Founded in 2014, the UMKC Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant Program is a seven-semester program that offers interdisciplinary learning, allowing future physicians and physician assistants to train together. It is also one of the most selective programs in the United States at just 20 students per cohort.
“It’s desirable to have that size,” said Eric Johnson, program director. “We knew that if we were going to grow, we’d still want the feel of a small cohort.”
Physician assistants are in demand. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report listed physician assistant as one of the most in-demand careers in the nation with a median salary of $130,000.
A satellite location in Columbia allows UMKC to expand the program for this in-demand field without sacrificing cohort size.
“The University of Missouri approached us about opening a program, and we saw an opportunity to collaborate,” Johnson said. “It allows both of our medical schools to share resources, support students and address workforce shortages, especially in rural areas surrounding Columbia.”
The Columbia site will enroll 10 students in January 2026, growing to 20 by 2028. Students and faculty will be housed at the MU School of Medicine, which is also where students will receive coursework and where faculty offices will be. Faculty on both campuses will teach all students in the collective cohort, with some lessons occurring virtually.
"The rural setting in Columbia was a significant part of its appeal," said Lexi Bohnert, year one physician assistant student. "I grew up in a small town and gained experience working in rural medicine during my undergraduate education. I am passionate about serving rural and medically underserved communities, where access to healthcare is often limited. As a provider, I plan to extend the reach of quality healthcare to communities that need it most."
UMKC has hired a professor for the Columbia location, with plans to hire four new faculty members in total. The program was accredited in June.
“We’re grateful for the collaboration,” Johnson said. “This is a big step forward for the program and the communities we serve.”
The expansion to Columbia is an extension of UMKC’s long history of investments in expanding healthcare access to rural areas in Missouri.
In addition to the PA program, since 2005, UMKC has provided a pharmacy program at MU and since 2014 at Missouri State University in Springfield. In 2021, UMKC started a School of Medicine program at Mosaic Life Center in St. Joseph, and in 2025, opened a School of Medicine building. UMKC is seeking to expand its School of Dentistry in St. Joseph.