Type of degree awarded - Does it matter?

[JTATC]

Does the type of degree that a PA program awards matter? I have several acceptances and they all award a different degree; Master of Physician Assistant Studies, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Master of Health Services - Physician Assistant Studies, etc. I know that it doesn't matter as far as licencing and practice as a PA, but could it have any bearing on what type of doctoral programs or residencies are available to you in the future, or is it a non-factor?

[NicoleB92]

Does the type of degree that a PA program awards matter? I have several acceptances and they all award a different degree; Master of Physician Assistant Studies, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Master of Health Services - Physician Assistant Studies, etc. I know that it doesn't as far as licencing and practice as a PA, but could it have any bearing on what type of doctoral programs or residencies are available to you in the future, or is it a no-factor?

I am an incoming PA student and just asked my PA friend who said they are all the same [emoji1745]

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[ProSpectre]

The specific degree name doesn't matter at all as long as the program confers a master's degree and is accredited by ARC-PA. Any residencies/fellowships out there will only care that you graduated from an accredited program and could sit for (and pass) the PANCE.

 

I wish PAEA would just standardize the PA degree with a single name (like Emory & Mercer's MMSc, Master's of Medical Science), but that may not ever happen. 

[PAtoMD]

Currently they are all the same. But once the Doctorate of Medical Science degree becomes more popular that will be the best degree to have.