M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies

Master's

Part of the
Health Sciences Department in the
College of Professional Studies

The Commonwealth PArtnership

Westfield State University has launched the first public Physician Assistant program in New England. Our inaugural class was matriculated in January 2018! The M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies is an intensive, 24-month program designed to educate highly skilled and culturally aware healthcare providers who practice patient-centered care and are committed to serving communities in Massachusetts and beyond.

The physician assistant field is one of the fastest-growing fields in the United States and the US Department of Labor Statistics reports that the employment of physician assistants is expected to grow 26% through the year 2032, ranking among the fastest-growing of occupations. US News & World Report ranks Physician Assistants #2 in Best Health Care Jobs, #4 in Best STEM Jobs, and #5 in 100 Best Jobs.

1st public Physician Assistant
program in New England
24-month program

Cohort Statistics

Class of:	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025	2026	2027
Class Size	24	30	30	30	30	30	30	30	30
Average Age	27	26	26	25	25	24	23	25	25
Average Overall GPA	3.54	3.57	3.60	3.57	3.59	3.65	3.72	3.66	3.71
Average Prerequisite GPA	3.68	3.70	3.73	3.76	3.69	3.73	3.81	3.77	3.76
Average Patient Care Hours	3,175	4,012	3,469	3,106	4,377	2,682	2,905	5,218	3,700
Westfield State Graduates	5	4	7	4	9	7	3	6	2
MA State School Graduates	10	18	23	21	20	20	17	16	12
Commonwealth Collaborators	4	7	11	8	12	9	10	14	8
Veterans & Military	3	0	2	3	3	3	2	2	0
Diversity	50%	23%	27%	63%	47%	60%	53%	33%	47%

At Westfield State, our PA Program goes beyond education — we’re shaping the next generation of compassionate, highly skilled PAs who are committed to serving their local communities. As the only public PA program in New England, we’re uniquely positioned to expand access to care, reduce healthcare disparities, and make a lasting impact in regions across Massachusetts and beyond.