Degree Offered
M.S.
Program Description
The University of Maryland Baltimore School of Graduate Studies (UMB) and its PA program promote excellence in education to foster the development of competent, ethical, and compassionate primary care providers. Together we value diversity, lifelong learning, research, and scholarship.
To achieve this mission, we prioritize both academic achievement and professionalism. We expect our students to embody virtues of integrity, honesty, respect, and ethical behavior, which form the foundation for their journey toward becoming exceptional healthcare professionals.
Learning Outcomes
Students will become competent, ethical and compassionate health care providers who are ready to fulfill the roles and duties of the primary care physician, recognize and promote the value of diversity and who are committed to lifelong learning. Students who complete all coursework from the University of Maryland Baltimore Physician Assistant Program will be eligible to sit for the national certification exam for Physician Assistants.
In addition, at the conclusion of their study, students in the Physician Assistant Program will be prepared to:
Search, interpret and evaluate the medical and public health literature, including qualitative and quantitative studies.
Examine and critically appraise the healthcare delivery systems and health policy at the local and global level.
Discuss and inform healthcare system care delivery, patient safety and quality and risk management.
Apply knowledge to improve the prevention of disease, maintenance of public health and participate in disease surveillance, reporting and intervention.
Articulate and explain principles and practice of medical and public health ethics.
Additional Information: Educational Objectives
Program Admission
Students enter the Physician Assistant program in the summer term of each year.
The 24-month, full-time program requires continuous attendance. Therefore, students should plan finances carefully to avoid the necessity for employment. Information on financial assistance opportunities is available in the Student Financial Services office, Student Services Center.
Students must meet academic and technical standards prior to admission to the program. Admission to the program is required prior to registering for any MSPA course. An overall GPA of 3.0 or better in the physician assistant curriculum is required to progress into the clinical year of the program. For more information about applying visit:
Program Admission
Degree Requirements
In order to complete the Physician Assistant Program, the student will complete 116 credits of coursework at UMB.
First Year Summer Term
| MSPA 465 | Foundation of PA Practice | 5 |
| MSPA 470 | Applied Medical Sciences | 7 |
| MSPA 510 | CLINICAL DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES | 3 |
| MHS 600 | INTRODUCTION TO LIBRARY RESOURCES AND SCHOLARLY WRITING | 1 |
| MHS 602 | LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES FOR HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND CLINICAL PROFESSIONALS | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
Second Year Summer Term
| MHS 633 | CLINICALLY APPLIED CONCEPTS IN SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH | 3 |
| MHS 652 | LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNICATION | 3 |
| MSPA 671 | Clinical Clerkship 1 | 4 |
| MSPA 672 | Clinical Clerkship 2 | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
Second Year Fall Term
Second Year Spring Term
First Year Spring Term
| MSPA 518 | Clinical Medicine 2 | 7 |
| MSPA 519 | Pediatric Medicine 2 | 2 |
| MSPA 521 | Emergency Medicine | 4 |
| MSPA 522 | Clinical Correlations | 3 |
| MSPA 523 | Pathophysiological Approach to Pharmacotherapeutics 2 | 4 |
| MSPA 551 | Transition to Clinical Clerkships | 1 |
| MHS 630 | ESSENTIALS OF CHRONIC INFECTIOUS EPIDEMIOLOGY | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 24 |
First Year Fall Term
| MSPA 512 | Clinical Medicine 1 | 7 |
| MSPA 514 | Pediatric Medicine 1 | 2 |
| MSPA 515 | Psychiatric Medicine | 3 |
| MSPA 520 | Pathophysiological Approach to Pharmacotherapeutics 1 | 4 |
| MHS 615 | BIOSTATISTICS FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 19 |
Total Credit Hours: 116
part of this catalog.