Oakland University introduces new Master of Physician Assistant Science program
The new program recently began its first cohort. It prepares students to enter into a career as a physician assistant, following achieving licensure.
Oakland University has recently launched a new Master of Physician Assistant Science program for graduate students who want to become physician assistants. Physician assistants provide patient care, and often serve as a patient’s primary care provider. The graduate degree program is a 28-month course that includes coursework and didactic practice. An open house to celebrate the start of the program will be held on January 21, 2026.
According to an article on Oakland University’s website, Constance Burke, J.D., M.S., PA-C, associate professor, who served as the founding director of the program during its development for the past several years, was quoted as saying of the new program, “The Master of Physician Assistant Science program reflects OU’s commitment to providing quality education to the next generation of health professionals. The program provides exceptional academic and clinical education to our students through hands-on learning, mentorship from faculty members who are licensed PAs with extensive experience, and collaboration from interdisciplinary professors in the School of Health Sciences and our valuable community partners.”
The first cohort of the program includes 32 students who study at the Oakland West Center, located near the university’s main campus. Oakland West Center has newly designed spaces specifically for the program, including lecture and lab spaces full of the current technology that physician assistants use every day in their work.
The program is supported in part by Humana, which has donated $200,000 to the program in order to provide eight students over the next four years with scholarships that will assist them in completing the program. The scholarships are given to students who specifically wish to practice primary care.
Eric Doeh, who serves as the Michigan CEO of Humana, said, “Access to quality health care is dependent on a strong, sustainable workforce. By lifting financial barriers to education, we can prepare future providers for careers that will help close gaps in care and improve the health of their communities. Humana is thrilled to support Oakland University’s Physician Assistant program, which will improve health care access in our region and beyond.”
An open house will be held for the new program on January 21, 2026 at Oakland West Center from noon to 2pm. The open house will serve as an opportunity for attendees to tour the program facilities and meet the faculty and students. Additionally, the traditional White Coat Ceremony will take place later in the evening.
Kevin Ball, Ph.D., who serves as the dean of the School of Health Sciences, said, The need for health care professionals continues to grow. The beginning of the MPAS program reflects Oakland University and the School of Health Sciences’ commitment to preparing a highly skilled, compassionate workforce of clinicians who will meet the changing health care needs of communities in our region and beyond through excellence in academic and clinical education, service and interprofessional collaboration.”
For more information about Oakland University, visit the school’s website.