotation during each student’s clinical year is the elective rotation, which is based on that student’s interests. Each student’s participation in clinical activities is carefully organized by the clinical coordinator of operations, clinical coordinator of recruitment and the coordinator of clinical education and simulation. The instructional objectives, learning outcomes and technical skills requirements incorporated within the clinical rotation curriculum ensure students attain the clinical competencies required for graduation and their future clinical practice.

For Clinical Preceptors

You can help prepare future physician assistants and impact patient care. The Division of Physician Assistant Studies is always looking for new opportunities to expand its resources and to provide unique clinical opportunities for our students. We are currently seeking MDs, DOs, PAs or NPs to serve as clinical preceptors in the areas of women’s health, mental health, surgery, pediatrics, internal medicine and family medicine. Other specialty areas may also be of need.

Benefits of Being a Clinical Preceptor

• Give back to the medical community
• Possible financial incentives
• Clinical affiliate faculty status for qualifying preceptors
• Access to the MUSC online library*, including Up-to-Date, PubMed and Access Medicine (*clinical affiliate faculty status required to access the online library)
• Category 1 CME is available for PAs and category 2 CME is available for MDs/DOs/NPs

If you are interested in becoming a clinical preceptor, please contact Traci Coward, MPH, via email at cowardt@musc.edu or telephone at 843-876-8305; or Alex Condy, MSPAS, PA-C, via email at condy@musc.edu.

Admission Preferences

The following preferences align with the mission and values of the program. Meeting any/all of the preferences do not guarantee an invitation for an interview or acceptance to the program.

To carry out our mission, our program uses a holistic review of applications and considers each applicant's unique qualities. The program evaluates applicants before interviews based on the following weighted factors and analysis process.

To rank applicants for interview invites, the following categories are evaluated in CASPA. A “yes” for each category is awarded 1 point for a total score.

Weighted Categories

• The applicant is a first generation to attend college: As self-reported in CASPA.
• The applicant is from a family that receives public assistance (Aid to families with Dependent Children, food stamps, Medicaid or public housing).
• The applicant is from a family that lives in an area designated as a Health professional Shortage Area or a Medically Underserved Area: confirm with the applicant’s home address and compare it to the posted federal website.
• The applicant has served is a Veteran with honorable discharge: confirmed with DD214 discharge papers.
• The applicant has earned a master’s degree: as confirmed by transcript in CASPA.
• English is not the applicant’s primary language: As self-reported in CASPA.
• The applicant has over 1000 patient care hours: As self-reported in CASPA.
• The applicant’s overall Undergraduate GPA is 3.2 or greater.*
• The applicant’s overall Undergraduate GPA is 3.4 or greater.*
• The applicant’s overall Undergraduate GPA is 3.6 or greater.*
• The applicant’s overall Undergraduate GPA is 3.8 or greater.*
• The applicant’s overall Undergraduate GPA is 4.0.*
• The applicant’s overall Science GPA is 3.2 or greater.*
• The applicant’s overall Science GPA is 3.4 or greater.*
• The applicant’s overall Science GPA is 3.6 or greater.*
• The applicant’s overall Science GPA is 3.8 or greater.*
• The applicant’s overall Science GPA is 4.0.*
• The applicant is a South Carolina resident.**
• The applicant’s parents live in South Carolina: As self-reported on CASPA.
• The applicant attended a South Carolina high school: As self-reported on CASPA.

* All GPAs are captured from CASPA calculations. The program does not do grade forgiveness; any repeated courses will be calculated into total GPA.

** See link for SC Residency Questions. Residency is determined by the University Residency Officer in the Office of Enrollment Management, according to the South Carolina Code of Laws.

Note: For each confirmed preference, applicants must submit proof through their CASPA application.

(A3.13a)

Prerequisites

All applicants must complete 34 hours of prerequisite coursework at a regionally accredited institution with a minimum of 30 hours having been completed by the application deadline. The remaining four hours must be completed by the time of matriculation. (A3.13d)

Note: There will be no waivers or exceptions to any admissions requirements or prerequisite courses.

* Combined Anatomy and Physiology courses are accepted; however, you must take Anatomy and Physiology I and II to fulfill the separate Anatomy and Physiology requirements, including labs.

** Combined Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry are not accepted. The course should solely be either Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry.

