Physician Assistant Studies program opens for applications

A long tradition of excellence in the health sciences continues at Lenoir-Rhyne with the opening of applications for the Master of Science in Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program set to begin in October 2024. For decades, LR has prepared graduate students to reach the top of their field with programs in nursing, occupational therapy, exercise science, nutrition-dietetic internship and public health. Future physician assistants will continue that trend as they pursue their studies and enter the workforce in this highly sought-after career. 

“LR has always been about supporting students. This program will be fully immersed in the student-centered, collaborative culture Lenoir-Rhyne is known for, which will ensure the success of both the program and its graduates,” said Wesley Reid, PA-C, DMSc, assistant professor and director of the physician assistant studies program. 

In the 24-month program, PA students will gain experience in community service and healthcare through LR’s partnership with the free clinic run by Cooperative Christian Ministries in downtown Hickory alongside additional clinical opportunities through long-standing partnerships with regional healthcare providers that include Catawba Valley Medical Center, Frye Regional Medical Center, CaroMont Health, UNC Health Blue Ridge and UNC Health Caldwell. 

“This program is well connected to the healthcare community in Hickory and the surrounding area. Combined with the enthusiasm and support of the university and opportunities for collaboration with other programs in the College of Health Sciences, I think the result is going to be something really special,” said Reid. 

Through an additional partnership with Catawba Valley Community College, PA students will have ongoing access to Valley Sim Hospital — one of the largest and most technologically advanced simulated hospitals east of the Mississippi River. 

“Fully integrated professional education is a driving philosophy for us, so when we’re at Valley Sim, we will have PA students working alongside nursing students in the same way they will be working together and collaborating in the workplace,” shared Michael McGee, Ed.D., professor and dean of the College of Health Sciences. 

As more medical doctors elect to specialize instead of entering general practice, physician assistants are in high demand to provide routine care for millions of patients nationwide. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for physician assistants is expected to grow 28 percent by 2031 – much faster than the average for other professions.  

“I am proud to celebrate our physician assistant program, a major investment in our students and our community. With a dedicated team of highly qualified faculty and staff, I am confident this program will have a significant impact on the healthcare landscape in our region,” said Jennifer Burris, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs. 

The program will accept applications until April 2024 for an opening cohort sized to ensure personalized attention, full access to university and community resources, and strong support for each cohort member. 

“Our plan is to attract and assemble a diverse class that includes LR alumni and military veterans,” said McGee. “Additionally, we are committed to student representation that reflects real-world and varied experiences. We’re expecting strong competition for spots in our program.”  

The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program has applied for Accreditation-Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). The Physician Assistant Studies program anticipates matriculating its first class in October 2024, pending achieving Accreditation-Provisional status at the June 2024 ARC-PA meeting. 

Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA standards or when a program holding Accreditation-Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.  

The Lenoir-Rhyne PA Program will not commence in the event that Provisional Accreditation is not received.