Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Support and uplift underserved communities across the globe through compassionate medical care embodying Christ’s teachings.
Empower All Patients Through Evidence-Based Care
You routinely seek out ways to give back and support others. California Baptist University’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program stands upon a similar mission. A close-knit community of Christ-led instructors prepares you to serve patients through evidence-based care and research in entry-level professional roles. This mindset begins locally, through clinical assignments and involvement in the Riverside community, and extends globally. We perceive our graduates as care-driven individuals ready to set up clinical sites and assist underserved patients across the world.
Why Earn an MS in Physician Assistant Studies From CBU?
CBU’s two-year program promotes compassionate, engaged care through faith and the effects of your actions on communities and citizens all over the globe. In the process, you’re encouraged to uncover your purpose and grow your knowledge base in an applied environment.
- New Facilities: CBU recently invested in a $6.8 million remodel of facilities for the PA Studies program. It is now housed on the second and third floors of a CBU-owned building on Hemet Street, across from the Galleria at Tyler. The new PA Studies facility, which opened to students in summer 2024, better mimics what students will see in a clinic or hospital. It’s much needed space for PA students to study, collaborate and develop their clinical skills.
- Community Service: A biblical foundation more than shapes the program’s personal and professional ethics — this outlook influences how we interact with the Inland Empire community. As faculty train you to provide the highest degree of care, you’ll practice your skills and hone your bedside manner through community service and on-campus endeavors.
- Hands-on Learning: Attesting to the quality of the PA program’s instruction, a high first-time Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) pass rate stands upon applied learning. During your first year, Inter-professional Education courses help you practice clinical skills through live simulations, workshops and online modules. Your second year transitions you to various clinical rotations, where you’ll learn to work in teams, examine patients, order test results and compile reports in real-world healthcare environments.
What You'll Learn
Through classroom and clinical learning, plus emphasis on community service, Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies students:
- Grow their body of medical knowledge and technical skills to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients in healthcare settings.
- Strengthen their critical-thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Learn to deliver evidence-based care in line with current guidelines and ethical standards.
- Prepare to work with a variety of patients and in multiple contexts, including collaborating with others, developing interprofessional relationships and providing culturally sensitive care to individuals and families.
- Begin to realize how they can utilize their skills to benefit the Southern California region and the world through humanitarian service.
- Start to discover their role as a leader, both in the dynamic healthcare field and God’s kingdom.
Explore all objectives and outcomes for the Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies.
Program Details
The physician assistant program extends over two years and totals 120 units:
- First Year: You’ll grow your knowledge of medical terminology and get introduced to essential clinical skills. Courses expose you to topics in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, professional standards and ethics, research, pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical and behavioral medicine, health promotion and disease prevention and examination techniques.
- Second Year: Your time shifts to various clerkships for practicing your clinical skills. You’ll learn to conduct patient examinations and follow-ups, order diagnostic tests, provide referrals, assess a patient’s medical history and learn to communicate with a range of individuals, including patients and other medical professionals.
Review the structure and all required courses for the MSPAS program.
PAS 506: Medical Microbiology
This course exposes students to the role of microorganisms in infectious diseases in preparation for advanced coursework in pharmacology, pathophysiology and clinical medicine.
PAS 520: Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics I
Students are introduced to the rational use of drugs for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases encountered in the clinical care setting.
PAS 524: Behavioral Medicine
This course exposes students to the psychological and social factors that influence human behavior. Students examine how behavior can be influenced by illness, leading at times to poor coping skills, and physical and mental manifestations.
Is housing available on campus for graduate students?
Yes. Housing is available in the school’s vicinity. Contact Residence Life for a listing.
When do classes begin?
Classes begin by September.
How long is the course of study?
The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) is an intensive two-year program consisting of one year of didactic, followed by one year of clinical education.
Karlyssa Chung, MSPAS, PA-C
Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies
Director of Clinical Education, Physician Assistant Studies
Physician Assistant
Office Phone: 951-552-8344
E-mail: kachung@calbaptist.edu
Catherine Letherer, MS, MBA, PA-C
Associate Professor of Physician Assistant Studies
Academic Director of PA Education
Physician Assistant Studies
Office Phone: 951-552-8298
E-mail: cletherer@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Health Sciences Building, G118
Heather Ontiveros, PA-C, DHSc, ATC
Associate Professor of Physician Assistant Studies
Chair, Department of Physician Assistant Studies
Program Director, Physician Assistant Studies
Office Phone: 951-552-8504
E-mail: hontiveros@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Health Science Campus G112
Mary Stahovich , DMSc., PA-C
Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies
Director of PA Admissions, Physician Assistant Studies
Faculty Advisor to PA Student Club
Office Phone: 951-552-8281
E-mail: mstahovich@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Tyler Plaza, Room 213
CBU’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies has received ARC-PA accreditation. Learn more about what this means, and review the PA program’s accreditation history.
As you make decisions about graduate school, keep in mind the full social, spiritual and educational experience awaiting you at CBU. Here, you will be supported by professors, staff and fellow students who will help you discover your strengths and challenge you to do more than you ever thought you could. Let us equip you with the education, training and opportunities you'll need to start making a unique difference doing what you love. Review technical standards and application requirements to get started.
| Application Deadline | Fall |
|---|---|
| Standard | January 15 |
As a married couple entering into the rigors of the PA program, we knew it would be a difficult feat to complete the program. However, the program and school were very supportive. We definitely are prepared to take on our new careers as PAs.
Kim and Kyrian Obidiegwu '20
Facilities and Labs
CBU recently invested in a $6.8 million remodel of facilities for the PA Studies program. It is now housed on the second and third floors of a CBU-owned building on Hemet Street, across from the Galleria at Tyler.
Expand itemNew PA Studies Facility
The new PA Studies facility, which opened to students in summer 2024, better mimics what students will see in a clinic or hospital. It’s much needed space for PA students to study, collaborate and develop their clinical skills.
Expand itemScience Lab
The science lab is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including an anatomage virtual table, which provides 3D visualization of human bodies. The lab also has a fume hood, allowing work with chemicals and grow cultures.
Expand itemClinical Lab
The clinical lab is equipped with screens around the room for students to be able to work at patient beds while still seeing shared presentations. It also has a document camera and bedside camera to display work to the whole room.
PA Studies in the News
Careers
Due to a growing aging population and greater promotion of preventive care, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 28% more positions for physician assistants between 2021 and 2031. Learn more about what to expect as a physician assistant.
Completion of CBU’s MS in Physician Assistant Studies prepares you to sit for the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants exam. Passing earns you a designation of Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C) and makes you eligible to apply for state licensure and a DEA certificate.
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Discover Your Purpose
Understand how to use your God-given talents to serve the world through missional healthcare performed to the highest standards. As you connect with your vocation, request more information about CBU’s PA program, or apply today.