Master's Degree

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  Tuition and Costs

  • Please see Current Graduate Tuition

  In addition to tuition, additional costs to consider include: books and medical equipment, local travel to clinical sites, course and certification exam fees.

  Related Links:

  • Financial Aid
  • Refund Policy
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  Admission Criteria

  Application to the PA program is a competitive process and meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee admission to the program. See FAQs for more information on how to compile a competitive application.

  Early Admissions

  Beginning with the 2021-22 cycle, applicants may request consideration for Early Admission into the University of Detroit Mercy PA program. Early Admission will be considered for strong candidates who have met all admissions criteria and verification by CASPA. The Early Admission cycle will open, April 2023.
  
  In CASPA- applicants must check, “Want to be considered for Early Admission” to be considered for this opportunity. CASPA application (including ALL materials required) must be completed, including VERIFICATION, by July 31, 2023 for consideration. Interviews for Early Decision will occur around the 1st or 2nd week in November. Deposit for early admissions is $1,000 non-refundable.

  Last two years of Undergrad Consideration

  Beginning the 2020-21 cycle, Applicants may request consideration of the last 2 years of Undergrad for calculation of the cumulative uGPA. For consideration, the applicant must fall below the minimal cumulative uGPA of 3.0. If requested, recalculation of the cumulative uGPA will be completed by the Detroit Mercy PA Program. In CASPA, applicants must check the box: “Please consider my last 2-years of undergraduate GPA”

  Admission requirements for the Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies

  1. A baccalaureate degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university (or the equivalency of a U.S. bachelor's degree as documented by a foreign transcript evaluation service) and a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0/4.0.
  2. Submission and verification of all official transcripts for college/university education to CASPA.
  3. Official Graduate Record Examination, General aptitude scores for the most recent exam taken. (Minimum total score 900 if taken before August 2011 and minimum total score of 291 for exams taken after August 1, 2011) These scores must be received by CASPA directly from the Educational Testing Corp by the admission deadline. When sending these scores, you will need the University of Detroit Mercy's PA Program code: GI 0509. A completed/conferred Master's degree from an accredited U.S. institution with a minimum earned cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 may be used in lieu of the GRE.
  4. Completion of all prerequisite courses with a grade 3.0/4.0 or better for the fall of 2024 application cycle and within the six (6) years prior to application (January 2018 or after). All prerequisite coursework must be completed and documented by the deadline date of January 15.
  5. Starting for the 2023-2024 admission cycle, Detroit Mercy will require the Casper test as part of our admission requirements. All applicants are required to complete Casper and/or Duet as part of their application. To complete these assessments visit AcuityInsights.app to create an account and register to complete the assessments. NOTE: If you are not using Duet in your program selection, please say “Duet is not required to apply to our program”. If you are using Duet in your program selection, please say “Duet is required to apply to our program”. 
     • Casper: 90-110 minute online, open-response situational judgment test
     • Duet: 15-minute value-alignment assessment
  6. Evidence of problem solving ability and communication skills as well as understanding of and commitment to the PA role, as demonstrated on the PA application and in candidate interviews.
  7. One thousand (1,000) hours of health care or helping care experience with increasing levels of responsibility, leadership and evidence of community service. Must be CASPA verified by the application deadline of January 15.
  8. Professional recommendations (from individuals who can evaluate the applicant's work, not someone "shadowed"), if possible, at least one from a practicing physician assistant or a physician familiar with the role and responsibilities of the physician assistant. Submitted to CASPA.
  9. A personal interview with the members of the Physician Assistant Graduate Admissions Committee. Personal interviews are by invitation and the class is selected only from among those interviewed.

  The CASPA application must be completed and verified by January 15
  in time to be considered for regular admission to the program. 

  Detroit Mercy undergraduates, veterans, applicants from under-served communities and underrepresented minorities in the profession may be given additional consideration in the application process.

  Applicants who are granted an interview are evaluated on the following criteria:  professional attitude and aptitude, understanding of PA practice, motivation for completing the program and serving disadvantaged populations, past experience in the “helping” professions and extent of relevant carry-over skills, interpersonal and problem solving skills, personal integrity and maturity, and leadership potential and the ability to work well as a professional in the health care team.

  Questions about the application process? See the Frequently Asked Questions link.