† Medical Terminology cannot be a continuing education course (e.g., certificate courses, Continuing Education Units (CEUs)). You must receive a grade of 2.0 (C) or higher on a 4.0 scale.

†† Psychology can be met by Introduction to Psychology or a higher-level psychology course.

Additional Notes

• View Frequently Approved Prerequisites. To speak with an admissions specialist about your coursework, please call 843-792-2536 or email oesadmis@musc.edu.
• All prerequisite coursework must be fulfilled by separate individual courses and be completed within 10 years of application submission. (A3.13d)
• Courses may be completed in-person or online. (A3.13d)
• Courses can only be applied towards the prerequisite requirement if a grade of "B" or higher was earned. A prerequisite course may be retaken, and the highest grade will be used to calculate the prerequisite GPA. Note: Both grades will be reflected in the cumulative GPA.
• Dual enrollment courses are accepted for prerequisite courses so long as the course appears on your college transcripts.
• The program does not accept advanced placement, transfer of credit or credit for experiential learning. Applicants do not receive credit for previous coursework and/or experience. (A3.13c)
• Survey courses or courses for which a letter or number grade is not awarded (e.g., Pass/Fail, CLEP credit, AP credit, Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory, etc.) will not meet prerequisite requirements. If your institution awarded only Pass/Fail grading between January 1, 2020, and September 1, 2020, please contact antoinem@musc.edu for more information.
• If admitted to the program on a conditional basis, the student must earn a minimum of C in the outstanding prerequisites and earn the minimum GPA requirements for entry into the program. If both requirements are not met, the conditional applicant will forfeit their acceptance and not be permitted to matriculate. The student may reapply during the next cycle. The program will confirm with a transcript review before enrollment. (A3.13d)

Technical Standards (A3.13e)

The MUSC Division of Physician Assistant Studies will consider for admission and/or continuation any applicant who meets its academic and nonacademic criteria and who demonstrates the ability to perform skills and meet the Technical Standards listed below, with or without reasonable accommodations, consistent with the American with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. If you have any questions about these criteria or whether you meet the standards described below, please contact the MUSC Office of EEO and University Accessibility Services.

• Observation: Observe materials presented in the learning environment including audiovisual presentations in lectures and laboratories, microscopic examination of microorganisms, gross organs and tissues in normal and pathologic states. Observe patients, both at a distance and closely. This ability requires functional vision, hearing and somatic sensation.
• Communication: Elicit information from patients, including the ability to speak, hear and observe patients and perceive nonverbal communications. Describe changes in mood, activity and posture. Communicate with patients and their families and the health care team through oral, written and electronic forms. Convey sensitivity and respect in all communications with patients and their families as well as all members of the health care team.
• Motor: Elicit information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion and other components of the physical examination. Execute movements reasonably required to provide general care and emergency treatment to patients. Such skills require coordination of gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium and sensation. Manipulate equipment and instruments to perform basic laboratory tests and medical procedures required to attain curricular goals (e.g., needles, stethoscope, ophthalmoscope, tongue blades, intravenous equipment, gynecologic speculum and scalpel).
• Laptop/Computer Requirements: Ability to complete computer-based assignments, and use the computer for searching, recording, storing and retrieving information. Ability to complete assessment examinations via computer-based software.
• Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities: Apply knowledge and reasoning to solve problems as outlined by the curriculum. Comprehend three dimensional relationships and the spatial relationships of structures. Collect, organize, prioritize, analyze and assimilate large amounts of technically detailed and complex information within a limited period. This information will be presented in a variety of educational settings, including lectures, small group discussions and individual clinical settings. The candidate should be able to analyze, integrate and apply this information appropriately for problem solving and decision-making.
• Behavioral and Social Attributes: Use intellectual ability, exercise good judgment and complete all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients. Develop appropriate professional relationships with patients and colleagues. Tolerate physical, mental and emotional stress in training and patient care. Adaptable, flexible and able to function in the face of uncertainty within the health care team. Display a high level of compassion for others, motivation to serve, integrity and a consciousness of social values. Possess sufficient interpersonal skills to interact positively with people from all levels of society, all ethnic backgrounds and all belief systems. Accept criticism and respond by appropriate modification of behavior.

