Master of Physician Assistant Studies
Nadine and Tom Craddick Physician Assistant Studies Program
Welcome
Welcome to the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Nadine and Tom Craddick Physician Assistant Studies Program! Our 27-month professional curriculum consists of 125 semester-equivalent credit hours of academic and clinical education. The first 15 months are dedicated to didactic coursework at the Midland campus, followed by the 12-month clinical phase.The program is competency-based, and graduation requires demonstrating proficiency in:- Medical Knowledge
- Clinical and Technical Skills
- Interpersonal and Communication Skills
- Professionalism
- Community Consciousness and Societal Health
- Clinical Reasoning and Problem Solving
Upon successful completion, you will earn a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree and be eligible to sit for the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) PANCE exam.This handbook will guide you throughout your 27-month journey in the PA program. You are responsible for reading and understanding this document, as your performance evaluations will reflect your adherence to these policies. Periodic updates may be made, and efforts will be made to keep you informed. Additionally, the School of Health Professions and the University regularly update their policies, which are available online.Your education will be rigorous, requiring didactic and clinical coursework beyond typical undergraduate expectations. Upon entering the program, you will transition to being a professional graduate student responsible for developing professional attitudes and clinical judgment. The faculty and staff are dedicated to supporting your academic success, professional development, and clinical training as you work toward becoming a Physician Assistant. Acknowledgment of Receipt
The Student Handbook is an important document intended to assist MPAS students in familiarizing themselves with all institutional, school, and program policies. The provisions of this Handbook do not constitute a contract, express or implied, between any student or faculty member and the system, institution, school, department, or program.The University is responsible for maintaining order within the University community and disciplining those who violate its standards, rules, and/or policies. Enrollment requires students to share this responsibility. Students agree to abide by the standards, regulations, and/or policies outlined in this Student Handbook, the TTUHSC Student Handbook Code of Professional Conduct, all TTUHSC Operating Policies and Procedures, and the individual Schools’ catalogs and any other official University publications. All University, School, and PA program Policies apply to all students, principal faculty, and the program director regardless of location.The contents of this handbook may be changed at any time at the discretion of the Department and Program. The Department and Program maintain their rights and prerogative to make and change policies as necessary and without prior notice. The most current edition of this publication will be available on the School of Health Professions website. The Handbook supersedes all previous editions. Students are responsible for periodically accessing any revisions to the publications online.All students in the Physician Assistant Program are required to sign a statement acknowledging their responsibility to read and familiarize themselves with the Student Handbook.
