Curriculum

Baylor’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program is offered through an innovative hybrid format that combines online learning experiences, intensive on-site immersions, research curriculum, and Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPEs). 

The curriculum prepares students to provide patient-centered care and collegially work on collaborative medical teams in an interprofessional environment, establishing a strong foundation in health information technology and evidence-based medicine and emphasizing the importance of remaining current with the changing nature of clinical practice.  

Preclinical Phase

The preclinical phase of the Baylor Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program is comprised of two formats: 

  • Synchronous and asynchronous online educational instruction facilitated through Canvas, Baylor’s current learning management system, and videoconferencing platforms (i.e., Zoom and Teams).
  • In-person immersions on campus in Waco, Texas 
Online Educational Instruction 

Through synchronous and asynchronous online educational instruction, Baylor PA program students are provided with flexible, interactive, and active learning opportunities of both medical content and professional behaviors. Asynchronous video lectures and podcasts, patient-provider simulations, academic learning resources, and discussion and case-based forums can be accessed and completed by students at a self-directed pace within the guidelines of the course. Synchronous educational experiences allow for real-time, online interaction with both faculty and other students that enhance the asynchronous educational content, allow for case-based discussions, and promote the development of clinical reasoning. Despite being hybrid in nature, the curriculum is intensive and fast-paced. Students are discouraged from working while in the program. Additionally, students may not work for the program or substitute or function as instructional faculty, clinical staff, or administrative staff.

In-Person Immersions 

Reinforcement, refinement, and in-person tactile educational experiences take place through on-campus, in-person, immersive sessions that are scheduled throughout the course of the program. Immersions provide students with the in-person instructional opportunity to develop the clinical knowledge, psychomotor skills, and personal attitudes required for the appropriate assessment and clinical management of patients. This includes simulated experiences in obtaining a history, physical examination techniques, appropriate clinical skills, counseling, and pertinent medical documentation. 

Immersions are scheduled during each trimester and serve both as exercises designed to enhance critical thinking through psychomotor application of previously learned content and as assessment components for knowledge and skills through Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) or simulations. These sessions range from five to nine days based on the content and experiences within each immersion.

Bright hallway in a medical simulation center with multiple rooms on both sides. One room on the left is open, showing a hospital bed with a patient mannequin covered in white sheets. The corridor has light-colored flooring, white walls, and overhead fluorescent lighting. View More Photos
Bright hallway in a medical simulation center with multiple rooms on both sides. One room on the left is open, showing a hospital bed with a patient mannequin covered in white sheets. The corridor has light-colored flooring, white walls, and overhead fluorescent lighting.
Hospital simulation room with a patient mannequin lying in a hospital bed covered with white sheets. The room features light wood-paneled walls, a wall-mounted monitor displaying medical data, various medical equipment, and a countertop with cabinets along the back wall.
View through a large observation window into a medical simulation room with a patient mannequin lying on a hospital bed covered in white sheets. The room has light wood-paneled walls, medical equipment mounted on the wall, a monitor, and an infant warmer in the background.
Medical simulation room with two patient mannequins: one lying on a hospital bed covered with white sheets, and another in an infant warmer. The room has light wood-paneled walls, medical equipment mounted on the wall, and a whiteboard in the background.
Hospital simulation room with a pediatric patient mannequin lying in a hospital bed covered with a bright blue blanket. The mannequin has a stuffed animal and a tray with toy food items on the bed. Medical equipment is mounted on the wood-paneled wall, and a chair and colorful artwork are visible on the left side.
Medical exam room with a black and white examination table covered with a disposable paper sheet. The room has light wood-paneled walls, mounted diagnostic tools such as an otoscope and blood pressure monitor, a rolling stool, and a trash bin in the corner.
Hospital simulation room with a patient mannequin lying in a hospital bed partially visible on the left. The room has light wood-paneled walls, a wall-mounted monitor displaying medical information, diagnostic equipment, and a countertop with medical supplies and devices along the right side.
Bright, modern break room with multiple round tables and white chairs arranged in rows. A long yellow cushioned bench runs along one wall. The back of the room features a kitchenette with a refrigerator, microwave, coffee machine, and green accent wall. Large windows provide natural light.
Row of computer workstations in a study or testing area, each with a monitor, keyboard, and black office chair. The desks have light-colored surfaces with gray drawers, and the wall behind them is painted green. The room has bright overhead lighting and a patterned carpet.
Conference room with a long wooden table surrounded by white chairs. Two wall-mounted screens display video feeds and monitoring data. The walls are dark gray, and the room has modern lighting and a clean, professional setup.
Explore our new Clinical Simulation and Skills Facility

Clinical Phase

After completing the preclinical phase of Baylor’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies program, students participate in the clinical phase of the program, during which they complete rotations in varied healthcare settings while precepted by licensed medical professionals.  

These rotations, called Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPEs) enable students to apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes learned during the preclinical phase of the programs within actual healthcare settings. In these settings, each student must be clearly identified as a physician assistant student. Student experiences involve preventive, acute, and chronic patient encounters that include women's health and care across the life span, resulting in acquiring the competencies needed for entry-level practice as a physician assistant. 

Preceptors are selected for their ability to educate the next generation of PAs. Our clinical team will arrange students' clinical sites and preceptors. Students may not arrange their own clinical rotations. Students may recommend potential preceptors to the Director of Clinical Education but are not required to do so.

Academic Overview

Cohort Entering Fall 2025

Outline of Baylor PA Curriculum for Fall 2025

Cohort Entering Fall 2026 & Onward

Outline of Baylor PA Curriculum for Fall 2026 and Onward

 

Physician Assistant Studies

Robbins College of Health & Human Sciences

One Bear Place #97031
Waco, TX 76798-7031

Robbins_Grad@baylor.edu
(254) 710-4400
 
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