Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

The PA profession has been named by top media outlets, including Forbes and USA Today, as the most promising job in America. The demand for PAs increased more than 300% from 2011 to 2014, according to the health care search firm Merritt Hawkins.

• In line with an increase in the demand for health care services, especially for rural and other underserved populations, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook projects that physician assistant employment will increase by 37% through 2026, faster than average for all professions.
• For more information about the PA profession, visit the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) website. 

Where is the Nadine and Tom Craddick MPAS program located?

Recognizing the need for increased access to healthcare in West Texas, the Nadine and Tom Craddick MPAS Program is at a dedicated facility located on the Midland College campus in Midland, Texas.

Will I be able to work while attending this program?

Due to the rigor of the curriculum, students are strongly discouraged from employment during their time in the program.

What is the relationship between faculty and students like?

The faculty and instructors are very accessible and concerned with the welfare and success of each student. All students are assigned academic advisors who are available to meet with students upon request. With a strong focus on mental health and student wellness, we have a number of activities and discussions with a focus on this area.

How is the camaraderie between classmates?

Every class varies. Many classes set up study groups and social functions. Our students are very active with professional service in local, regional, state and national PA associations and community service activities throughout West Texas.

What opportunities are there to serve the community and get patient care experience during the didactic year?

All of our students complete service learning during the didactic phase of the program. We have several service learning community partners: Midland County Drug Court, Families Matter!, Barbara Culver Juvenile Detention Center, and the Field’s Edge. Our students also serve at Leslie’s Place free clinic.

Where will I do my clinical rotations?

In the clinical year, students gain hands-on experience across Texas, New Mexico, and beyond. With clinical sites primarily located in West Texas-- including Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, Amarillo, Abilene, and El Paso-- students are immersed in healthcare settings that reflect the needs of our communities. Rural and longitudinal experiences offer even deeper connections with patients and providers.

Students share their location preferences during the didactic phase, and while we strive to honor those choices, final placements are based on clinical site availability and program needs, ensuring every student receives a comprehensive and high-quality clinical education.

May I contact a clinical site to see if they can host me for a clinical experience?

The Nadine and Tom Craddick MPAS Program has a Clinical Team dedicated to the recruitment and maintenance of clinical sites for our PA students.  PA students are not required, nor should they solicit clinical sites. Our Clinical Team is always looking to onboard new preceptors dedicated to providing clinical experiences and training to students. If there is a provider who may be a valuable preceptor, we ask prospective students not reach out to the site directly, but please reach out to our clinical team at ClinicalTeam.PAProgram@ttuhsc.edu.

What makes a successful physician assistant student candidate?

The Nadine and Tom Craddick MPAS Program utilizes a holistic admissions process where the GPAs and GRE scores are only part of the evaluation process. Work and life experience, service, character, motivation, and knowledge of the profession are all highly valued in the process. In accordance with the mission and goals of the program, special consideration may be given to the following applicants: Residents from the 108 counties in the service area of TTUHSC; Veterans and Military; Residents from underserved populations; or Residents from economically or environmentally disadvantaged backgrounds.

How does my GPA and prerequisite coursework impact the selection process?

We will utilize the cumulative and overall science GPA as calculated by CASPA to determine if you meet the minimum requirement as defined on the admissions page. Therefore, your GPA used for application screening will be calculated based on the courses you have completed at the time you complete your CASPA application. Prerequisite course completion and overall GPA will be confirmed prior to matriculation. Applicants should realize their entire academic transcript is reviewed to evaluate overall performance and preparation, improvement over time, and rigor of studies.

How much clinical experience is required?

There are no set parameters for this. Although no clinical experience is required, it does show that you have been exposed to the medical field. The students in recent classes varied drastically. Some that were selected had no experience, while others had over 10 years of clinical experience.

What courses may I use to fulfill the Anatomy and Physiology requirement?

To fulfill the anatomy and physiology requirement, you may complete a full course series of Anatomy and Physiology I and II or separate Anatomy and Physiology courses, 4 hours each. These courses must cover all areas and systems of the body. Courses in human anatomy and physiology are preferred, however, comparative, animal, or vertebrate courses may also be accepted. Upper division courses are highly recommended.

Are there other courses that are recommended in preparation for the PA Program Curriculum?

There are courses not required as prerequisites that may help better prepare students to undertake the rigorous curriculum of the program. These courses include Human Development, Cellular or Molecular Biology, and Immunology. Knowledge of Medical Terminology is also beneficial.

Is healthcare or shadowing experience required?

No, healthcare or shadowing experiences are not required. These experiences do strengthen the admissions application. PA mentorship or shadowing experiences are encouraged.

How many candidates will be selected for the class?

The Nadine and Tom Craddick MPAS Program typically interviews approximately 220-260 applicants. Up to 72 students will matriculate into the class each May.

How soon after the interviews will I be notified of my acceptance status?

The Nadine and Tom Craddick MPAS Program offers a "rolling" interview process beginning in the fall semester. Some applicants will be notified of their acceptance within a week of their interview, and others will be notified of their acceptance or non-selection after all interviews have taken place. Acceptances may occur throughout the Fall and Spring up to the date of matriculation.

