Missouri State University

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Physician Assistant Studies 

Program Expenses

ESTIMATED PROGRAM EXPENSES

The PA program makes every effort to keep costs reasonable for students. However, because the Program runs continuously for twenty-four months, applicants must review their financial resources carefully and anticipate expenses realistically. Due to the rigorous nature of the curriculum, students should not expect to work while enrolled in the Program. Classes may be held in evenings and/or Saturdays if necessary, and during the Clinical Year, all students will, at times, be assigned to clinical sites outside of the immediate Springfield area. The student is responsible for the costs related to out-of-area travel and housing if applicable.

ESTIMATED TUITION EXPENSES FOR THE 24-MONTH PROGRAM (updated 2008-2009)

It is anticipated that there will be a slight increase in tuition and fees on a yearly basis.

MISSOURI RESIDENTS

Didactic Year Tuition: 42 credits @ $214 per credit hour = $8,988

Clinical Year Tuition: 41 credits @ $214 per credit hour = $8,774

NON-RESIDENTS**

Didactic Year Tuition: 42 credits @ $418 per credit hour = $17,556

Clinical Year Tuition: 41 credits @ $418 per credit hour = $17,138 

Note:  There is also a Student Services Fee assessed to all students for campus services. Effective Fall 2008, this fee will be approximately $274 per semester and $146 for the following Summer Semester.
There is also a Departmental Course Fee of $200/semester ($600/year) for both in-state and out-of-state tuition. This occurs in the Didactic and in the Clinical years.

** Residents of Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota and Nebraska who are accepted into the program are automatically eligible for the Midwest Student Exchange Scholarship Program. Fees for MSEP students will be assessed at a rate less than the regular non-resident fee.  For more information, please call the Financial Aid Office, (417) 836-5262 or (800) 283-4243.

OTHER EXPENSES

Required subscription to MD CONSULT (an Internet Reference Library) during both the didactic and clinical years.  Provides access to numerous major medical texts, journals and other resources. Contact consumer service for pricing 1-800-401-9962.

  1. Books - estimated at $1000 or less for the two years.
  2. Medical Equipment - all students will be required to purchase medical equipment in the didactic year including a stethoscope, reflex hammer, tuning forks, thermometer, tape measure, vision screening card, blood pressure cuff, and oto-ophthalmoscope diagnostic set. The total cost for all equipment is approximately $700.
  3. Health insurance that includes hospitalization for both years of the Program. The cost varies by insurance company and policy. All applicants should review their current or anticipated policies.
  4. Professional liability insurance for both years of the Program. The current cost is approximately $160* per year.  *Class A is available to AAPA members only.
  5. All students are expected to have a computer at home with access to the Internet since the curriculum will incorporate computer-assisted instruction. The computer must have the capability to interface with the Missouri State University e-mail system and additionally, have the capacity to download program instructional materials from the Program's web page on the Internet. Specifications for the computer requirements will be distributed during orientation.
  6. Room and board - estimated at $2500-$3000 per semester for off-campus single students.
  7. Assessment exam x 2 (PACKRAT) - $40 each year. National certifying examination fee - $425 after graduation.
  8. Transportation related expenses - auto, maintenance, insurance, gas, etc.  Clothing & maintenance. Students will be expected to purchase two (2) short white lab coats to be worn in clinical settings - $80.
  9. Other miscellaneous expenses - Child care, and any other personal expenses you may have.
  10. Membership in the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) for both years of the Program. The current cost is $75 per year.
  11. Parking Permits - approximately $150 per year.
  12. Graduate Fee - approximately $30 - several weeks prior to graduation.
  13. Off-Campus Rotations- All students should anticipate a minimum of two clinical rotations outside of the Springfield area that will require living in "off-campus" housing (e.g. Tahlequah and Grove, Oklahoma; Rolla and Joplin, Missouri). Unless the student can provide their own housing (e.g. with family or friends) for these "off-campus" rotations, the Clinical Coordinator will arrange for low-cost housing through AHEC or other sources.  However ALL HOUSING EXPENSES ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT regardless of whether the student or Program makes the arrangements.  Off-Campus housing for one six-week period ranges from $700-$1,500. 
  14. Commuting During Clinical Year- All students should anticipate having several clinical rotations that will require commuting.  For safety reasons, students will typically not be asked to commute more than 50 miles (one way) to a clinical site.  Please note that commuting distances may be calculated from the Missouri State campus rather than the student's home.