GROUNDED IN CLINICAL EXCELLENCE,
24 MONTHS TO COMPLETION
$133,260 MEDIAN SALARY PER YEAR*
* According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024 report
$49,500 $133,260
Median Salary per Year for Those with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Median Salary for All Workers
COST & AFFORDABILITY
Graduate tuition for the MSPA program offers all-inclusive tutition with no additional fees at $105,200 for 101 credit hours. This makes Valpo a competitive choice compared to similar programs, where the average cost exceeds $107,000. To learn more about tuition and financial aid for the graduate phase of the 3+2 physician assistant program, visit valpo.edu/physician-assistantprogram/prospective-students/ financial-aid-costs.
Valparaiso University’s master of science in physician assistant program equips you with the clinical knowledge, ethical foundation, and hands-on experience needed to serve patients with competence and compassion.
Valparaiso University’s master of science in physician assistant studies (MSPA) program will provide you with the didactic and practical handson training required to complete your education as a physician assistant student and stand out in the field as a compassionate and ethical advanced practice provider.
With multiple admission pathways available — including a direct-admit option — our MSPA program is designed to seamlessly integrate with our bachelor of science in health science program, serving as the final phase of the five-year (3+2) program and allowing you to fast track your degree. Exceptional Valpo students and alumni who have not completed undergraduate coursework may also apply for available seats in the program if admission requirements are met and space allows.
With a combined total of 101 credit hours, the two–year master’s program is divided into a 12-month didactic phase followed by a 12-month clinical phase allowing you to gain valuable on-site supervised clinical experience. You will graduate equipped to thrive and make an immediate impact as a physician assistant.
Visit valpo.edu/mspa to learn more.
To meet the objectives of the MSPA program, the College of Nursing and Health Professions holds students in the MSPA program to the following requirements in the didactic phase of the program:
“Valpo prepared me for post graduation by teaching me how to interact with those from all different walks of life. From my friends, to my professors, and my classmates, everyone was on their own journey and I was lucky enough to be part of it. Valpo taught me how to be respectful as I am just a blip in someone’s life, but can make a massive impact in my actions.”
TIMOTHY JOHN “TJ” CARPENTER ’19, MSPA ’21
ADMISSION PATHWAYS
Valparaiso University offers three distinct admission pathways into the master of science in physician assistant studies (MSPA) program, each designed for students at different stages in their academic journey.
The direct entry (3+2) pathway begins with first-year undergraduate admission to Valpo’s five-year bachelor of health science (BSHS) to MSPA program. Students follow a structured curriculum in health sciences and, after meeting progression standards, transition directly into the MSPA graduate phase in year four, no additional application required.
The health science (BSHS) pathway is for current Valpo students or alumni who have completed a bachelor of science in health science (BSHS). After earning the degree, eligible applicants may apply for admission into the MSPA program and are given preference based on academic performance and healthcare experience.
A total of 49 credit hours is required in the clinical phase of the MSPA program. Each student must successfully complete the following clinical rotations, the graduate project, and program summative assessments to complete the clinical phase. Rotations are not sequential; thus, a student may progress in any order through the clinical phase.
The non-health science (BSHS) pathway is designed for Valpo graduates from non-health science majors who meet prerequisite coursework and clinical experience requirements. After completing all required preparation, these applicants may apply to the MSPA program for consideration alongside BSHS graduates.
Additional application requirements may apply.
For more information, visit valpo.edu/physician-assistantprogram/programs/admission.
University admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religion. (For a full statement, see valpo.edu .)