The MEDEX Northwest Master of Clinical Health Services program trains you to become a physician assistant (PA) — an essential role in team-based medicine.
Master of clinical health services
With the support of and after conversations with the University of Washington School of Medicine Dean’s Office and the Department of Family Medicine Chair, the MEDEX Northwest PA Program has sought and been granted permission by the ARC-PA and the University of Washington Graduate School to voluntarily pause matriculating a new student cohort for the 2026–2027 academic year.
We are now preparing to reopen admissions. The 2026-2027 application cycle will open on May 1, 2026, and close on October 1, 2026, for June 2027 matriculation. Applicants should carefully review the Applicants page for updated admissions criteria prior to applying.
This voluntary pause was made with great care and thoughtful consideration. The decision reflects our commitment to accreditation, programmatic quality, and continuous process improvement.
We remain dedicated to advancing our mission of preparing excellent PAs who serve with compassion, competence, and a deep commitment to health equity.
The MEDEX Northwest physician assistant program is a partnership between UAA 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.
PA’s 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 PA can be an expedient and cost-effective way to enter the field of medicine. The rigorous MEDEX PA 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:
PA’s can also practice across a wide range of specializations, including:
WHY CHOOSE Master of clinical health services AT UAA?
Gain real-world clinical experience in communities throughout Alaska.
Learn from expert PAs, physicians, and other health professionals.
Hone your skills in the College of Health's cutting-edge Simulation Center.
Learn to apply the latest medical research.
NEWS & Stories
Recently, on November 7, the UAA College of Health’s Interprofessional Education (IPE) Committee launched its 2025–2026 event series with a session focused on “A Lived Experience with Disabilities.”
Oct. 3, 2025, was a big day for the Alaska Area Health Education Center (AHEC), which is proudly housed within the UAA College of Health! AHEC marked its 20th anniversary with a special legislative citation from the Alaska State Legislature—a well-deserved recognition for two decades of crucial work.
Darrel Foister Jr., School of Nursing alum and military veteran, now serves Alaska communities as a family nurse practitioner.
UAA's Area Health Education Center (AHEC) helped bring hands-on healthcare career opportunities to over 100 students at a career fair in Ninilchik, where they engaged in activities like sheep eye dissections to explore health-related fields.
The 2025 ALPHA Health Summit, held at the Dena'ina Center in Anchorage, featured a session on combating substance use disorders through academic detailing, presented by UAA’s Alaska Center for Rural Health & Health Workforce (ACRH-HW).
Message from the PROGRAM 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®
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Contact Us
Phone: (206) 616-4001
Email: medex@uw.edu
MEDEX Northwest
Health Sciences Building
3795 Piper St
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
Mailing Address
MEDEX Northwest
3211 Providence Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508
