# Master of Science in Physician Assistant

**Institution:** ECPI University

**College:** Health Science

**Sub-Program:** Advanced Clinical

**Degree:** Master of Science in Physician Assistant

**Canonical URL:** https://www.ecpi.edu/programs/master-science-physician-assistant

**Last Updated:** 2026-10-01T16:54:26+00:00

## Physician Assistant Degree Overview

### Why Consider ECPI University’s PA Program?

Located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, ECPI University’s campus offers an engaging environment designed to support student learning. Surrounded by a vibrant medical community, the location provides access to a range of clinical and professional development opportunities.

Our PA program, Master of Science in Physician Assistant, is designed to integrate practical instruction, technological tools, and the principles of value-based care to help students build competencies for clinical practice. Instructional resources, such as simulation labs and 3D anatomy tables, are available to students during designated courses and are intended to support hands-on skill development.

The curriculum will include instructional models such as a flipped classroom and integrated systems-based teaching to promote self-directed learning. Interactive case-based discussions and faculty-guided problem-solving exercises are incorporated to reinforce knowledge and critical thinking.

Join us in Virginia Beach and explore how ECPI University’s PA program can help you work toward your professional goals in healthcare.

### About the PA Profession

Physician Assistants (PAs) are integral to the healthcare team, providing medical care in collaboration with physicians. As a PA, you will have the skills and knowledge to diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, and assist in surgeries. PAs work in diverse medical fields, including primary care, surgery, emergency medicine, and specialized areas.

- **121 Total Credits** — 24 Months
- **Shared Program Progression** — Cohort-Based Learning
- **Full-Time Program** — Immersive Format
- **Certification Prep** — PANCE Readiness

## Program Structure and Learning Formats

### Locations

- [Virginia Beach, VA](https://www.ecpi.edu/locations/virginia-beach-va)

## Master of Science in Physician Assistant Admissions

### Admission Requirements

When evaluating physician assistant candidates, we seek individuals who demonstrate a blend of academic excellence, quality life and/or clinical experiences, and a drive to give back to their community. Ideal candidates possess a strong foundation in the sciences, they have practical and genuine understandings of patient care and can demonstrate-through their application-an ability to connect, communicate, and work with others in a professional environment. If you have any questions about the ECPI University Physician Assistant program, our admissions protocol, or accreditation status, please contact <PAAdmissions@ecpi.edu>.

Please see the following sections of the Admissions Guidebook for more information:

- Academic credit offered by the program – Section 2.1
- Admissions requirements and practices favoring individuals/groups – Section 1.3
- Information on advanced placement – Section 2.4

[View Admission Requirements in full (PDF).](https://www.ecpi.edu/sites/default/files/2026-05/ECPI-University_PA-Admissions-Guidebook_2026-27.pdf)## Master of Science in Physician Assistant Tuition

Total Program Tuition and Fees: $115,000.

Upon enrollment, deposit of $1,000 is non-refundable and deducted from first semester tuition. The cost of all required textbooks, subscriptions, reference materials, and equipment for student use is included in the program tuition and fees. This includes access to our electronic library with all required textbooks, a subscription to PANCE practice test bank, use of the Exxat platform, and necessary equipment.

**Other estimated indirect expenses not paid to the University:**

In addition to tuition, students should budget for personal and program-related expenses throughout the PA program. Costs will vary based on individual circumstances. Students are responsible for any costs associated with attendance in the first and second year (clinical placements), including but not limited to travel, accommodations, food, gas, parking, and child/animal care.

The following estimates for additional costs are provided to help students with financial planning. Actual expenses will vary based on each student's circumstances and choices. The most significant potential cost is travel to and housing at clinical sites located beyond commuting distance. These expenses can vary greatly depending on the site location, individual student assignments, and personal housing preferences. [View Master of Science in Physician Assistant Tuition and Fees Document](https://www.ecpi.edu/sites/default/files/2026-08/Physician-Assistant-Program-Tuition-and-Fees.pdf).

## Program Outcomes

The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Program is a newly established program and has not yet graduated its first cohort. As a result, outcomes data such as PANCE pass rates, graduation rates, and attrition rates are not yet available.

In accordance with ARC-PA accreditation requirements, program outcomes data will be published once graduating cohorts are eligible for reporting.

### PANCE Pass Rate and Attrition Tables

| | Class of 2028 | Class of 2029 | Class of 2030 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Entering Class Sized | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Entering Class Size | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Attrition Rate | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Graduation Rate | n/a | n/a | n/a |

The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Program will post its first “NCCA PANCE Exam Performance Summary Report Last 5 Years Annually” beginning in the Fall of 2028 and will updated no later than April 1st, 2029. The ECPI Physician Assistant Program will post its most current student attrition information no later than August 2027.

## Accreditation

ECPI University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees.

Full accreditation details: [ECPI University Accreditation](https://www.ecpi.edu/accreditation).

## Programmatic Accreditation

![ARC-PA Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc.](https://www.ecpi.edu/sites/default/files/2025-04/arc-pa-accred-logo.jpg)

The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the ECPI University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by ECPI University.

Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation-Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.

Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class. The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at [https://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-ecpi-university/](https://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-ecpi-university/ "visit https://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-ecpi-university/")