The University of Montana is in the planning and developing stages of a Missoula-based Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree program, pending accreditation. Once fully developed we anticipate matriculating students beginning fall 2026.

According to the American Association of Physician Associates (AAPA) "PAs (Physician Assistants) are licensed clinicians who practice medicine in every specialty and setting. Trusted, rigorously educated and trained healthcare professionals, PAs are dedicated to expanding access to care and transforming health and wellness through patient-centered, team-based medical practice.” 

The national Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists the PA profession as the #1 profession in the country based on projected tremendous growth rate of 28% over the next decade - this means the future of the PA continues to be very bright.

If you’ve considered a professional role in healthcare with tremendous upside potential and professional growth, consider the PA profession. In preparation, UM can help you be ready for this exciting opportunity. UM’s School of Integrative Physiology and Athletic Training has developed a pre-PA curriculum and has the educational resources to set a solid foundation for this challenging journey. 

For more information about the PA profession check out the AAPA website. You may also schedule a time to speak to Mr. Thomas Bryant, PA-C, currently the student PA advisor with the College of Health and School of Integrative Physiology and Athletic Training @ Thomas.bryant@umt.edu.

Accreditation Status

The University of Montana’s Physician Assistant/Associate Program has applied for Accreditation-Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

The University of Montana’s Physician Assistant/Associate Program anticipates matriculating its first class in August 2026, pending achieving Accreditation-Provisional status at the March 2026 ARC-PA meeting.

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. “