Physician Assistants (PA's) are highly qualified health professional who are prepared, through a demanding academic and clinical curriculum, to provide health care services under physician supervision. The GWU PA Program offers two graduate level programs: (1) The traditional 2-year program leading to a Master of Science in Health Sciences degree (MSHS) and (2) The three-year program leading to both an MSHS and a Master of Public Health Degree (MPH).

GWU PA students have the capacity to recognize the unique role of the PA and the scope of professional responsibility inherent in the role. All students meet basic technical standards by having the capacity to observe and communicate; sufficient motor ability to perform physical examinations and basic laboratory, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures; the emotional stability to exercise good judgement and work in stressful situations; and the intellectual ability to integrate and synthesize data, solve problems and formulate treatment plans. Prior to graduation, students show proficiency in a common body of basic science knowledge and master the principles, knowledge, skills and procedures of seven major medical disciplines: (1) internal medicine (2) surgery (3) pediatrics (4) obstetrics and gynecology (5) emergency medicine (6) psychiatry and (7) primary care/ambulatory medicine.

For additional information, visit the Program web site at: http://www.gwu.edu/~gwu_pa