About the program
The MCPHS University (Manchester/Worcester) PA program is described in PAEA's published program data; full curriculum details, faculty, and admissions cycle specifics are maintained on the program's own website.
From the program's mission statement: "The program educates and inspires the future generation of Physician Assistants to become compassionate clinicians who demonstrate professionalism; practice collaborative, evidence-based medicine and advocate for patients and their communities."
You will study healthcare issues, special populations, and medical and behavioral science in the classroom and the laboratory. Through collaborative exercises and clinical rotations, you will develop the knowledge and skills to deliver high-quality patient care in a variety of settings. You also will have the opportunity to explore multiple areas of special interest.
Matriculant data
Actual stats for students who enrolled in the most recently reported cohort, sourced from PAEA's published program data.
Admission policies
Out-of-state applicants are accepted. International applicants: yes. DACA status applicants are considered. Distance learning is available. Part-time enrollment is not available. On-campus housing is available. Veteran support programs are available; consult the program directly for details.
Prerequisite coursework
Recency: 10 Years · up to 2 outstanding at application
Program overview
MCPHS University offers a 24-month Master of Physician Assistant Studies program operating across its Manchester and Worcester campuses in Massachusetts, with the next cohort beginning January 2028. The program holds ARC-PA Continued accreditation and accepts both out-of-state and international applicants, making it accessible to a broad pool of candidates. The estimated incoming class size of 70 students suggests a moderately competitive environment with reasonable access to faculty and clinical resources.
The curriculum blends traditional didactic instruction with case-based and organ/systems-based learning, emphasizing collaborative and team-based approaches throughout. Students work through healthcare issues, special populations, and medical and behavioral science in classroom and laboratory settings before moving into clinical rotations across a variety of practice environments. The program also incorporates opportunities to explore areas of special interest, which may appeal to applicants who want some flexibility to develop a clinical focus. The mission centers on producing compassionate, evidence-based clinicians who practice collaboratively and advocate for their patients and communities - language that signals an expectation of professionalism and patient advocacy as core competencies, not afterthoughts.
On the academic side, the minimum overall GPA is 3.00, with a minimum science and prerequisite GPA of 3.20. Matriculants typically arrive with a 3.6 overall and 3.5 science GPA, so meeting minimums alone does not make an applicant particularly competitive. Prerequisite coursework must have been completed within the past ten years, and no more than two prerequisites may be outstanding at the time of application. Required science coursework includes general chemistry with lab, eight credits of human anatomy with lab, microbiology with lab, and statistics. Applicants should note the anatomy requirement is notably substantial at eight credits.
The patient care requirement is set at a relatively accessible floor of 250 hours, but paid direct patient care experience is required - not merely recommended. Healthcare experience beyond that threshold is recommended but not required. Three letters of reference are needed, and the application deadline is January 15, 2027, with all materials reviewed after that date has passed under a regular admissions cycle.
Total tuition runs $122,600 with a seat deposit of $750. The program does not offer part-time enrollment, but it does include a distance learning component. Interviews are conducted in a traditional format and require an onsite appearance.
An applicant should weigh this program seriously if they hold a competitive GPA well above the minimums, have completed paid patient care hours, and are drawn to a collaborative, systems-based learning model - but should confirm the eight-credit anatomy requirement and onsite interview logistics align with their current academic record and availability before applying.