Dawn LaBarbera
The Mercy College of Ohio’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) is a 118-credit hour, cohort-based program designed to provide a graduate-level learning experience that produces PA graduates who can provide competent, patient-centered medical care for diverse populations in a variety of clinical settings while also embracing service, scholarship, and leadership.
Located at the Mercy College Campus in Toledo, OH, the PA space features a dedicated PA classroom, laboratory, and student space as well as a suite of outpatient exam rooms. Other learning offerings include simulation laboratory, interprofessional education, Anatomage table as well as clinical skills laboratories.
The seven (7)-semester curriculum entails four (4) didactic and three (3) clinical semesters. Students will have seven (7) required Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPE) areas along with opportunities for elective experiences.
This program of study is considered an on-site curriculum, primarily delivered synchronously for both the didactic and clinical rotations. There are some synchronous lectures or activities provided by remote faculty/facilitators with subject matter experts, and occasional asynchronous, remote learning activities or modules including limited telemedicine in clinical rotations.
Class Size
The ARC-PA has approved a class size of 30.
The PA Program does specify individuals through a Direct Entry pathway with up to five (5) seats potentially reserved. Refer to the FAQ “How many seats are held for Direct Entry students?” for the current number of seats reserved.
Physician Assistant Program Mission
The Mercy College of Ohio PA program provides a graduate-level learning experience that produces PA graduates who can provide competent, patient-centered medical care for diverse populations in a variety of clinical settings while also embracing service, scholarship, and leadership.
Physician Assistant Program Vision
The Mercy College of Ohio PA program will be a premier graduate-level PA educational program in which its graduates contribute service, scholarship, and leadership to meet the medical care needs of the region, the State of Ohio, and the nation.
PA Program-Defined Competencies (ARC-PA)
The PA Program-Defined Competencies, as directed by the ARC-PA, are the expected clinical skills, technical skills, clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities, interpersonal skills, medical knowledge, and professional behaviors for a new PA graduate. The PA Program has defined 15 competencies that it teaches, monitors for progression, and measures at end program testing to ensure Mercy College of Ohio MPAS Program new graduates are competent for entry level clinical practice. (A3.11g)
Upon completion of the PA Program, the PA student will be able to:
1. Analyze population/public health issues that impact patients and their communities.
2. Elicit a pertinent medical history considering the patient’s age and gender as well as the clinical setting in which it is performed.
3. Perform a pertinent physical exam considering a patient’s age and gender as well as the clinical setting in which it is performed.
4. Order and interpret appropriate diagnostic studies based on the patient’s medical history and physical exam to help assist in diagnosis.
5. Document pertinent patient data in a complete, clear and concise manner.
6. Utilize evidence-based medical decision making to develop a diagnosis from a broad differential employing all aspects of patient evaluation findings
7. Perform technical skills common to the PA profession.
8. Construct an evidence-based patient-centered plan that considers pharmacological and non-pharmacological management.
9. Formulate evidence-based patient-centered education considering the management plan, possible adverse conditions, and preventive care.
10. Effectively produce and present scholarly projects.
11. Defend ethical decisions with respect to individual health care cases and population/public health issues using Mercy College Values.
12. Effectively communicate with members of the interprofessional healthcare team.
13. Give and receive constructive feedback.
14. Apply core medical and professional knowledge needed to care for patients in the role of a PA.
15. Create an action plan for professional growth and development.
Program Goals
The MPAS Program continuously reviews and evaluates its own goals and mission including annual assessment of its success in meeting its goals and learning outcomes. The Program updated its goals in 2026 in response to changes to the ARC-PA 6th edition Standards.
Guided by the Mercy College of Ohio mission, vision, and core values, the Mercy College of Ohio MPAS Program achieves its mission by striving for excellence by its three goals: