Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies

Program Mission, Goals, and Competencies

MSPAS Program Mission

The Oklahoma Baptist University Physician Associate Program utilizes an innovative hybrid curriculum to prepare graduates who provide exceptional, patient-centered care with integrity and compassion, equipping them to serve in their home communities, underserved areas, and around the world.

Program Goals

• Excellence
  OBU will provide exceptional training in the knowledge, skills, and clinical judgement necessary for entry-level practice as a physician associate.
• Innovation and Adaptability
  OBU will develop students who demonstrate collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to personal and professional growth.
• Purposeful Service
  OBU will cultivate a supportive learning environment for all students, equipping them to serve in their home communities, underserved areas, and around the world.
• Faith Integration
  OBU will integrate Biblical foundations of servant leadership and medical ethics including humility, integrity, compassion, and care for the vulnerable.

Program Competencies

By the end of the Oklahoma Baptist University PA program, each student will:

• Medical Knowledge
  • K1. Demonstrate acquisition of essential medical knowledge necessary to provide individualized care for patients across the lifespan in a variety of clinical settings
  • K2. Integrate biomedical science knowledge with patient care scenarios to optimize patient outcomes
• Clinical and Technical Skills
  • CT1. Gather patient information appropriately through an organized and accurate history
  • CT2. Perform organized and complete physical examinations of patients using proper technique
  • CT3. Perform clinical procedures within the scope of PA practice both safely and effectively
  • CT4. Deliver accurate and complete documentation and verbal presentation of patient interactions in a variety of clinical settings
• Clinical Reasoning   
  • CR1. Analyze clinical findings to develop and assess differential diagnoses for patients across the lifespan
  • CR2. Accurately order, interpret, and apply diagnostic tests to patient care scenarios
  • CR3. Develop individualized, evidence-based preventative care and treatment plans for patients across the lifespan
  • CR4. Critically analyze and apply medical literature and guidelines to patient care scenarios to demonstrate evidence-based decision making 
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills
  • IP1. Provide accurate patient communication, education, and counseling with compassion and effectiveness to facilitate shared decision-making
  • IP2. Communicate and collaborate with other medical professionals to facilitate and improve patient care
• Professional Behaviors and Patient-Centered Care
  • PB1. Demonstrate understanding of the PA profession, including ethical, legal, and regulatory guidelines for practice and quality improvement within the larger healthcare system
  • PB2. Engage in self-assessment to recognize their own worldview, limitations, and biases, and apply this insight to drive professional growth, personal wellness, and a proactive approach to access support when needed
  • PB3. Deliver culturally humble, patient-centered care across the lifespan, accounting for individual needs related to patient values, population health, social determinants of health, patient advocacy, and resource identification

PA Curriculum

TOTAL HOURS: 104

*Indicates courses with an on-campus immersion component. The graded components of all other courses will be complete online and, for second year students, in clinical rotations.

On-Campus Immersions

Students will complete four on-campus immersions in the first year of the program, two in the first term, and one in each of the following terms. During these immersions, students will participate in clinical simulations, professionalism training, and learn hands-on skills such as sterile technique, suturing, splinting and casting. Students will also have the opportunity to meet with their faculty mentor to ensure that each student is receiving the support that they need. Clinical students will return to campus toward the end of their final term for graduation preparation and summative exams.

Clinical Year

All students will complete eight required clinical rotations in each of the following disciplines: family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, surgery, behavioral health, women’s health, and pediatrics. Students will also have one non-core rotation, which can be completed in any clinical specialty based upon site availability and student academic needs. Most clinical rotations will be 5 weeks, but there may be variation depending on site availability, access to required patient populations, and individual student needs. Students will meet with their faculty advisor throughout the clinical year and will continue to have access to all support resources available through the program. No matter where you are learning from, we make sure that you are fully supported in mind, body, soul and career.

Clinical rotations may take place in various locations across the country, depending on state and site availability. Physician Associate students are not required to provide or solicit clinical sites or preceptors. All clinical sites must have a signed affiliation agreement with the OBU PA program, confirming that the site meets all program and accreditation requirements.

Admissions Procedures

Review Admissions Requirements

Applicants should review admission requirements carefully as applicants who do not meet any of the requirements will not be considered for admission.

Applicants will be reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis, so prospective applicants are encouraged to submit their materials early in the cycle.

Initial Application

• Applications are submitted through the Centralized Application System for Physician Assistants (CASPA).
  • Applicants must submit the full CASPA application as well as the supplemental application page for OBU within CASPA. The CASPA application includes academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and documentation of healthcare experience.
  • The first CASPA application will open in April 2026.
• Applicants must also pay the OBU application fee on the university’s website before their application will be reviewed.
  • The OBU PA program will waive this fee for applicants who have already been approved for a fee waiver through CASPA. Please contact admissions staff to learn about the process.
• An MSPAS admissions advisor will screen all applications to determine the applicant’s eligibility and calculate a composite score based on submitted items including:
  • Confirmation that applicant meets all posted admission requirements (as listed in the Admission Requirements tab below)
  • Overall and Overall Science GPAs (as calculated by CASPA)
  • Essay responses
  • Letters of recommendation
• Preferred Application Process: Any candidate meeting all application requirements with a bachelor's degree or master's degree from Oklahoma Baptist University will be granted an interview.
• The OBU PA program does not consider any standardized exam scores in the admission process, including GRE, Casper, PA-CAT, etc. 

Interviews and Application Review

• Video interviews will be granted to top ranking applicants on a rolling basis.
• Faculty reviewers will be assigned to evaluate each applicant’s references and interview using a standardized rubric and will then provide a recommendation to the Admissions Committee. Applicants will be rated based upon the following attributes:
  • Academic record (Overall GPA and Overall Science GPA as calculated by CASPA)
  • Verbal and written communication skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Compassion and service to others
  • Fit with program mission and goals
  • Professional and leadership experiences
  • Fit and motivation for hybrid learning
  • Preparation to provide culturally responsive care for all patients

Final Decisions and Acceptance Process

• The Admissions Committee will accept or decline each applicant based on a holistic evaluation of the application, supporting documents, and interview.
• Decisions are made on a rolling basis and applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible in the application cycle.
• Applicants will be notified by email of their admissions decision.
• Applicants must complete Seat Acceptance Requirements (listed under Admission Requirements) before they will be allowed to enroll in the program
• Accepted students are invited to participate in a virtual Welcome Meeting the month before classes start, which will include information on required program equipment and a chance to meet your classmates. This meeting will be recorded for anyone who is unable to attend.

Admission Requirements

Prerequisite Courses

*Indicates courses which must have been taken within the past ten years. 

• All prerequisite courses must be completed at a regionally accredited institution with a grade of B- or higher. We do not accept pass/fail grades for prerequisite courses.
• Six of the nine prerequisite courses must be completed at the time of application
• Score of 4 or 5 on a high school advanced placement exam will be considered for statistics prerequisite only
• If Human Anatomy and Human Physiology are taken in combination through a two-course sequence, both courses must be taken at the same institution

Additional Requirements

• Prior Education Requirements
  • Earned B.A. or B.S. degree from a regionally accredited or internationally recognized institution
  • Minimal GPA requirement of 3.25 overall and 3.25 overall science on a 4.0 scale as calculated by CASPA
• 1000 hours of direct patient care which must include direct interaction with patients in a medical setting
  • Examples of accepted tasks/roles: EMT, medical assistant, scribe, nurse, CNA, phlebotomist, dental hygienist, athletic trainer, surgical assistant, performing medical procedures, administering medication, taking vitals or other record-keeping information
  • We cannot accept hours for administrative roles (ie front desk work). If an applicant has worked in a role with multiple responsibilities, they will be asked to estimate the hours worked in direct patient care.
• $100 application fee
• Applicants born outside of the United States (U.S.) 
  • This program is not currently open to international applicants 
  • Citizens of the U.S. who were born outside of the U.S.: 
    • Must take all required prerequisite courses at a regionally accredited U.S. higher education institution 
    • Must submit an evaluation of foreign transcripts from NACES or CGFNS International directly to the program 
      • OBU follows CASPA'S practices in reference to English-Canadian transcripts. English transcripts provided by Canadian schools are not considered foreign and do not need to be processed as international coursework. Please contact our enrollment counselor with questions about Canadian transcripts.
    • If English is not the applicant's first language, the applicant must submit documentation of meeting one of the following exam score criteria: 
      • TOEFL exam score: minimum 600 paper-based, 100 internet-based, or 250 computer-based score 
      • IELTS exam score: minimum 7
• Seat acceptance requirements: Following acceptance, applicants will be required to submit the following before they can matriculate into the program:
  • $1,000 non-refundable seat deposit
  • Medical clearance with confirmation of meeting program’s Technical Standards and immunization requirements
  • State and federal background checks
    • Criminal background checks and drug testing are a requirement of individual clinical sites, states, and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). The OBU MSPAS Program cannot guarantee placement of the student at clinical sites if criminal background check and drug screen results are not congruent with the clinical site requirements. In this case, students may not be eligible to complete program requirements and graduate from the program. Findings may also impact a graduate’s ability to obtain professional state licensure.
  • Proof of health insurance
  • Agreement to program policies and procedures

