About the program
The MGH Institute of Health Professions 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 Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program (MPAS) at MGH Institute of Health Professions prepares PA graduates to provide highly competent medical care as members and leaders of interprofessional teams by cultivating and upholding compassion, equity, and justice."
Team Based Learning (TBL), on campus simulation lab, cadaver lab at Harvard Med school, IMPACT center
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 not offered. Part-time enrollment is not available. Veteran support programs are available; consult the program directly for details.
Prerequisite coursework
Recency: No Requirement
Program overview
The MGH Institute of Health Professions in Massachusetts offers a 25-month Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree, with the next cohort beginning in September 2027. The program holds ARC-PA continued accreditation, accepts both out-of-state and international applicants, and admits approximately 50 students per class. There is no part-time or distance learning option.
The program's mission centers on preparing graduates to deliver competent medical care as members and leaders of interprofessional teams, with an explicit commitment to compassion, equity, and justice. That framing is reflected in the curriculum itself, which is organized around organ- and systems-based learning delivered through a team-based learning (TBL) model. Applicants who thrive in collaborative, discussion-driven environments rather than lecture-heavy classrooms will find the structure a natural fit. Additional resources include an on-campus simulation lab, cadaver lab access at Harvard Medical School, and the IMPACT center, which supports clinical and professional skill development.
On the academic side, the program requires a minimum overall GPA of 3.00 and a minimum science GPA of 3.00, with a slightly lower floor of 2.70 for prerequisite coursework. Matriculants in recent cohorts have averaged a 3.55 overall GPA and a 3.46 science GPA, suggesting that competitive applicants should aim meaningfully above the minimums. There is no time limit on prerequisite courses. Required science prerequisites include eight credits of general chemistry with lab, four credits each of general biology with lab, human anatomy with lab, human physiology with lab, and microbiology with lab, plus three credits of statistics.
The patient-care bar is notable: the program requires a minimum of 1,000 direct patient care hours, and those hours must be paid. Healthcare experience is also independently required. This means volunteer or unpaid scribing alone will not satisfy the criteria, and applicants should plan their clinical résumé accordingly.
Total tuition runs $129,000 with no separate in-state or out-of-state rate distinction. A seat deposit of $500 is required upon acceptance. The application deadline is September 1, 2026, and all applications are reviewed together after that date rather than on a rolling basis, so submitting early does not confer a review advantage - though having a complete file by deadline remains essential. A minimum of three letters of reference are required, and interviews are conducted in a traditional face-to-face format on campus.
Applicants should weigh whether the paid patient-care requirement, team-based curriculum, and Boston-area cost of living align with their experience profile and financial plan before applying.