From Classroom to Critical Care: How MUSC's MSPAS Program Prepares Graduates for What's Next

When Maggie Miller, MSPAS, PA-C, graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina's Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program, she knew she wanted to work in an acute care subspecialty. Equipped with the knowledge, clinical experience, and adaptability she developed as a student, Miller chose to continue her training through MUSC Health's Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Fellowship Program — a decision she says shaped the clinician she is today.

“I truly cannot imagine having started a role in an ICU without the year of preparation that the fellowship provided,” Miller said.

Miller’s readiness to take the next step in her career reflects both the strength of her MSPAS education and the range of opportunities available to MUSC graduates. With rigorous academic preparation and hands-on clinical experience, graduates are ready to pursue demanding careers — whether they enter practice directly or continue their training through a fellowship.

Preparing for What’s Next
During her time in the MSPAS program, Miller developed the skills needed to navigate a variety of clinical settings. Through coursework, clinical rotations, and procedural training, she learned to take ownership of her learning, adapt to new environments, and collaborate across teams — skills that continue to serve her in critical care practice.

“The MSPAS program made me more comfortable being uncomfortable—adapting to new teams, specialties, and clinical environments while remaining eager to learn," Miller said.
That foundation set the stage for Miller to pursue advanced training after graduation through the MUSC APP Fellowship Program.

A Pathway to Specialty Practice
MUSC’s Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Fellowship is a one-year postgraduate program designed to help new providers transition into specialty practice.

“Fellowship training allows new APPs to build confidence in complex clinical settings while continuing to learn in a structured, mentored environment,” said Elizabeth Poindexter, director of the MUSC APP Fellowship Program. “It’s a bridge between graduation and independent specialty practice.”

Completing both her MSPAS degree and fellowship at MUSC allowed Miller to build on the skills she gained as a student while expanding her clinical experience and professional network across the academic health system.

"The fellowship gave me room to build my clinical autonomy and let me try out different roles through rotations, so I felt confident in what I wanted to pursue," she said. “After completing the fellowship, I still continue to realize its benefits.”

Today, Miller’s journey illustrates how the foundation built through MUSC's MSPAS program prepares graduates to navigate demanding specialty careers. Whether they enter practice directly or pursue additional training through a fellowship, graduates leave prepared to embrace new challenges and take ownership of what comes next.

Ready to start your own path toward advanced practice?
Learn more about MUSC’s Physician Assistant Studies program and the opportunities available to prepare graduates for success in advanced practice, including MUSC’s APP Fellowship Program.