Technical Standards

The Oklahoma Baptist University PA Program requires candidates to possess certain physical and cognitive abilities, along with mental and emotional stability, to ensure patient safety and appropriate clinical practice.

Observation

Candidates must be able to observe materials presented throughout the program, including lectures, lab, online demonstrations, and simulation experiences. Candidates must also be able to observe patients accurately at far and near distances and distinguish normal and abnormal patient presentations through visual, auditory, and tactile observations.

Communication

Candidates must communicate effectively, efficiently, and sensitively with patients and colleagues, in English, through oral and written methods. They must be able to comprehend verbal exchanges, non-verbal signals, and written communication, from patients and other members of the healthcare team.

Motor Skills

Candidates should have sufficient motor function to conduct diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers including palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other procedural skills. They must execute movements required for general care and emergency treatment including CPR, airway management, vascular access, medication administration, and more, as outlined by the program defined competencies. They must demonstrate satisfactory alternative means or abilities to acquire information and perform physical examinations if compromised.

Intellectual, Analytical, and Quantitative Abilities

Candidates must have cognitive abilities to analyze and synthesize available information, solve problems, and reach reasonable diagnostic and therapeutic determinations while under pressure. Candidates must use reason, analysis, measurements, calculations, problem-solving, critical thinking, synthesis, and self-evaluation to acquire knowledge through multiple learning modalities and comprehend complex concepts. They must also display sound judgment and respond appropriately to stressful situations, including patient emergencies.

Behavioral and Social Attributes

Candidates must exercise good judgment, complete responsibilities promptly, manage emotional health, and develop mature, sensitive, and effective professional relationships with patients and colleagues. They must demonstrate the ability to tolerate physically, mentally and emotionally taxing workloads and adapt to changing environments. Students must accept constructive criticism and respond with appropriate behavior modification.

Ethical Standards

Candidates must demonstrate professional demeanor and ethical behavior in all dealings with peers, faculty, staff, and patients. Students must uphold professional ethics and responsibilities to all patients and colleagues regardless of differences in race, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, age, disability, or sexual preference.

Oklahoma Baptist University adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The health and safety of all students and patients is prioritized as an essential part of the educational program. The program will provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities while ensuring that all graduates have the skills and knowledge necessary for safe and effective clinical practice. For information regarding accessibility and accommodations, please visit the OBU Disability Services website.

Applicants admitted to the Oklahoma Baptist University PA Program must sign a statement verifying their understanding of and ability to meet the technical standards, in additional attestation of their medical provider following a physical exam. Admitted applicants will also undergo criminal background checks at their own expense.

Program Policies

Student Employment Policy

The physician associate curriculum is very demanding and is designed for full-time students. Various lectures and labs will be scheduled outside of normal business hours, and students will be expected to flexibly adjust their schedules to be available during these times. We encourage students to avoid any routine work schedules so they can commit themselves to this demanding, full-time course of study. Students are not required to work for the program.

Advanced Placement Policy

The program does not grant advanced placement to any applicants. All students in the program must complete all curricular requirements through Oklahoma Baptist University. Courses that are required as prerequisites to the PA program cannot be substituted for any content within the program.

Outcome Data

NCCPA Certification

Following successful completion of all curricular requirements, graduates will be eligible to take the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). Information regarding the PANCE and eligibility can be found at nccpa.net. The program’s most current annual NCCPA PANCE Exam Performance Summary Report will be posted here following the graduation of our first class.

