Master of science in physician assistant studies menu
Hands on, relevant and real-world: Your experiences as a DMU physician assistant student will prepare you to practice with expertise and confidence.
Experienced faculty
There is close interaction among students and faculty at DMU. Our physician assistant faculty is dedicated and loyal with decades of experience not only as clinicians, but also as educators.
Team work
Collaboration is a natural outgrowth of our program, which favors cooperation over competition.
Relaxed environment
The academic setting is professional and respectful yet relaxed and personal. Our campus is small enough that faculty will get to know each student individually.
Clinical opportunities
Students have a number of clinical experiences beginning early in their first year.
Dual degree
Students can develop their leadership skills, understand health care needs and enhance their careers with a dual degree leading to a master of public health or a master of health care administration.
Accreditation
The physician assistant program at DMU is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assstant (ARC-PA).
Student clubs
There are many opportunities for students to get involved outside the classroom.
Anatomy lab
The gross anatomy lab at DMU is state-of-the-art. It includes flat-screen monitors at each dissection station.
Hands-on experience
Students receive real-life experience prior to their clinical rotations via a variety of simulated teaching tools, Standardized Performance Assessment Lab and on-site clinic.
Rural Medicine Education Pathway
Select students who agree to practice medicine in rural Iowa for at least two years after their residencies can receive a full-tuition scholarship.
Interprofessional curriculum
PA students study with second year D.O. students on selected clinical topics.
Technology
Technology is incorporated throughout the physician assistant program.
High test scores
The average first-time PANCE pass-rate for students at Des Moines University over the past 5 years is 95%. The national average during the same time was only 93%.
Global health
Students can participate in short medical service trips or extended international rotations through the global health department.
Curriculum
The PA curriculum consists of 13 months of didactic studies and 12 months of clinical experience.
Small class size
Our small class size is ideal for knowing your classmates well and at the same time benefitting from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
DMU physician assistant first-time PANCE pass rate
View the five year official report from NCCPA (pdf)