Master of Physician Assistant Studies

The Mercy College of Ohio’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) is a comprehensive 118-credit hour, cohort-based program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required for a successful career in healthcare. This program stands out among physician assistant programs in Ohio for its focus on producing graduates who are not only competent in providing patient-centered medical care across diverse settings but are also committed to the values of service, scholarship, and leadership.

Located in Toledo, OH, our facilities are specifically designed for PA students, featuring a dedicated classroom, laboratory, student lounge, and a suite of outpatient exam rooms. Additionally, our curriculum is enriched with a simulation laboratory, interprofessional education opportunities, an Anatomage table, and clinical skills laboratories, making it a premier choice for those seeking masters in physician assistant programs.

Our seven-semester curriculum is thoughtfully divided between didactic learning and clinical experiences, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future roles. It includes seven required Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPE) in various medical fields, alongside elective opportunities. This hands-on approach, requiring 40-60 hours of direct patient contact per week, sets our Toledo PA program apart.

Class Size

The journey began with our first cohort of 20 PA students (PAS) in May 2021, transitioning into their clinical phase in August 2022. Following its success, a second cohort of 25 PAS commenced in May 2022. We now anticipate welcoming up to 30 PAS in our future cohorts. Our PA graduate programs also offer a Direct Entry pathway, reserving approximately 15% of seats for direct admissions, ensuring a diverse and dynamic student body.

Mercy College of Ohio Mission

As a Catholic institution dedicated to healthcare, Mercy College of Ohio’s mission is to educate and inspire students to lead and serve in the global community. Our commitment to healthcare education, including our Physician Assistant program in Ohio, reflects our dedication to this mission.

Physician Assistant Program Mission

The PA program at Mercy College of Ohio is designed to provide a rigorous graduate-level experience. It aims to produce PA graduates who excel in providing competent, patient-centered medical care for diverse populations, embodying our core values of service, scholarship, and leadership.

Physician Assistant Program Vision

We envision the Mercy College of Ohio PA program to be a leader among master’s degrees in physician assistant programs. Our graduates are expected to contribute significantly to the healthcare needs of the region, the State of Ohio, and beyond, through service, scholarship, and leadership.

Mercy College of Ohio's Master of Physician Assistant Studies program offers a rigorous, 118-credit hour curriculum designed to cultivate competent, patient-focused medical professionals. Located in Toledo, Ohio, this standout program is supported by modern facilities, including a dedicated PA classroom and laboratory, alongside extensive medical library resources. Over seven semesters, it merges didactic learning with comprehensive clinical experience across varied settings, thoroughly preparing students for leadership roles in healthcare.

Our Physician Assistant program proudly maintains Accreditation-Provisional status from ARC-PA, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to PA educational excellence. This accolade reflects our program's capacity to adhere to the stringent standards required for graduate medical education. We are committed to ongoing improvement and dedicatedly preparing our students for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) — a pivotal step toward licensure and a flourishing career.

Explore essential resources for Physician Associates with the AAPA, including the SAAAPA for students and Mercy College of Ohio's active chapter involvement. Discover ARC-PA's educational standards, NCCPA certification processes, and engagement opportunities with the PA Hx Society and PAEA for professional advancement. This concise guide is your gateway to vital resources for progressing in the PA field.

With an anticipated employment growth of 27% from 2022 to 2032, far exceeding the average for all occupations, the demand for PAs is on a significant rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for this profession stood at $126,010. This marked demand highlights the indispensable role Physician Assistants play in the healthcare ecosystem, delivering vital services and enhancing patient care in diverse settings.