Physician Assistant (M.S.)

Physician Assistants are highly skilled health care providers who practice medicine with the supervision of licensed physicians. This collaborative program of CCBC and Towson University is designed for students who hold a bachelor's degree prior to admission. The program prepares individuals with strong academic backgrounds and clinical experiences for careers as Physician Assistants. Full-time, continuous enrollment is required throughout the 98-credit 26-month program. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant Inc. (ARC-PA ). Individuals who successfully complete the program are eligible for certification by the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Graduates receive a Master of Science degree from Towson University and a professional certificate from CCBC Essex.

History

The oldest and most well established program in Maryland, the Essex Physician Assistant Program began in 1972 as a cooperative effort with the Johns Hopkins University and Franklin Square Hospital, with separate tracks at each institution.  Both tracks were integrated as one in 1976.  Now a collaborative effort of CCBC Essex and Towson University, the program has undergone a dynamic evolution over its 30-year history.  More than 600 program graduates are employed in a wide variety of medical settings in regional, national, and international locations.

Top Reasons Students Choose the Towson/Essex Physician Assistant Program

• Solid reputation built on nearly 35 years of excellence in PA education
• Master’s Program initiated in 2001

• Master’s program focusing on leadership and education with reasonable and affordable tuition and fees
• Instate tuition and fees for entire program very affordable compared to other Maryland PA programs
• Students work closely with faculty on completion of projects and research
• Leadership opportunities

• Excellent student faculty ratio
   
• Towson/Essex PA program Class PANCE Pass Rates Compared to National PANCE Pass rates 2005-2009:

• 100% placement rate for all graduates seeking employment as a physician assistant
• Assistance from the program and faculty
• Local employers seek Towson-Essex graduates

• Experienced  faculty members

• Excellent clinical instructors and top-notch teaching sites
• Affiliations with all of the major medical teaching institutions in the Baltimore Metropolitan Area including: 
• The Johns Hopkins Medical Center,
• Greater Baltimore Medical Center,
• University of Maryland Medical Center, and
• St. Joseph's Medical Center.
• Participation of private physician offices.
• HMO teaching sites
• Clinical instructors dedicated to producing the best PA's

• Community Medicine, Cross Cultural Stipend Program
• Students can apply for travel and expenses to complete elective rotations internationally or within the US
• Sites have included Belize, Florida, Western Maryland and other undeserved and rural areas