Frequently Asked Questions About the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Hybrid Program

The program is 27 months or 7 semesters. The didactic phase of the program is 4 semesters, whereas the clinical phase of the program is 3 semesters.

The programs will accept 100 students each year.

The MUSC Hybrid PA Program uniquely blends the flexibility of hybrid learning with the immersive, hands-on training essential for clinical competence. While students complete didactic coursework online, they participate in scheduled on-campus immersive sessions that focus on developing procedural skills, clinical decision-making, and team-based care. During these immersions, students train in MUSC’s state-of-the-art Simulation Center and dedicated PA lab, gaining experience with scenario-based learning that prepares them for real-world clinical challenges.

This combination of flexible learning and intensive hands-on training ensures that graduates are well-prepared to enter clinical practice with confidence and advanced skill sets that meet the evolving demands of healthcare.

Due to the demanding nature of the program, students are highly discouraged from being employed while enrolled in the PAS program.

Students will complete eight, 4.5-week clinical rotations over three semesters.

No, while the program strives to provide diverse and comprehensive clinical rotation experiences, we cannot guarantee clinical site placements in a student’s hometown or state. Our goal is to offer quality learning opportunities across various healthcare settings, which will require flexibility in location.

No. While students do not have the ability to choose their clinical site placements, the program carefully selects sites to ensure a comprehensive and high-quality educational experience. Our goal is to provide diverse clinical exposure that supports the development of well-rounded healthcare professionals.

Students are required to complete the following eight clinical rotations: family medicine, emergency medicine, women’s health, surgery, pediatrics, internal medicine, mental health and one additional primary care clinical rotation.

No.

Students are not required to provide or solicit clinical sites or preceptors.

No, the admissions and enrollment practices do not favor specified individuals or groups.

Yes, the student is required to complete a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university by the time of enrollment.

Yes, all applicants must have earned a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts from an accredited college or university prior to entering the Physician Assistant Studies program.

Students must complete 31 credit hours of prerequisite courses.

Yes, the program accepts online classes for any prerequisite course taken at a regionally accredited institution.

No, the program will not accept P/F for prerequisite classes. Prospective students must earn a merit grade.

Decisions of acceptance into the PAS program are made on a competitive basis. Prospective students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA to be considered for acceptance into the program.

No, standardized testing is not required.

No, these exam scores will not be considered by the admissions committee.

No, the program does not accept advanced placement credits, transfer credits or credit from experiential learning. Applicants do not receive credit for previous coursework and/or experience. 

No, courses taken greater than 10 years ago will not be accepted. Please note: the program will accept courses less than or equal to 10 years from enrollment, not when a degree was earned.

Yes, you are required to provide 3 references. The references should be from individuals who know you and your abilities. Ideally, the references should come from a health care provider, a science professor, and/or someone who has seen you interact with patients. This should include a physician assistant and/or a medical doctor.

Patient care hours are not required for admissions but are recommended.

No, the admissions and enrollment practices do not favor specified individuals or groups.