The Master of Science (M.S.) Degree in Physician Assistant Studies is a 30-month program (with one summer break) that includes streamlined courses with innovative content delivery, a state-of-the-art simulation lab, and world-class clinical anatomy experiences as well as early exposure to patient care.  Students will receive mentorship and support in their academic and research focus areas by clinically practicing Stanford PAs.  During the didactic work, PA students will be located at the medical school and enroll as a cohort in a clinically focused curriculum.  They will take several courses along with medical students, allowing for inter-professional education. During their clerkship year, students will rotate through Stanford-affiliated hospitals and ambulatory practices as well as select sites throughout California. In an innovative approach to PA education that will encourage the next generation of PA leaders, students will be required to select one area of scholarly concentration and complete a Capstone Project.  The areas of scholarly concentration include: Community Health, Health Services and Policy Research, Clinical Research, and Medical Education. 

Upon completion of this 30-month program, students will be prepared to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination (PANCE). 

Stanford has more than 150 PAs working within its medical community providing endless opportunities for students to be mentored by exceptional PAs, during both pre-clinical and clinical years.