Degrees & Certifications:

The Medical (Prescribers) degree family encompasses advanced clinical education programs that prepare professionals to diagnose and treat physical and behavioral health conditions. In Ohio, this family includes the Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) – shown on the Nursing page – Master in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS), Doctor of Medicine (MD), and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degrees. Graduates of these programs are licensed to practice medicine and prescribe medications, including psychiatric and substance use disorder treatments, across diverse healthcare settings.

Medical

Please note that Nurse Practitioners are also prescribers, and
information can be found here.

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DEGREES & CERTIFICATIONS

*Please note: Ohio is moving towards changing the title of Physician Assistant to Physician Associate. Degree programs may use either name. Both terms refer to the exact same profession.

    • Description: A Master of Physician Assistant Studies, Master of Physician Associate Studies, Master of Science (MS) in Physician Assistant Studies, or Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies is a graduate degree that prepares individuals to become Physician Assistants, also called Physician Associates (PAs). These professionals are licensed healthcare providers who diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medication, and may serve as principal healthcare providers under physician supervision. In Ohio, PAs are increasingly integrated into behavioral health teams to assess and manage psychiatric and substance use disorders. 

    • Program Duration: 2 years (full-time), including 36 to 45 credit hours of classroom work and 2,000 hours of clinical rotations across multiple medical specialties, including psychiatry and behavioral health. Full-time programs are most common, lasting around 24-30 months. Part-time programs are less common but may be available depending on the institution. 

    • Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree. May also require completion of specific undergraduate coursework such as anatomy and physiology. Healthcare experience is also highly recommended or required by many programs.

    • Certification & Licensure: Individuals must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) and obtain licensure through the State Medical Board of Ohio. Additionally, individuals have the option to pursue a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Psychiatry.

    • Description: Doctor of Medicine (MD) is a graduate degree awarded by a medical school. Physicians with this degree are licensed to practice medicine in Ohio and across the U.S., including prescribing medications and providing psychiatric care. MDs may specialize in psychiatry or incorporate behavioral health into primary care. 

    • Program Duration: 4 years of medical school, plus  3-7 years of residency training, with at least 4 years required for psychiatry. Full-time, intensive structure with clinical rotations and residency. There are no part-time pathways for standard MD training. 

    • Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree with pre-med coursework, competitive MCAT scores, and clinical/volunteer experience.

    • Certification & Licensure: Pass USMLE Steps 1-3 (United States Medical Licensing Examination), obtain licensure from the State Medical Board of Ohio, as well as board certification through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) for psychiatrists. 

    • Description: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree is a graduate degree awarded by a school of osteopathic medicine. Equivalent to an MD, the DO emphasizes a whole-person approach to care, including training in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). DOs are fully licensed physicians who can specialize in any area including psychiatry, and often work in behavioral health, especially in underserved areas in Ohio.

    • Program Duration: 4 years of osteopathic medical school plus 3-7 years of residency training, with at least 4 years required for psychiatry. Full-time, intensive structure with clinical rotations and residency. There are no part-time pathways for standard DO training. 

    • Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree with pre-med coursework, competitive MCAT scores, and clinical/volunteer experience.

    • Certifications & Licensures: Pass COMLEX-USA (Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination) or USMLE, depending on residency path. Obtain licensure through the State Medical Board of Ohio and board certification through the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry (AOBNP) or American Board of Psychology and Neurology (ABPN).

Before Graduate School

All degrees for prescribers are graduate degrees. However, individuals can start preparing in high school or undergraduate. 

For information about early college and transfer credits, see the High School page. Undergraduate students should consider choosing a pre-med track or majoring in biology. Ask your college counselor for more information about preparing for MPAS programs or medical school. 

Helpful Links

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WHERE TO STUDY IN OHIO

Some public universities also have regional campuses that are comparable to community colleges in programs, costs, and access.

COMMUNITY & SPECIALIZED COLLEGES

  • Stark State College

    • Location: North Canton, OH

    • Programs Offered: AS/Pre-Medical Professional Concentration

    • Training Format: In Person

  • Mercy College of Ohio

    • Location: Toledo, OH

    • Programs Offered: Master of Physician Assistant

    • Delivery Format: In person

  • None

  • None

  • None

UNIVERSITIES & OTHER COLLEGES

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. If you notice any errors or outdated information, please contact accounts@mhaadvocacy.org so we can make the necessary corrections.