About the Physician Assistant Studies Program at Baylor University
The Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree program in Baylor University’s Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences seeks to produce highly skilled, mindful, and empathetic physician assistants (PA) through an innovative, career-focused educational program.
Graduates of the program will be prepared to provide optimal care for patients, contribute significantly to team-based care, effectively navigate the complex healthcare system, and promote wellness within their communities.
Mission
The mission of the Baylor University Physician Assistant Studies Program is to educate and prepare compassionate healthcare leaders within a Christian environment through academic excellence, science, and innovation while dedicated to expanding access to health and wellness through team-based, patient-centered medical care.
Vision
The vision of the Baylor University Physician Assistant Studies Program is to be the premier physician assistant program, cultivating compassionate servant leaders in medicine who will improve the health and quality of life for worldwide populations through excellence in transformative healthcare.
Goals
Goal #1: Annual student cohort attrition level will be equal to or lower than the national average.
Goal #2: Each cohort will have 50% of students who complete a supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) in a rural or medically underserved area as defined by the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration.
Goal #3: Graduates of the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program will obtain a first-time passing rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) at a level equal to or greater than the national average.
Goal #4: Each cohort will have 10% of students present, submit, or publish a work product (i.e. publication in a peer reviewed journal, poster or podium presentation at a local, regional, state, or national level conference) within one year of graduation.
Accreditation
The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the Baylor University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Baylor University.
Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation-Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.
Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class.
The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at https://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-baylor-university-waco/.
Delivery Method
The Baylor PA program is offered through an innovative hybrid format that combines online learning experiences, intensive on-site lab immersions, research curriculum, and Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPEs).