MCPHS launches PA doctoral program

Staff photo The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, which has a campus in Worcester, is now offering a doctoral program for physician assistants.

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By Emily Micucci

The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) has launched a Doctor of Science program in Physician Assistant Studies, which the school says is the third such program in the nation.

The degree is a part-time, online program offering licensed physician assistants a unique way to advance their practices, MCPHS said in a statement last week. The program launched in September with 10 students, and is accepting applications for the spring semester beginning in January.

Physician assistants are mid-level providers who can administer some of the clinical care provided by doctors, under the supervision of physicians. Healthcare systems are relying on physician assistants more frequently in order to meet the demand for primary care.

George Humphrey, MCPHS’s provost and vice president of Academic Affairs said this has led an increasing number of physician assistants interested in advancing their skillsets.

“The university is demonstrating its leadership role in the health sciences through a program that provides PAs with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed for contemporary medical practice,” Humphrey said in a statement.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article incorrectly spelled George Humphrey's name.