UNE's expansive, holistic vision of a healthier world goes beyond physical well-being. It encompasses emotional and intellectual fulfillment — as well as economic opportunity — for individuals, prosperous and supportive communities, and cooperative environmental stewardship across the globe.

Bringing that vision to life requires the deep involvement of all of our programs, often working in cross-disciplinary combinations. UNE offers more than 40 bachelor’s degrees and 30-plus graduate, professional, and doctoral degrees in needed fields, including the natural and social sciences, the humanities and the arts, business, and health.

Maine's Largest Provider of Health Professionals

ABOUT UNE

Benefit from state-of-the-art facilities that provide hands-on experiences with advanced medical technology, realistic patient simulations, and dynamic anatomy labs—arming you with skills to meet clinical challenges.

Tour State-of-the-Art Facilities in Portland, ME

Gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities where you practice real-life medical scenarios with high-fidelity patient simulators and patient actors.

Advanced Simulation Labs

UNE’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant (M.S.P.A.) program is not just Maine’s only PA program; it’s a leader in healthcare education, consistently surpassing national board pass rates. UNE equips you with the skills and knowledge to become a compassionate and competent provider, well prepared to serve diverse populations across various healthcare settings.

On our Portland Campus for the Health Sciences, you’ll be immersed in a unique environment where interprofessional collaboration with other health professionals broadens your perspective and deepens your expertise, making UNE a truly exceptional place to learn.

Hear From PA Students

See how UNE PA program alumni are putting their degrees to work and excelling in their careers

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Advance Your Career in Medicine

Career Support & Mentorship

With small class sizes, personalized faculty attention, and a close-knit community, UNE’s PA program gives you the guidance and resources you need to succeed academically and professionally.

Connect with graduate admissions to learn more about UNE's PA program

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IPE is the hallmark of UNE’s approach to health professions education. Collaborate with a variety of students from related programs for research, clinical immersions, and simulations.

Interprofessional Education (IPE)

Outstanding First-Time PANCE Pass Rate

With 98% of our 2023 graduates passing the PANCE exam on their first attempt, our students consistently outperform the national average.

Clinical Simulation

Develop a wide range of patient experiences through rotations in family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, and surgery, with placements in rural and underserved areas. Specialized electives are also available in women’s health, pediatrics, and psychiatry.

Exceptional Clinical Rotations

Comprehensive Curriculum

Our PA program provides in-depth training in medical sciences, patient care, and clinical skills, ensuring you are prepared for the complexities of modern healthcare.

UNE’s nationally recognized Interprofessional Geriatric Education Practicum offers two semesters of specialized training in managing older adult patients. Students collaborate with peers from other UNE health programs to manage complex cases and engage with ‘Elder Teachers’ in the greater Portland community.

These interactions focus on shared decision-making to help patients live fully and according to their wishes. The experience is further enhanced by Virtual Reality modules covering sensory loss, dementia, and end-of-life care. With comprehensive, hands-on training and early patient exposure, you’ll be prepared to step into diverse healthcare settings immediately upon graduation.

Early and Frequent Patient Exposure

Career Outlook

A career as a Physician Assistant offers strong job growth and earning potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the PA profession is expected to grow by 27% over the next decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. PAs also enjoy a median annual salary of $126,010.

Additionally, the role provides flexibility, allowing PAs to switch specialties without needing additional schooling. As healthcare continues to evolve to meet the needs of underserved populations, PAs will play an increasingly critical role, making it a rewarding and in-demand career path.

MASTER OF SCIENCE

Gregory B., Class of 2020

"UNE’s PA program stands out for its strong board pass rates and collaborative environment. Being on a campus with other health professionals fosters interprofessional work, providing daily opportunities to broaden your perspective and deepen your expertise. It's a unique and inspiring place to learn."

Morgan D., Class of 2022

"What drew me to UNE was the interprofessional learning. Collaborating with students from different health professions has enriched my education and prepared me for the teamwork essential in healthcare. These experiences will be invaluable in my future career."

Physician Assistant

Receive Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) and Management of Aggressive Behavior (MOAB) certifications to stand out in the job market.

Real-World Training

Extended Pharmacology Training

Unique to UNE, this advanced training runs throughout the entire program.

Our curriculum is organized by body system, providing a comprehensive, integrated approach to mastering each area of medicine.

Module-Based Learning

Accelerated 24-Month, Full-Time Program

Complete your PA degree in just 6 semesters—1 year of coursework, followed by 1 year of immersive clinical rotations