Is there a fee for “guaranteeing” my position in the program?

Yes, there is a $125, non-refundable placement guarantee fee. This fee amount is subject to change.

Can I complete this program part-time?

No, due to the fixed sequence of the curriculum, all students must enroll on a full-time basis.

Do I have to complete all of the courses in the program?

Yes, every student must successfully complete all courses in the program to be eligible for graduation. No advanced placement is granted. The academic performance and progression standards are located in the Student Handbook.

What are the tuition, fees, and estimated financial aid budget for the program?
 

Total tuition and fees is estimated at $49,843 for residents and $100,468 for non-residents. Other costs related to the program for all students is estimated at $6,300.

For additional information on tuition and fees, see the Student Business Services website. Additional financial aid budget items are available through the Financial Aid Office website. Information on the policies and procedures for payment and refunds of tuition and fees is located at: Refund Policy

The Vision, Mission, and Goals of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Nadine and Tom Craddick Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program highlight the purpose behind establishing and expanding the program in West Texas. These align with the Vision, Mission, and Goals of both the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and the School of Health Professions. 

Vision

The vision of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Nadine and Tom Craddick Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program  is to be regionally and nationally recognized for graduating excellent healthcare providers. 

Mission

The mission of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Nadine and Tom Craddick Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program is to provide comprehensive medical education to physician assistant students. Through an environment of academic excellence and the promotion of lifelong learning and professionalism, graduates will be prepared to practice patient-centered primary care, thereby increasing access to healthcare for medically underserved areas in West Texas and beyond.

Goals

The goals of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Nadine and Tom Craddick Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program is three objectives:

1. Provide students with clinical opportunities in primary care, rural, and Medically Underserved Areas (MUA*) in West Texas.
2. Ensure admissions practices consider students with unique backgrounds, life experiences and perspectives to support broad access and reflect the institution’s commitment to preparing professionals equipped to meet the needs of all populations.
3. Foster an attitude of compassion, stigma reduction, and service for the medically underserved areas of West Texas. 

A student admitted into the TTUHSC Physician Assistant Program must meet basic and essential requirements that are necessary for obtaining employment and performing as a Physician Assistant. The technical standards each student must master include cognitive, physical and behavioral characteristics that are identified in the following:

Observation: The applicant/student must possess the ability to observe required demonstrations, visual presentations in lectures and laboratories, and written and audiovisual presentations. Examples of perceptual abilities include but are not limited to gross and microscopic studies of organisms, cadaver dissections, and various diagnostic tests such as interpretation of echocardiograms, digital and wavelength readings, and graphic or radiographic images. The applicant/student must be able to observe patients accurately and completely, both at distance and closely using functional visual, hearing, and somatic sensation.

Communication: The applicant/student must possess the ability to communicate effectively with patients to elicit information, including nonverbal communications, and describe changes in mood, activity, and posture with immediate assessment of information provided. Individuals must possess the ability to communicate effectively with clinical preceptors and other members of the healthcare team, didactic and clinical faculty, and colleagues. The applicant/student must possess the ability to effectively and sensitively communicate in oral, written, and electronic form with patients and members of the health care team in order to provide safe and effective patient care

Motor: The applicant/student must possess sufficient gross and fine motor function, equilibrium, and sensation to elicit information from patients through customary techniques for physical assessment such as visual observation/inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation as well as carry out diagnostic maneuvers and technical procedures involved in the practice of medicine and surgery. Examples reasonably required of physician assistants include cardiopulmonary resuscitation, application of pressure to stop bleeding, venous and arterial punctures, suturing, pelvic and rectal exams, obstetrical maneuvers, and opening of obstructed airways.

Intellectual, conceptual, integrative, and quantitative abilities: The applicant/student must possess the ability to comprehend three dimensional relationships and spatial relationships of structures; and be able to collect, organize, prioritize, analyze and synthesize large amounts of detailed and complex information to apply in problem-solving and decision-making in clinical and educational settings including lectures, laboratories, small group discussions and clinical settings.

Behavioral and Social Attributes: The applicant/student must be able to tolerate physical and mental taxing workloads, function effectively under stress, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and function in the face of uncertainty inherent in the evaluation and treatment of patients. The applicant/student must have the emotional health to fully use his/her intellectual ability, exercise good judgment and complete all responsibilities necessary to the diagnosis and care of patients. The applicant/student must possess integrity, compassion, and effective interpersonal skills to interact with patients and members of the health care team with sensitivity to cultural differences. The applicant/student must be able to understand and apply the concepts of medical ethics and demonstrate ethical behavior.

Candidates for selection to the PA program will be required to verify that they understand and meet the essential functions or believe that, with reasonable accommodations they can meet the standards. TTUHSC OP 10.15 complies with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and state and local requirements regarding students with disabilities. Under these laws, no otherwise qualified and competitive individual with a disability shall be denied access to or participate in services, programs and activities of TTUHSC solely on the basis of the disability. For additional information, please see Student Disability Services