Success at Meeting Program Goals

Benchmarks and success at meeting program goals will be posted here.

Attrition Data

Student enrollment and attrition data will be posted here after matriculation of the first cohort.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

• What type of PA degree is offered at Oklahoma Baptist University?
  OBU offers a full-time, entry-level Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies (MSPAS) degree. The hybrid curriculum is completed in 24 months.
• What does “hybrid” mean in this PA program?
  The OBU PA program model allows for increased flexibility of student learning while maintaining the rigor and engagement of a traditional program. The didactic year is a combination of online synchronous and asynchronous coursework with in-person immersive hands-on learning. Clinical rotations are conducted entirely in person.
• How does a hybrid PA program compare to traditional in-person programs?
  Hybrid programs offer flexibility without compromising educational quality or clinical readiness. Graduates are eligible to sit for the PANCE and are fully prepared for professional practice.

• What support resources are available for students in this hybrid model?
  Our hybrid Physician Associate program blends flexibility with high-touch engagement, so you never feel like you’re learning alone. Students will have access to a faculty mentor, peer mentoring groups, online wellness resources, tutoring and academic support, and accessible online resources with technical assistance. Our goal is to help you not only thrive academically, but stay grounded, connected, and inspired along the way.
  

• Do I need to relocate or travel for any part of the program?
  While relocation isn’t required, students will need to travel for on-campus immersions and in-person clinical rotations. Housing and transportation arrangements are the student’s responsibility.

• What technology or equipment will I need for the online components?
  Students need a reliable computer, high-speed internet, a webcam, and either speakers or a headset. Additional technology requirements will be shared before the program begins.
• How do I interact with faculty and classmates in a hybrid setting?
  Students connect with faculty and peers through regular live synchronous classes, discussion labs, and projects. In-person immersions also provide opportunities for collaborative, hands-on learning.

Admissions and Prospective Students

• Do I need to have completed all prerequisites before applying?
  Applicants must have six of the nine prerequisite courses completed at the time of application. You may apply while completing final prerequisite courses, but all requirements must be fulfilled before matriculation.
• Are standardized exams required for admission (GRE, Casper, etc)?
  No, we do not require any standardized exams as part of the admissions process. We focus on academic performance, healthcare experience, and personal attributes that align with PA practice.
• What kind of healthcare experience is required or recommended?
  We require applicants to have 1,000 hours of hands-on, direct patient care experience such as EMT, CNA, scribe, or medical assistant roles.
• Are international students considered for admission to the program?
• The OBU PA program is not currently authorized to accept international students. 

Didactic Year and Curriculum

• How is the curriculum delivered, and how much of it is online vs. in-person?
  Lectures and exams are delivered online each week, either synchronously or asynchronously. Scheduled on-campus immersions throughout the didactic year include labs, assessments, and simulations. Clinical rotations are conducted entirely in person.
• Will I receive the same quality of education as an in-person program?
  Yes—our hybrid curriculum will meet the same accreditation standards and is taught by highly experienced PA faculty. Students are held to the same academic and clinical expectations as in traditional programs.
• How do exams, simulations, or labs work in a hybrid format?
  Exams are administered online with secure proctoring software. Labs and simulations are primarily held in person during required OBU campus immersions.

Clinical Year and Precepting

• Are clinical rotations conducted in person? Where will they be located?
  Yes, all clinical rotations are in person and arranged in collaboration with our network of clinical partners. Clinical rotations may take place in various locations across the country, depending on state and site availability. The program will work with each student to attempt to identify sites within the student’s home region but cannot guarantee that sites will be available. Students must be prepared to travel and are expected to find their own housing and transportation. Students are not required to secure their own rotations.
• How do I become a preceptor for your hybrid PA program?
  Preceptors can express interest by contacting our clinical team or submitting a form on our website. We provide training, evaluation tools, and ongoing support throughout the student placement.
• Will hybrid students be prepared for clinical rotations like traditional students?
  Yes—hybrid students complete extensive pre-clinical training to ensure they are clinically competent. They meet the same benchmarks as students from traditional programs.
• What types of support and resources will preceptors receive?
  Preceptors receive orientation materials, clinical objectives, and a direct line of communication with our faculty. CME credits and recognition are also available.