Frequently Approved Prerequisites

Before applying, it's essential to ensure that any prior coursework meets the admissions requirements. MUSC provides a helpful reference list of frequently approved prerequisite courses to guide you in understanding which classes may satisfy your program's requirements. To explore the list, visit our Frequently Approved Prerequisites page. 

Application Process

The following process outlines how and when your materials will be reviewed.

1. Submit the Centralized Application Service Physician Assistant (CASPA) application as early as possible. The application must be verified by the application deadline to be eligible for review.
2. Complete the MUSC Supplemental Application.
3. Once both applications are complete and the CASPA application has been verified, your application will be reviewed. Selected applicants will be contacted for an interview.
4. Interview Process: Only completed applications will be reviewed for consideration for an interview. Interviews are typically held between September and November of each year. The program aims to provide acceptance decisions (acceptance, waitlist or denial letters) by the beginning of November. Due to the nature of our interview process, no alternate interview dates will be offered. Interviews will be conducted in person for the 2026 cohort. If selected for an interview the applicant will be notified of the interview process as the dates approach.

Admissions Timeline

Application Requirements

1. CASPA Application: All applicants must submit the CASPA application. The following items should be submitted via CASPA and do not need to be sent directly to MUSC.
   
   1. Letters of Reference: All applicants must provide three letters of reference from individuals who know them and their abilities. Ideally, the references should come from a health care provider (PA, M.D., NP), science professor and/or someone who has seen the applicant interact with patients (e.g., manager). No personal references will be accepted. References that are “Do Not Recommend” will have one point deducted from the applicant’s total score.
   2. Official transcripts from all institutions attended
   3. Personal statement: Applicants are required to submit a personal statement at the time of application. Personal statements will be reviewed holistically for applicants invited for interviews. AI-generated personal statements will not be accepted, whether in part or whole.
   4. Resume: Applicants must provide an updated resume detailing relevant academic and professional experience.
2. MUSC Supplemental Application: All applicants must submit an MUSC Supplemental Application.

All information above must be received and verified on or before September 1 to be considered for admission to the program. Without all required materials, an application will be considered incomplete. It is the applicant's responsibility to review the progress of their application to ensure that all application materials, including official reference forms and official transcripts, have been received. Applicants are responsible for reviewing the progress of their CASPA application on the CASPA website.

International Applicants

This program only accepts applications from U.S. citizens, permanent residents or those holding other valid nonimmigrant visa classifications that allow participation in lawful study while in the United States. We are unable to accept international students that require I-20 issuance.

Cost of Attendance

Disclaimer: The Estimated Total listed above reflects an approximation of educational costs for planning purposes only. Actual expenses may vary based on individual circumstances, program requirements and annual changes in tuition, fees and other costs. The Medical University of South Carolina reserves the right to adjust tuition, fees and other charges at any time without prior notice.

Scholarships

MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means that these scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list the Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438. We encourage you to submit your FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit your FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the fall.

Click here to visit our scholarship application system to view a complete listing of MUSC scholarships.

Attrition Rates

Graduated Classes

Outcomes

MUSC Division of Physician Assistant Studies graduates will possess the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to demonstrate entry-level proficiency in the following program outcomes.

1. Medical Knowledge: Formulate a differential diagnosis, including common medical and behavioral problems seen in a primary care setting and recommend the proper diagnostic studies and treatments with knowledge of basic sciences and through on-going critical evaluation of medical literature for current practice guidelines and application of the principles of evidence-based medicine to patient care.
   
   • Didactic Curriculum
     
     • Milestones/Measures
       
       1. Successful completion of all didactic courses with a GPA of 2.0 or higher
       2. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher each semester of the program
     • Instruction: PA606, PA614, PA615, PA616, PA617, PA618, PA619, PA624, PA625, PA626, PA632, PA634, PA636, PA642, PA643, PA651, PA652, PA653, PA654, PA655, PA662, PA663, PA690, PA691, PA695
   • Clinical Curriculum
     
     • Milestones/Measures
       
       1. Achieve a 75% or higher on the Summative Evaluation OSCE
       2. Complete each Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE) with a GPA of 3.04 or higher
       3. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher each semester of the program
     • Instruction: SCPEs 1-9
2. Interpersonal Skills: Based on patient-centered, sensitive and empathetic interactions guided by the patient’s emotional state, culture and socioeconomic background, accurately and concisely communicate patient encounters and their outcomes to the entire health care team in both oral and written forms. Communicate effectively and respectfully with patients and their families and caregivers.
   
