Cedarville Prepares to Open "Evangelically Aligned" PA Program

The admission process for Cedarville University’s new Master of Medical Science in PA Studies Program will begin this summer, with the goal of seating its first class in May 2023.

The consecutive 24-month physician assistant (PA) program is pending an accreditation review and decision by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) this September.

PAs are medical clinicians, specializing in a wide variety of disciplines, using team-based medical practices to promote wellness for patients. PAs can conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses and assist with surgeries.

Cedarville’s program will be divided into two phases, with the first 12 months in the classroom setting. These three semesters are designed to prepare students for the clinical phase. After a one-month Clinical Year Foundations transition course to cement the foundation for their clinical experiences, the students will rotate through seven required four-week rotations where they will put into practice their knowledge across specific disciplines: family medicine, internal medicine, women’s health, pediatrics, emergency medicine, surgery and behavioral medicine.

Students will then complete two additional four-week rotations in areas of interest with experienced preceptors across the country. During this time, students will complete a senior seminar course to prepare for a career in the healthcare system.

“In the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, healthcare is in a unique spot,” said program director and assistant professor of PA studies Jason Grahame. “We are in need of professionals who can approach the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual aspects of a patient’s health. Despite 280-plus accredited PA programs in the country, less than 20 are housed in evangelically aligned schools, but none of them are specifically targeting the academic preparation and spiritual discipleship of Christian PA students.”

The coursework presents the only evangelical program of its kind, equipping students to integrate biblical concepts into their patient care while interacting with other Christian PA students with similar aspirations.

“Our goal is to train students to be well prepared for their entry-level national certification exam (NCCPA’s PANCE), be able to integrate biblical principles throughout their work as healthcare providers and serve those in need wherever God leads them,” said Grahame.

Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 4,715 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio, recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, including the Master of Medical Science in PA Studies, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and high student engagement ranking. For more information about the University, visit cedarville.edu.