Physician Assistant Department added at UM-Flint

FLINT, Michigan — The University of Michigan-Flint has added an entire physicians assistant department to its College of Health Sciences To prepare for the Master of Science Physician Assistant program set to launch in 2020.

The new program responds to the needs of local healthcare providers who reported a need to fill these types of positions, “This is another great example of UM-Flint being responsive to our region’s workforce need.” said UM-Flint Chancellor Susan E. Borrego.

The new 27-month MSPA program will include 40-50 students in each cohort class. The Flint campus will offer the only University of Michigan MSPA program. The expansion here follows years of growing interest in health sciences programs in Flint.

The new Physicians Assistant Department serves as a catalyst to add post-graduate residency programs and joint programs with other masters-level degrees at UM-Flint, including business administration and public health. A joint doctoral program with other departments also will be proposed within the next few years, UM-Flint reports.

“We are aligning ourselves closely with Michigan Medicine, and in fact, will soon post a position for the medical director of our MSPA program.” said Donna Fry, dean of the College of Health Sciences.