  Non-US Residents

  Complete your CASPA application by the deadline.

  If you are an international student seeking a student visa to study at University of Detroit Mercy, you must complete a Detroit Mercy International Physician Assistant Application. (see below) AND a CASPA application. Go to the International Services Office for more information. If you are admitted to the Physician Assistant Program or if you have questions about immigration matters, please contact Admissions  for further direction (800-635-5020).

  NOTE: as of April 1, 2008, the Detroit Mercy PA program requires applicants to submit official foreign transcripts to an approved (WES and ECE) foreign transcript evaluation service for a course-by-course U.S. equivalency report. Arrange for foreign transcript reports to be sent directly to CASPA from the foreign transcript evaluation agency. Contact the foreign transcript evaluation service as early as possible. The service may take several weeks to process your foreign transcript once it is received. 

  In order to be considered for admission, the foreign transcript evaluations will need to be received by the January 15 CASPA application deadline.

  English Language Requirements: If English is not your native language, or if you have not successfully completed a four-year degree program from an approved U.S. school, you are required to take Detroit Mercy's own academic English language proficiency test upon arrival at the University. Go to the the American Language and Culture Program web site for more information. Demonstration of spoken English proficiency may also be required.

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  CASPA Applicants

  The applicant is responsible for:

  • Reading all of the Admission Criteria and Academic Policies prior to application to the program.
  • Completing the CASPA application according to the directions, including the Supplemental Application, Service and Employment History, personal statement, two recommendations and all required submissions, by January 15.
    • Submit official foreign transcripts to an approved foreign transcript evaluation service (WES or ECE) for a course-by-course U.S. equivalency report including degree equivalency and arrange for foreign transcript reports to be sent directly to CASPA from the foreign transcript evaluation agency by Jan. 15.
    • Official transcripts sent to CASPA do not also need to be sent to the University of Detroit Mercy. Official transcripts for course work completed after submission of the CASPA application will need to be sent to the address below. All recommendation forms and all official transcripts for work completed at the time of admission must be received and verified at CASPA by the January 15 deadline. Detroit Mercy will not accept CASPA applicant recommendation forms or transcripts (except those for course work completed after submission of the application) directly.
  • Request Official General Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores with a minimum total score of 900 if taken before August 2011 and a minimum of 291 for exams taken after Aug. 1, 2011, be sent to CASPA. These scores must be received by CASPA directly from the Educational Testing Corp. by January 15. When sending the GRE scores, you will need the University of Detroit Mercy's PA Program Code: GI 0509.This will ensure your scores reach CASPA in a timely manner (before January 15).

  Graduate Admissions
  Physician Assistant Program, CHP 115
  University of Detroit Mercy
  4001 West McNichols Road
  Detroit, Michigan 48221-3038

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  Prerequisites

  For every prerequisite listed below, you will be asked to supply information in your application regarding when, where and which course you have taken. A copy of the catalog course description and/or course syllabus for all 6 prerequisites must be attached to the application check list if it is NOT listed below. It is highly recommended that applicants have course descriptions approved prior to submission with the application. Non-approved prerequisites or incomplete prerequisite information will render an application incomplete. Incomplete applications will not be considered for admission. Course descriptions can be emailed or mailed.

  • NUTRITION: Course work which concentrates on physiologic requirements for human growth and development. Role of nutrition in health and disease. General concepts of diet as a therapy.
  • MEDICAL ETHICS: An exploration of moral issues specific to health care delivery and medical research. This course will have examined issues such as euthanasia, abortion, human experimentation, assisted suicide and bias in access to health care.
  • STATISTICS: Statistical methods and their applications to human science research. Includes probability models, descriptive, correlational and basic inferential statistics. Students should be familiar with use of statistical software packages for the analysis of both descriptive and inferential statistics.
  • ADVANCED PHYSIOLOGY:Course explaining the functional organization of all organ systems of the body, its metabolism, and the application of physiologic principles to living organisms. Focus on human/medical physiology only, combination physiology and anatomy courses are not acceptable, pathophysiology is not acceptable. Usually a 300 level course or greater.
  • MICROBIOLOGY: A survey of microorganisms with emphasis on bacterial, parasitic and viral pathogens, must include laboratory techniques.
  • DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY: A life span perspective on developmental and maturational tasks from birth to death. The Committee may consider a series of courses to meet this requirement provided it minimally includes: Child Psychology; Adolescence and Psychology of Aging.

