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M.Sc. Physician Assistant Course
Overview
- The Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Physician Assistant is a postgraduate program that trains students to assist doctors and surgeons in clinical and administrative tasks.
- Physician Assistants (PAs) are vital members of healthcare teams, helping diagnose illnesses, develop and manage treatment plans, and perform minor procedures under a physician’s supervision.
- This course blends medical theory with hands-on clinical training, preparing graduates for a dynamic career in healthcare.
- The M.Sc. in Physician Assistant is a highly rewarding and in-demand postgraduate program for those passionate about healthcare.
- With growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals, this course offers excellent career prospects, hands-on clinical training, and opportunities for higher studies and specialization both in India and abroad.
Age Limit
- There is typically no strict upper age limit for admission into the M.Sc. in Physician Assistant program.
- However, some universities may prefer candidates below 35 years for regular admissions.
Eligibility Criteria
- Educational Qualification: A candidate must have a B.Sc. degree in Physician Assistant, B.Sc. in Life Sciences, B.Sc. in Biology, or any allied health sciences.
- A minimum of 50-60% marks in the qualifying examination.
- Some universities may require prior clinical experience or internships.
Duration
- The duration of the M.Sc. in Physician Assistant program is 2 years, divided into 4 semesters.
- It includes both academic coursework and clinical rotations/internships.
Course Fees
- The fee structure varies depending on the institution. On average:
- Private colleges: ₹1,50,000 to ₹3,00,000 per year
- Government colleges: ₹20,000 to ₹1,00,000 per year
- Scholarships and financial aid are available in many institutions.
Entrance Exams
- Admission may be through:
- University-level entrance exams
- Merit-based selection (based on UG marks)
- Some institutions may conduct personal interviews or group discussions
- Popular exams may include:
- NEET-PG (in some cases)
- University-specific tests like JIPMER, SRMJEEH, or Manipal Entrance Test
Career Opportunities
- After completing the M.Sc. in Physician Assistant course, graduates can work in:
- Hospitals and Clinics
- Surgical and Medical Departments
- Emergency and Critical Care Units
- Diagnostic Laboratories
- Telemedicine
- Medical Research and Education
Placement
- Many reputed institutions have tie-ups with hospitals and healthcare centers, ensuring good placement opportunities. Top recruiters include:
- Apollo Hospitals
- Fortis Healthcare
- Manipal Hospitals
- AIIMS
- Max Healthcare
- Private specialty clinics and nursing homes
Salary
- The starting salary of an M.Sc. Physician Assistant graduate ranges between ₹3.5 LPA to ₹6 LPA, depending on the institution, location, and skills.
- With experience, it can go up to ₹10-12 LPA in specialized roles or managerial positions.
Syllabus (General Subjects)
- While the exact syllabus may vary, common subjects include:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine
- Medical Ethics and Law
- Patient Assessment and Diagnostics
- Emergency and Critical Care
- Surgery and Operation Theatre Technology
- Radiology and Imaging
- Research Methodology
- Internship/Project Work
Specializations
- Though M.Sc. in Physician Assistant is a generalist course, students can choose to specialize during internships or post-course certifications in areas like:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
- Oncology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Anesthesia
After M.Sc. in Physician Assistant
- After completing the M.Sc. program, graduates can:
- Pursue Doctorate (Ph.D.) in related fields
- Join as Clinical Research Associates
- Apply for teaching positions in medical and paramedical colleges
- Enroll in super-specialty certifications
- Explore opportunities abroad after clearing licensing exams like PANCE (USA) or PLAB (UK)
Popular Colleges and Universities Offering the Course
- Here are some reputed institutions offering M.Sc. in Physician Assistant programs in India:
- Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal
- Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi
- JIPMER, Puducherry
- SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai
- Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu
- NIMS University, Jaipur
- DY Patil University, Pune
- Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation, Salem
- Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute, Chennai