Physician Assistant Program

The Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University has continued its history of excellence in medical education to deliver a Physician Assistant (PA) training program that leads to a Master of Medical Science degree (MMS). 

Predictions of physician workforce shortages have led to innovation in medical practice design and the call for expert physician assistants. This need is most pressing in our historically underserved urban community. When coupled with the School of Medicine’s call for patient-centered, interprofessional education and care, we see an intuitive link between the education of the trainees who will practice in these teams and the eventual practice setting.

What sets apart the School of Medicine’s physician assistant program? 

The PA training program at Katz is a unique, highly desirable option for PA candidates. The program has a reputation for excellence in medical science, clinical education and unparalleled commitment to the urban, underserved community. This master’s in medical science program serves to  

• train outstanding PAs who will enhance patient care in our North Philadelphia community and beyond;  

• facilitate innovative curriculum with the use of interprofessional exercises; and  

• utilize existing Katz School of Medicine faculty, clinical training and physical plant resources.  

The details provided on our website frame the rationale and mission for this program, as well as provide an overview of the innovation in the curricular design that brings physician assistant students and medical students together to learn side-by-side, just as they will practice. 

Graduates of Katz’s physician assistant program are recognized as leaders, educators and innovators in the delivery of high-quality healthcare that is accessible, affordable, compassionate and respectful of cultural diversity.

Timeline 

The master of medical science degree is designed to be completed in approximately 26 months. It is divided into two major phases: the didactic curriculum (14 months) and the clinical curriculum (12 months).

Mission 

The mission of the Physician Assistant program in the Lewis Katz School of Medicine is to provide high-quality didactic and clinical education and training to our students while fostering a collaborative, supportive and empowering learning environment. We are committed to developing compassionate, respectful and culturally humble physician assistants who will deliver high-quality, patient-centered, evidence-based, accessible healthcare within their communities. 

Core Values

• Diversity
• Inclusion
• Integrity
• Humanism
• Professionalism 

Program Format & Curriculum  

The Physician Assistant program Master of Medical Science can be completed in about 26 months in two major phases. See information about these phases and learn about the program’s curriculum. 

Graduation Requirements 

All students must successfully complete the following to meet the graduation requirements for the degree of master of medical science.

• Successful completion of all courses (117 credits) with a 3.0 GPA or higher
• Successful completion of all supervised clinical experience
• Pass a comprehensive written examination
• Pass the Objective Standardized Clinical Examination (OSCE)
• Demonstrate professional conduct throughout the program 

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Physician Assistant MMS offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more.

• Tuition non-resident: $832.00 per credit hour
• Tuition resident: $793.00 per credit hour

Learn more about the tuition rates for the 2024-2025 academic year. Review additional estimated costs of the program.

Department Contact

Physician Assistant Program Office of Admissions 
Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University 
3500 N. Broad St., MERB 124 
Philadelphia, PA 19140
Email: pa-admissions@temple.edu
Phone: 215-707-3656 
Fax: 215-707-6932