  University of Detroit Mercy Physician Assistant Program Pre-Requisite Course Equivalencies

  Should a prospective applicant wish to pursue any outstanding prerequisite(s) at the University of Detroit Mercy, they may complete a free, online application, selecting "Transfer" as the application type and "Unclassified Science Undergraduate" as the major.

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  Curriculum

  All PAS courses require admission to the PA Program as a prerequisite.
  See class schedules.

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  Entry Level Curriculum

  DIDACTIC PHASE (Year 1)

  Fall Semester
  BIO 5430/BIO 5450* Advanced Human Anatomy 4cr
  HLH 5900* Advanced Pathophysiology 3cr
  PAS 5240 Clinical Medicine I 3cr
  PAS 5100 Patient Evaluation Practicum I 3cr
  PAS 5360 Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures I 1cr
  Total Credits 14

  Winter Semester
  HLH 5320* Health Promotion and Risk Reduction 3cr
  HLH 5300* Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics I 2cr
  HLH 5700* Health Care Delivery and Policy Issues 3cr
  PAS 5250 Clinical Medicine II 3cr
  PAS 5200 Patient Evaluation Practicum II 3cr
  PAS 5370 Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures II 1cr
  Total Credits 15

  Summer Semester
  HLH 5500* Research Methods in Health Care 3cr
  HLH 5310* Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics II 2cr
  PAS 5260 Clinical Medicine III 3cr
  PAS 5300 Patient Evaluation Practicum III 3cr
  PAS 5380 Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures III 1cr
  Total Credits 12
  
  *Taken the first year of the three-year track

  CLINICAL PHASE (Year 2)

  Fall Semester
  PAS 5400 Clinical Rotation I 3 cr
  PAS 5401 Clinical Rotation II 3 cr
  PAS 5402 Clinical Rotation III 3 cr
  PAS 5870 Physician Assistant Seminar I 1cr
  Total Credits 10
  
  Winter Semester
  PAS 5403 Clinical Rotation IV 3 cr
  PAS 5404 Clinical Rotation V 3 cr
  PAS 5405 Clinical Rotation VI 3 cr
  PAS 5880 Physician Assistant Seminar II 1cr
  Total Credits 10 credits
  
  Summer Semester
  PAS 5406 Clinical Rotation VII 2 cr
  PAS 5407  Clinical Rotation VIII 2 cr
  PAS 5408 Clinical Rotation IX 2 cr
  PAS 5890 Physician Assistant Seminar III 1cr
  Total Credits 7
  
  Grand Total 68 Credit Hours

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  Physician Assistant Course Descriptions and Requirements

  All PAS courses require admission to the PA Program as a prerequisite.

  BIO 5430 Advanced Human Anatomy & BIO 5450 Advanced Human Anatomy Laboratory
  A lecture and laboratory course covering all of the body systems. The laboratory portion involves dissection of human cadavers.

  HLH 5900 Advanced Pathophysiology
  This course focuses on the advanced physiology of the altered health and body function and disease processes with the emphasis on clinical application to practice. Students will learn the "how and why" of signs, symptoms and laboratory changes of various physiological conditions and human responses. This knowledge will be applied to the process of developing diagnosis and treatment skills.

  HLH 5300 Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics I
  This course provides the foundation for advanced principles of clinical pharmacokinetics with application to dosage determination. The pharmacokinetics of automatic transmission, adrenergic agonists and blocking agents, cholinergic agonists, muscarinic blocking agents and cardiovascular agents are examined.

  HLH 5310 Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics II
  (Prerequisite BCS 5300)
  This course continues the examination of various pharmacotherapeutic agents including anti-infectives, eicosanoids, adrenal steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, opioids, antihistamines, and diuretics. Psychotropic agents including antipsychotics, antidepressants, anxiolytics, hypnosedatives, and anticonvulsants are also addressed.

  HLH 5320 Health Promotion and Risk Reduction
  Examines theoretical and empirical basis for health promotion and risk reduction. It will prepare the health care professional to provide population-centered, interdisciplinary, prevention-oriented health care. Healthy People 2000/2010 will be used as the framework as well as theories and research from multiple disciplines for application to practice.

