This two-year Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL) is a quad-partnership through the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences, UWL, Gundersen Medical Foundation, and Marshfield Clinic Health System.

The program's curriculum begins with a 12-month didactic phase consisting of classroom and laboratory activities at UWL followed by a 12-month clinical phase with 11 four-week rotations in a variety of clinical areas. These include seven core rotations which include family medicine, internal medicine, behavioral medicine, women’s health, general surgery, pediatrics, and emergency medicine, and four specialty rotations. The 12-month clinical phase is completed at Mayo Clinic in Rochester and within the Mayo Clinic Health System, or at the other two clinical partners (Gundersen, Marshfield) and their health systems.

Class size

Each year, the UWL Physician Assistant program admits up to 28 students, 12 of whom will be enrolled in the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences program and be based at Mayo Clinic in Rochester or within the Mayo Clinic Health System for their 11 clinical rotations. This class size ensures that students receive tailored instruction and a comprehensive educational experience.

Facilities (clinical rotations)

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, includes an extensive outpatient complex, two hospitals, and substantial research and education facilities. This Mayo Clinic site is among the largest, most advanced medical centers in the world.

The Mayo Clinic Health System is composed of facilities in more than 60 communities across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa which provide both inpatient and outpatient experiences.

Graduation and certification

After successfully completing this program, students graduate from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Physician Assistant Studies.

Graduates are eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

Application process

Affiliated institution

To participate in the Mayo Clinic/UWL Physician Assistant program, students must be enrolled in the PA program at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

Contact the school for more information:

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Graduate Studies Admissions web page
UWL Physician Assistant Program web page
Phone: 608-785-8470
Email: paprogram@uwlax.edu

Admission requirements

The Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Gundersen Medical Foundation, and Marshfield Clinic Health System Physician Assistant program application deadline is Aug. 1 to qualify for admission for the following summer to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Please review the UWL PA program’s application process, including the admission requirements.

Applicants are selected based on academic achievement, work experience, volunteer experiences, leadership qualities, representation of personal qualities and skills in a personal letter, three letters of reference, and a panel interview.

Tuition and financial aid

Tuition rates are determined by and paid to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Current tuition and program costs are published on its website. See details about financial aid opportunities.

The Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences charges no additional tuition or fees for the clinical experiences completed on its campus.

Living expenses

Several of the Mayo Clinic Health System clinical sites provide housing, but for the most part, students are responsible for their own living accommodations, expenses, and transportation when completing clinical rotations.

Outside work

Employment during the program is strongly discouraged.

Accreditation information

The Physician Assistant (PA) program quad-partnership through the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Gundersen Medical Foundation, and Marshfield Clinic Health System is fully accredited through the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). The program’s next accreditation review is due in 2027.

See accreditation information for Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.