Cost & earnings at University of Nebraska, Omaha What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
A clinically focused graduate programme that trains graduates to become certified physician assistants who work alongside physicians in a range of healthcare settings. Suited to students with a strong science background seeking a patient-facing, team-based clinical career and eligibility for PA certification and licensure.
Coursework typically covers core biomedical sciences (such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and pathophysiology), clinical skills and physical examination, medical ethics and professional practice, and evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Later stages of the programme emphasize supervised clinical rotations across multiple specialties—examples include primary care, emergency medicine, surgery, pediatrics and women’s health—to build practical experience and exposure to varied patient populations.
Admissions normally require a bachelor’s degree with prerequisite science coursework, clinical or healthcare experience, and satisfactory performance on any programme-specific assessments or interviews. Applicants should expect to demonstrate foundational knowledge in biology and chemistry, interpersonal skills for patient care, and the ability to meet clinical placement requirements such as background checks and immunizations.
Graduates are prepared to sit for the national PA certification exam and pursue licensure to practice as physician assistants. Career paths include employment in outpatient clinics, hospitals, community health centres, and specialty practices. PAs can work in broad primary care roles or focus on specialties; many progress into leadership, education, or advanced clinical roles over time.
Prospective students should explore institutional scholarships, need-based grants, and external funding sources for health-professions students. Loan repayment programmes, employer tuition assistance from healthcare providers, and service-oriented funding (such as programs tied to underserved-area service) are commonly relevant. Early engagement with the university’s financial aid office and professional associations for physician assistants can help identify and prioritise available funding options.
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