Welcome to the MMSPA Program

CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW TO APPLY

The Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant (MMSPA) Program is a seven-semester program based in the University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine. Students enrolled in our program benefit from the extensive medical education resources offered by the School of Medicine, such as the Clinical Training Facility, Health Sciences library, and Medical Education Media Center. Our Kansas City location is in the heart of the city offering access to community health centers, academic medical affiliates, and surrounding rural locations, which allow the program to offer a wide variety of settings that serve diverse patient populations. 

Highly Skilled And In Demand

• Physician Assistants (PAs) are nationally certified, state-licensed medical professionals who practice medicine with the supervision of a physician.
• The profession began nearly 50 years ago in response to the primary care physician shortage.
• PAs may perform physical examinations, diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medication, order and interpret lab tests, perform procedures, assist in surgery, provide patient education and counseling and make rounds in hospitals and nursing homes.

Innovative Education

• A cohort of 20 students starts the 7-semester program each January.
• A combination of classroom and clinical training modeled on a medical school curriculum prepares the PA to work in a variety of specialties and settings.
• The UMKC program is one of four PA education programs in Missouri and the only program housed within a school of medicine.

The Future Looks Bright

• The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that PAs will be the second-fastest-growing profession in the next decade.
• There is a continued need for more PAs to help ensure access to care due to physician shortages, the prospects of an aging population and ongoing health care reform.
• Due to general medical training, PAs have flexibility in the types of medicine they can practice, can be responsive to changing health care needs, and are uniquely placed to provide preventive care services in all settings, from primary care to surgery. Graduates may transition into different specialties, as needed or desired, with limited additional training.

For more information about applying, please visit the Admission Requirements and Applying for Admission pages. Please do not hesitate to contact the UMKC School of Medicine Office of Admissions if you have any questions or concerns!