  HLH 5500 Research Methods in Health Care
  Introduces students to the research process relevant to the health care professional. The research process is analyzed with emphasis on techniques to: apply research findings to clinical practice, determine client population needs, evaluate outcomes, and participate in research teams.

  HLH 5700 Health Care Delivery and Policy Issues
  Examines the theoretical and empirical bases for health care delivery and policy issues in the United States. Health policy decisions are examined in relation to cost, quality, access, ethics, and managed care.

  PAS 5100 Patient Evaluation Practicum I
  A three-semester course designed to teach the skills required to perform a complete medical evaluation of a patient. Effective communication skills and the art of interviewing. Techniques of the physical examination utilizing a systems anatomic approach. An introduction to traditional medical record keeping, and the construction and writing of organized medical histories and physical examination.

  PAS 5200 Patient Evaluation Practicum II
  (Prerequisite PAS 5100)
  Skill development in obtaining and recording historical and physical exam data from patients. Integration of the knowledge gained in other courses with the medical evaluation of patients.

  PAS 5240 Clinical Medicine I
  Intensive study of human disease from the perspectives of epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations and course, diagnostic tests, treatment and prognosis. The series of clinical medicine (5240, 5250, 5260) incorporates the health promotion/disease prevention model. All the major areas of medicine are studied over the course of one year. This study emphasizes the differential diagnoses and diagnostic problem solving.

  PAS 5250 Clinical Medicine II
  (Prerequisite PAS 5240)
  Continued study of selected topics in medicine.

  PAS 5260 Clinical Medicine III
  (Prerequisite PAS 5250)
  Continued study of selected topics in medicine.

  PAS 5300 Patient Evaluation Practicum III
  (Prerequisite PAS 5200)
  A continuation of PAS 520 and PAS 520. Continued refinement of skills in history-taking and physical examination. Patient management through formulation of problem lists, differential diagnoses and management plans. Oral presentations of patient cases which focus on the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved.

  PAS 5360 Diagnostic and Therapeutic
  Procedures I
  Skills and understanding necessary to perform selected diagnostic (both laboratory and invasive) and therapeutic procedures. Clinical implications of findings.

  PAS 5370 Diagnostic and Therapeutic
  Procedures II (Prerequisite PAS 5360)
  Continuation of PAS 5360.

  PAS 5380 Diagnostic and Therapeutic
  Procedures III (Prerequisite PAS 5370)
  Continuation of PAS 5360 and 5370.
  
  
  *During the 12-month clinical year, the student will register for PAS 5400 - PAS 5408 Clinical Rotations I - IX.  These rotations include the following disciplines:

  • Internal Medicine
  • General Surgery
  • Pediatrics
  • Prenatal Care/Gynecology
  • Psychiatry/Chemical Dependency
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Family Practice
  • Elective rotation of student's choice

  PAS 5870 PA Seminar I
  An opportunity to further define, expand and acquire skills necessary for the practice of medicine as a primary care physician assistant. Students completing this capstone course will define their multi-dimensional role in health care and take part in professional role development.

  PAS 5880 PA Seminar II
  Continuation of PAS 5870.

  PAS 5890 PA Seminar III
  Continuation of PAS 5870 and 5880.

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  Policies and Standards

  ADMISSIONS POLICIES

  The Physician Assistant Program recognizes two categories of admission.

  REGULAR ADMISSION: is selectively afforded to applicants who satisfy all admission requirements of the University and the Physician Assistant Program.

  CONTINGENT ADMISSION: is afforded to applicants who appear qualified for regular admission but have not completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. institution by the application deadline. When the baccalaureate degree has been completed, a decision about regular admission will be made by the Program faculty. Students admitted on a contingent basis, must resolve the incomplete requirement prior to registering for classes and beginning training in the Program.

  The Physician Assistant Program does not offer provisional, conditional or unclassified admission as defined by the University. The Program Admissions Committee consists of the Physician Assistant Program faculty, the Program Medical Director, community PA's, students currently enrolled in the Program and members of the adjunct faculty. The Program strives to include representatives from minority and disadvantaged groups on the Committee.

