Mercy College

What you'll study

The MPAS combines a concentrated didactic phase with supervised clinical rotations to develop diagnostic, therapeutic and procedural skills. Early coursework covers foundational biomedical sciences and clinical skills: human anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, clinical pharmacology, physical diagnosis, clinical procedures and medical ethics. Core modules typically include:

• Clinical Medicine I & II – approach to common presentations across organ systems and life stages.
• Pharmacology – principles of drug therapy, interactions and prescribing considerations.
• Evidence-Based Practice & Research Methods – appraisal of literature, quality improvement and clinical decision-making.
• Clinical Skills & Simulation – structured physical examination, history-taking, procedural skills and simulated emergency scenarios.
• Behavioural Health & Professionalism – communication, cultural competence and interprofessional practice.

After the classroom phase, students complete a series of supervised clinical rotations in areas such as family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics, emergency medicine, obstetrics & gynaecology and mental health. The programme emphasises team-based care, community health and preparation for national certification and state licensure.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with a strong background in the natural and behavioural sciences. Typical prerequisites include college-level courses in anatomy & physiology, biology, chemistry, microbiology and statistics or research methods. Mercy College looks for evidence of academic readiness, healthcare experience and commitment to patient care.

• Completed undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
• Prerequisite science coursework as listed above (exact course titles and minimum grades are specified by the programme).
• Patient-care experience — paid or volunteer — is strongly recommended; many successful applicants have clinical experience as EMTs, nurses, medical assistants, phlebotomists or similar roles.
• Personal statement and professional references (typically two to three letters).
• Successful candidates are invited to interview; the selection process may use panel interviews or multiple-mini interviews to assess communication, professionalism and clinical reasoning.
• Offer contingent on satisfactory background checks, immunisations and health clearances required for clinical placements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to sit for the national certification examination for physician assistants and to pursue state licensure. Career destinations include hospital medicine, primary care clinics, emergency departments, surgical teams, paediatrics, women’s health and mental health services. Many graduates work in community health centres, outpatient specialty practices or rural and underserved settings where PAs extend access to care.

Longer-term career paths may include advanced clinical practice, leadership and management roles, academic appointments or participation in clinical research. The degree also provides a strong foundation for those interested in public health, quality improvement or healthcare administration.

Why study at Mercy College

Mercy College offers a cohort-based MPAS with an emphasis on hands-on clinical skill development and community-oriented care. Students benefit from small class sizes, opportunities for interprofessional learning with other health programmes, and access to simulation facilities that mirror real clinical environments. The programme maintains clinical affiliations with hospitals and primary care sites in the college’s region, providing a range of supervised practicum experiences in both urban and suburban settings.

Faculty include practising clinicians and experienced educators who focus on preparing graduates for the realities of team-based practice. The programme also provides structured support for certification exam preparation, professional development and job placement assistance through career services and clinical preceptor networks.