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Physician Assistant Studies

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College of Allied Health Physician Assistant
Degree Level
Graduate
College
Allied Health
Format
On Ground
Credit Hours
112 hours
Average Time to Degree
28 months

Physician Assistant Studies at Harding

Physician Assistants, referred to as PAs, are medical professionals who diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and often serve as a patient’s principal health care provider. With thousands of hours of medical training, PAs are versatile and collaborative. They can practice in every state and in every medical setting and specialty, improving access to quality health care in all patient settings.

The PA program is a 28-month program (seven consecutive semesters) with 112 graduate credit hours. The didactic phase consists of three classroom and lab semesters on campus, and the remaining four semesters are primarily clinical rotations.

Learn more about Physician Assistant Studies

Why study Physician Assistant Studies at Harding?

Outreach

Students provide service to the community through curricular components in the didactic phase and clinical rotations in areas that are underserved like rural or overseas locations. Currently, there are optional opportunities like a one-week mission trip to Guatemala over spring break.

Professional Societies

All students are participants in the Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Arkansas Academy of Physician Assistants.

A Christian Perspective

The Harding University Physician Assistant Program seeks to develop Physician Assistant graduates who practice and live within a framework of a dependence upon their God and faith. 

What can you do with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies?

Clinics

A Master of Science in physician assistant studies prepares graduates to provide comprehensive health care services in clinic settings. This program equips PAs with the clinical skills and medical knowledge needed to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, conduct physical exams, prescribe medications, and develop treatment plans. In clinics, PAs play a vital role in enhancing access to health care by working closely with physicians and other health care providers to deliver patient-centered care.

Hospitals

In hospital settings, graduates are prepared to work in various departments including emergency, surgery and inpatient care. The program's rigorous curriculum provides PAs with advanced medical training and the ability to perform complex diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. In hospitals, PAs collaborate with physicians, nurses and other health care professionals to deliver high-quality care, often serving as critical members of surgical teams, managing patient care plans and responding to acute medical conditions.

Military

For those serving in the military, a Master of Science in physician assistant studies equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to deliver medical care in diverse and challenging environments. Military PAs are trained to handle a wide range of medical situations, from battlefield injuries to routine health care for service members and their families. Their role includes providing emergency care, performing surgical procedures and managing acute and chronic conditions, all while supporting the overall mission and readiness of military personnel.

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Contact Information


Physician Assistant
501-279-5642
PAprogram@harding.edu

Mailing address:
Harding University
Physician Assistant
HU 12231
Searcy, AR 72149-5615