Physician Assistant Studies, MS

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Offered in Hickory

The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program (MSPAS) is an innovative program designed to create the next generation of highly competent and empathetic medical providers renowned for their diverse, equitable and inclusive patient-centered care in collaborative healthcare settings regionally and nationally.

Our PA education curriculum is an intense, 105-credit hour, 24-month comprehensive, competency, and evidenced based approach. Our program is designed to challenge each student to build on their unique educational background and experiences. The LR program incorporates interprofessional practice in the classroom and through our LR Clinic in conjunction with the Cooperative Christian Ministries clinic in Hickory, NC. Students engage in laboratory and simulation exercises using state of the art equipment and facilities on the Lenoir-Rhyne Hickory campus with the Sectra Anatomy table and at the Catawba Valley Sim Hospital on the Catawba Valley Community College campus through an educational partnership.

Our goal is to develop students into ethical and professional providers to practice patient-focused healthcare that is equitable and empathetic to all. Consistent with our mission and vision, you will learn and grow in a student-centered environment that focuses on equitable medical care for all patients.

Accreditation Status

Lenoir-Rhyne University has applied for Accreditation - Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Lenoir-Rhyne University anticipates matriculating its first class in January 2026, pending achieving Accreditation - Provisional status at the June 2025 ARC-PA meeting. Accreditation - Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding accreditation-provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.

The Lenoir-Rhyne PA Studies program will not commence in the event that provisional accreditation is not received, and the enrollment deposit will be refunded in full.

Mission & Vision

Program Mission

The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (PA Studies) is an innovative program designed to create the next generation of highly competent and empathetic medical providers renowned for their diverse, equitable and inclusive patient-centered care in collaborative healthcare settings regionally and nationally.

Program Vision

Our vision for the PA Studies program is to be a nationally recognized program of choice. The program will be known for excellence in educating students in a diverse and student-centered environment, training skilled, service-minded healthcare professionals and leaders in the physician assistant field.