The Graduate Program in Physician Assistant Studies is a full-time weekday program that takes two years, three months to complete. The program is divided into three trimesters of didactic instruction, three trimesters of clinical rotations and a final trimester for the master's capstone project. The didactic phase of the program will be taught during the day, Monday through Friday. It is possible that some evening and weekend sessions will be held during these first three semesters. For the clinical or second year, students will be required to take call as required by the clerkship objectives and the hosting institution.
Students move through the curriculum as a cohort.
There is no opportunity for part-time study, nor for advanced credit if course work has been completed previously. Each trimester contains a maximum course load. Working full time and even part time will not be possible for the overwhelming majority of the students. A comprehensive financial aid program is available through the Mercy financial aid office.