  Detroit Mercy undergraduates, applicants from underserved communities and underrepresented minorities in the profession may be given additional consideration in the application process.

  The Physician Assistant Program will consider applicants who have completed advanced medical training but who are not already licensed to practice as a medical or osteopathic physician in the U.S.. Such applicants must demonstrate, by documentation or examination, successful completion of prerequisite course work equivalents. Such applicants must meet all other admission requirements. Any applicant may also be asked to demonstrate language competency. The PA Program does not award advanced placement.

  EMPLOYMENT POLICY

  The University of Detroit Mercy PA Program does not permit its students to work (paid or voluntary) for the PA Program.

  The Program strongly discourages full time students from being employed while enrolled and does not make exceptions or alterations to required course work, scheduling, or rotation assignments for individual students due to employment. Employment status while in the program will not be used to excuse absence from scheduled learning activities, justify poor performance, or be considered as a mitigating factor when assessing students’ academic and professional progress.

  During supervised clinical experiences, students may not substitute for clinical or administrative staff and must ensure all services provided to patients are directly supervised. Students may not accept compensation for any services provided during supervised clinical experiences unless specifically approved by the Program.

  Students may not substitute for instructional faculty even if they have an area of expertise or are a licensed health care worker in a different discipline.

  TECHNICAL STANDARDS

  A candidate for the Physician Assistant Program must have the abilities and skills in five categories: Observation, communication, motor, intellectual, and behavioral/social.

  Reasonable accommodation for persons with documented disabilities will be considered on an individual basis, but a candidate must be able to perform in an independent manner. The following skills are required with or without accommodation.

  OBSERVATION: Candidates must have sufficient sensory capacity to observe in the lecture hall, the laboratory, the outpatient setting, and the patient's bedside. Sensory skills adequate to perform physical examination are required. Functional vision, hearing and tactile sensation must be adequate to observe a patient's condition and to elicit information through procedures regularly required in a physical examination, such as inspection, auscultation and palpation.

  COMMUNICATION: Candidates must be able to communicate effectively in both academic and health care settings.  Candidates must show evidence of effective oral, written and electronic communication skills.

  MOTOR: The ability to participate in basic diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers and procedures (e.g. palpation, auscultation) is required. Candidates must have sufficient motor function to execute movements reasonably required to provide care to patients. Candidates must be able to negotiate patient care environments and must be able to move between settings, such as clinic, classroom building, and hospital.

  Physical stamina sufficient to complete the rigorous course of didactic and clinical study is required. Long periods of sitting, standing, or moving are required in classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences.

  INTELLECTUAL: Candidates must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize. Problem solving, one of the critical skills demanded of physician assistants, requires all of these intellectual abilities. In addition, candidates should be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of structures. Candidates must be able to read and understand medical literature. In order to complete the Physician Assistant degree, candidates must be able to demonstrate mastery of these skills and the ability to use them together in a timely and often critical fashion in medical problem-solving and patient care.

  BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL ATTRIBUTES: Candidates must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, and the prompt completion of all academic and patient care responsibilities. The development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients and other members of the health care team is essential. Candidates must possess the ability to effectively function in the face of uncertainties inherent in clinical practice with flexibility, compassion, integrity, motivation, interpersonal skills, and concern for all required.

  Candidates must be willing and able to follow program and practice guidelines. They must practice ethically and within legal and regulatory authority.

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  Accreditation

  The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the University of Detroit Physician Assistant Program sponsored by the University of Detroit Mercy. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.

  Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be June 2029. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy.

  The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at
  http://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-university-of-Detroit-mercy/

  Our web address is https://healthprofessions.udmercy.edu/academics/pa/grad
  

  ARC-PA Student Attrition University of Detroit Mercy PA Program
  
  Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA)

  12000 Findley Road, Suite 150
  Johns Creek, GA 30097
  770-476-1224
  http://www.arc-pa.org
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  Goals, Objectives and Outcomes

  The University of Detroit Mercy Physician Assistant Program developed its program goals as a reflection of the Competencies for the Physician Assistant Program in conjunction with the mission and vision statement of our College and University, as well as respect for the historical dedication to service of our founders. A complete list of program goals, objectives and outcomes can be found online:

  • Physician Assistant Objectives
  • Physician Assistant Goals and Outcomes