Cedarville University's Master of Medical Science in PA (Physician Assistant) Studies program is a great place for you to achieve your professional goal to practice as a licensed PA and serve the Lord with your unique skill set. You'll develop key professional competencies as you work toward achieving the program learning outcomes that will equip you as a highly skilled, Christ-honoring medical practitioner. Student success is measured in many ways and is reflected in PANCE pass rates and program attrition. The program's high standards are defined in our program goals and are inspired by a strong mission and vision.
Mission Statement
Driven by a submission to and passion for the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ, the Cedarville University PA Program equips Christ-following graduates through academic excellence, professional distinction, and intentional discipleship to practice medicine to meet the needs of those in their communities.
The program integrates the University's core values (love for God, love for others, integrity in conduct, and excellence in effort) and strives to develop in its graduates the key markers of excellence (glorifying God, thinking broadly and deeply, communicating effectively, developing academically and professionally, and engaging for Christ).
In summary, our mission is equipping and discipling the next generation of Christian PAs.
Our Vision
To be the school of choice for Christian students desiring a biblically informed and academically excellent PA program that will equip them to compassionately serve those in need physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually to the glory of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Program Learning Outcomes (Competencies)
Upon completing the PA program, students will have formed a sound biblical worldview and acquired the medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, clinical reasoning and problem solving abilities, clinical and technical skills, and professional behaviors required for entry into PA practice as detailed below:
Biblical Integration
- Integrate the concepts and principles of a Christian biblical worldview with the practice of medicine. (PLO 1)
Medical Knowledge
- Apply and incorporate medical, behavioral, and psychosocial concepts and principles necessary to evaluate and manage patient’s health across all age ranges and cultures. (PLO 2)
Interpersonal Skills
- Obtain an accurate and relevant medical history using effective communication and interpersonal skills that support open dialogue and mutual respect. (PLO 3)
- Accurately communicate clinical findings in written, digital, and oral forms to all members of the health care team succinctly. (PLO 10)
- Provide accurate patient education that encompasses verbal, non-verbal, and written forms of information to the patient, their families, and their care team to promote disease prevention and health awareness. (PLO 11)
Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving
- Formulate an appropriate differential diagnosis following a clinical encounter. (PLO 5)
- Order and interpret appropriate diagnostic studies to assist in the evaluation and treatment of the patient. (PLO 6)
- Develop and implement an appropriate therapeutic management plan involving pharmacological and non-pharmacological options. (PLO 7)
- Make informed clinical decisions using an evidence-based approach. (PLO 9)
Clinical and Technical Skills
- Obtain an accurate and relevant medical history using effective communication and interpersonal skills that support open dialogue and mutual respect. (PLO 3)
- Perform an appropriate physical exam relevant to the medical history. (PLO 4)
- Perform clinical procedures safely and effectively. (PLO 8)
Professional Behaviors
- Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviors consistent with the PA profession and Christian faith. (PLO 12)
Program Goals and Outcomes
The PA Program at Cedarville University exists to:
Recruit, admit, and retain highly qualified Christian students.
Metrics:
- Average cohort qualifying and prerequisites GPAs at or higher than 3.5
- Average patient care experience hours at or above 2000 hours
- Attrition rate less than or equal to 2 students per cohort
Deliver comprehensive, high-quality, didactic and clinical education to fully prepare graduates for entry-level clinical practice.
Metrics:
- Summative Evaluation: 80% of students pass all components of the summative exams on the first attempt.
- Graduate Survey: 90% of recent graduates agree or strongly agree that the PA program prepared them for clinical practice.
- PANCE Scores: 95% of graduates will pass the PANCE on the first attempt.
- Employment Rate: 95% of graduates seeking employment will be employed as PAs within six months of graduation.
Develop individuals who integrate biblical principles throughout their work as healthcare providers.
Metrics:
- Student Program Exit Survey: 90% of graduates will agree or strongly agree that the program prepared them to integrate biblical principles and worldview into their role as a PA.
Develop individuals who seek to serve those in need.
Metrics:
- Student Program Exit Survey: 90% of graduates will report the program prepared them well to serve others in need.
Student Attrition
Another important metric that is associated with our first goal but is also helpful for evaluating and comparing programs is student attrition. The following table outlines the student numbers we plan to report for our program.
| Class of 2025 | Class of 2026 | Class of 2027 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Class Size (pending ARC-PA approval) | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Admitted Students | 29 |
| Graduating Students | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduation Rate* |
| Attritted Students | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Attrition Rate** |
| Notes |
|---|
*Graduation Rate: number of cohort graduates divided by the entering class size
**Attrition Rate: number of students who have attritted (either by dismissal, deceleration, or withdrawal) divided by the entering class size
Note: data will be updated annually no later than April 1 as each cohort graduates from the program.
PA National Certification Exam (PANCE)
Students who successfully complete the Master of Medical Science in PA studies program are eligible to become certified through the Physician Assistant National Certification Exam (PANCE). The information below overviews the success of our graduates in passing the PANCE exam to become certified PAs after graduating from the program.
NCCPA PANCE Exam Performance Summary Report (last five years) First Time Exam Takers
| Class of 2025 | Class of 2026 | Class of 2027 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Exam Pass Rate | |||
| National Average Pass Rate |
Note: information in this table will be updated annually no later than April 1 as data becomes available. A link will be posted to the annual PANCE report provided by NCCPA starting in 2025 after our first graduates complete the exam.
Licensure Disclosure
Eligibility to practice as a PA is determined by the state law in which you intend to practice. At a minimum, this will require both national certification (by successfully passing the Physician Assistant National Certification Exam (PANCE) provided through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)) and graduation from a program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commissions on PA Education (ARC-PA). For additional details, review the licensure requirements for each state published by American Academic of PAs (AAPA).
The Cedarville University PA Program has applied for accreditation from the ARC-PA and students successfully completing this program are eligible to sit for the PANCE.
Completion of the CU PA Program also meets the requirements for initial licensure in the state of Ohio but cannot confirm that it will meet all the licensure requirements for practice in other states as they vary between states and change without notice. Students planning to practice outside of Ohio should investigate the requirements through the state licensing body for those states.