Natacha Posted January 28, 2012 Share Posted January 28, 2012 Can anyone tell me how these masters degrees differ as a PA? I noticed that Duke offers a Masters in Health Science and a Physician Assistant Certificate while the other schools I have applied to offer a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies. Does this make any difference as a practicing PA? Is there a real difference? Do hospitals/employers look for one in particular? Thanks! :smile: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Natacha Posted January 28, 2012 Author Share Posted January 28, 2012 Can anyone tell me how these masters degrees differ as a PA? I noticed that Duke offers a Masters in Health Science and a Physician Assistant Certificate while the other schools I have applied to offer a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies. Does this make any difference as a practicing PA? Is there a real difference? Do hospitals/employers look for one in particular? Thanks! :smile: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LJC7 Posted January 29, 2012 Share Posted January 29, 2012 No, the degrees to not differ. In the end, the finish line is passing the PANCE and that is what qualifies you as a PA-C. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LJC7 Posted January 29, 2012 Share Posted January 29, 2012 No, the degrees to not differ. In the end, the finish line is passing the PANCE and that is what qualifies you as a PA-C. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Febrifuge Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 The degrees granted, despite differing names, all have to conform to PAEA and NCCPA guidelines; ours is a competency-based education. You'll find that programs might differ slightly on the details, but all will, for instance, have very clear rules governing the process of remediation when/if a student fails a test, fails a major unit of a course, etc. Having gone to a school that also trained 4-yr MD students, I got to see how much more structured the PA program was; no making up a class later, no studying in the library and skipping lecture, more frequent exams. I'll admit to being happy I have an MS in "Physician Assistant Practice" rather than "--studies," because to me, that sounds a lot better... but it doesn't really matter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Febrifuge Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 The degrees granted, despite differing names, all have to conform to PAEA and NCCPA guidelines; ours is a competency-based education. You'll find that programs might differ slightly on the details, but all will, for instance, have very clear rules governing the process of remediation when/if a student fails a test, fails a major unit of a course, etc. Having gone to a school that also trained 4-yr MD students, I got to see how much more structured the PA program was; no making up a class later, no studying in the library and skipping lecture, more frequent exams. I'll admit to being happy I have an MS in "Physician Assistant Practice" rather than "--studies," because to me, that sounds a lot better... but it doesn't really matter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator LT_Oneal_PAC Posted January 31, 2012 Moderator Share Posted January 31, 2012 Always fancied Master of Medical Science myself. All the same though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator LT_Oneal_PAC Posted January 31, 2012 Moderator Share Posted January 31, 2012 Always fancied Master of Medical Science myself. All the same though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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