Master of Clinical Health Services

  • Master of Clinical Health Services

    The MEDEX Northwest Master of Clinical Health Services program trains you to become a physician assistant (PA) — an essential role in team-based medicine.

    Request Information

Master of clinical health services


The MEDEX Northwest physician assistant program is a partnership between ²ÊÉñvlllÕù°Ô and the University of Washington School of Medicine. The program trains current health care professionals to become physician assistants (PAs) who can examine and treat patients, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications and perform other essential roles in medicine.

Physician assistants practice all aspects of medicine in collaboration with a physician. They are highly-trained and versatile, and they have an important and growing role in today’s health care system, where team-based care is more common than ever before. PAs are especially critical in underserved communities and areas with a shortage of health care professionals.

For current health professionals, becoming a physician assistant can be an expedient and cost-effective way to enter the field of medicine. The rigorous MEDEX physician assistant program is designed for individuals who already have significant experience in direct patient contact, such as emergency medical technicians, nurses and medical assistants. The average applicant has at least two and a half years of hands-on care experience.

The MEDEX program focuses on Alaska’s unique health care environment, with special emphasis on primary care and the needs of rural and underserved communities. As a student, you’ll take courses inpatient management, behavioral medicine, maternal and child health, and other topics that prepare you for skilled, compassionate medical practice in Alaska’s communities.

As a graduate of the program, you’ll be qualified to take the NCCPA national certification examination, and then to apply for state licensure. Licensed PAs practice in collaboration with physicians in a wide range of settings, such as:

  • Hospitals
  • Private practices
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Community health centers and tribal clinics

Physician assistants can also practice across a wide range of specializations, including:

  • Primary care/family practice
  • Pediatrics
  • General surgery and surgical specialties
  • Orthopedics
  • Dermatology
  • Occupational health

DEGREE INFORMATION


 

 


WHY CHOOSE Master of clinical health services AT ²ÊÉñvlllÕù°Ô?

laptop

Gain real-world clinical experience in communities throughout Alaska.

money

Learn from expert PAs, physicians, and other health professionals.

group of people

Hone your skills in the College of Health's cutting-edge Simulation Center.

state of alaska

Learn to apply the latest medical research.

NEWS & Stories

  • Fall campus photo from above

    Faculty Spotlight: Teresa Lowe Honored as PA of the Year

     |  Jessica Degnan  |  ,

    Teresa Lowe, a Lecturer for the MEDEX Northwest Physician Assistant Program, a partnership between ²ÊÉñvlllÕù°Ô and the University of Washington School of Medicine, has been recognized as PA of the Year for her outstanding contributions to the field.

  • A PA holding a stethoscope

    Program highlights need for physician assistants in Alaska

     |  Your Alaska Link  | 

    On the campus of ²ÊÉñvlllÕù°Ô, the University of Washington Anchorage Physician Assistant Program is helping recruit and retain healthcare workers in Alaska. The Kaiser Family Foundation says 22% of primary care needs are being met in Alaska. The need for physician assistance is critical, especially in rural Alaska.


Daytheon Sturges

Message from the interim Director

At MEDEX Northwest, our values have informed our actions since we first opened our doors in 1968. We exemplify professional excellence in PA education. We embrace the importance of respect, openness, collaboration, integrity, and trust. And we build a curriculum that is broad, competency-based, and focused on primary care with an emphasis on underserved populations. Together, we work in service to our students, our community, and the program.

-Daytheon Sturges, PhD, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, MCHES®

Contact Us
Phone: (206) 616-4001
Email: medex@uw.edu 


Location

MEDEX Northwest
Health Sciences Building
3795 Piper St
Anchorage, Alaska 99508


Mailing Address
MEDEX Northwest
3211 Providence Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508