   • Didactic Curriculum
     
     • Milestones/Measures
       
       1. Successful completion of all didactic courses with a GPA of 2.0 or higher
       2. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher each semester of the program
     • Instruction: PA617, PA618, PA619, PA630, PA634, PA636, PA642, PA651, IP711, IP768
   • Clinical Curriculum
     
     • Milestones/Measures
       
       1. Achieve a combined average GPA of 3.0 or higher from a preceptor on Clinical Performance and Professional Performance on all SCPE preceptor evaluations
       2. Achieve a 75% or higher on the Summative Evaluation OSCE
       3. Complete each SCPE with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
       4. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher each semester of the program
     • Instruction: SCPEs 1-9
3. Clinical and Technical Skills: Develop, implement and monitor management plans for emergent, acute, chronic and ongoing conditions with pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions including surgery, counseling, therapeutic procedures and/or rehabilitative therapies, based upon findings from focused histories and physical examinations, appropriate diagnostic studies, test result interpretation and clinical procedures across the life span and in a variety of health care delivery settings.
   
   • Didactic Curriculum
     
     • Milestones/Measures
       
       1. Successful completion of all didactic courses with a GPA of 2.0 or higher
       2. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher each semester of the program
     • Instruction: PA614, PA615, PA616, PA617, PA618, PA619, PA624, PA625, PA626, PA632, PA634, PA636, PA642, PA651, PA652, PA653, PA654, PA655
   • Clinical Curriculum
     
     • Milestones/Measures
       
       1. Achieve a 75% or higher on the Summative Evaluation OSCE
       2. Complete each SCPE with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
       3. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher each semester of the program
     • Instruction: SCPEs 1-9
4. Professional Behaviors: Demonstrate behaviors consistent with the highest ethical and legal standards.
   
   • Didactic Curriculum
     
     • Milestones/Measures
       
       1. Successful completion of all didactic courses with a GPA of 2.0 or higher
       2. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher each semester of the program
     • Instruction: PA607, PA624, PA625, PA626, PA630, PA632, PA636, PA642, PA651, PA652, PA653, PA654, PA655, IP711, IP768
   • Clinical Curriculum
     
     • Milestones/Measures
       
       1. Achieve a 75% or higher on the Summative Evaluation OSCE
       2. Complete each SCPE with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
       3. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher each semester of the program
       4. In “Good” Professional Standing at the completion of the program
       5. Achieve a 75% or higher on Professionalism MCQ Exam
     • Instruction: SCPEs 1-9
5. Clinical Reasoning: Competently address the patient’s chief complaint by establishing differential diagnoses, eliciting a patient history, performing a focused physical exam, ordering diagnostic studies, forming an assessment, and developing a management plan.
   
   • Didactic Curriculum
     
     • Milestones/Measures
       
       1. Successful completion of all didactic courses with a GPA of 2.0 or higher
       2. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher each semester of the program
     • Instruction: PA614, PA615, PA616, PA617, PA618, PA619, PA624, PA625, PA626, PA632, PA634, PA642, PA651, PA652, PA653, PA654, PA655
   • Clinical Curriculum
     
     • Milestones/Measures
       
       1. Achieve a 75% or higher on the Summative Evaluation OSCE
       2. Complete each SCPE with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
       3. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher each semester of the program
     • Instruction: SCPEs 1-9

Vision

To enhance access to high-quality health care throughout South Carolina and beyond.

Mission

To graduate highly competent physician assistants who are compassionate, demonstrate cultural humility and are attuned to the primary health care needs of the people of South Carolina and beyond.

Graduates will be prepared to:

• Provide quality, evidence based, patient-centered health care as integral members of interdisciplinary health care teams
• Advocate for the physician assistant profession
• Help meet the health care needs of the larger community through education, research and service

Values

At the core of our program, we are guided by a commitment to the following values that drive our mission:

• Quality, safe and accessible patient-centered health care
• Compassionate and respectful to the needs of the population served
• Ethical and professional behavior
• Confident life-long learners
• Advance medical knowledge
• Virtuous leadership