All 38 members of the program’s most recent graduating class passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination on the first try, the second time during the past five years the program has achieved that mark.
The most recent graduates of Elon’s Physician Assistant Studies Program have all passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination, the comprehensive test required for them to begin practicing in their field.
“The continued success of our graduates speaks to the caliber of the education and experience they gain during their time in the classroom, the lab and the community while completing Elon’s program,” said Rebecca Neiduski, dean of the School of Health Sciences. “We’re proud each year to send these future physician assistants out into the world to positively impact the health and lives of so many.”
The 38 members of the program’s Class of 2019 received their degrees in early March during a ceremony in Whitley Auditorium, where they were surrounded by the faculty, friends and family members who have supported them along the way.
They had completed Elon’s 27-month program that engages students through an innovative systems-organized curriculum that employs large- and small-group discussion, hands-on clinical skills labs, simulated patient experiences, lecture and patient scenario discussions. A Master’s Project supports and promotes professional development in the area of accessing, critically appraising and applying the best available evidence to address a research, patient care or policy question to physician assistance practice or education.
Also in March, Elon’s program earned a place among the top programs in the country, as it tied for No. 37 among the 170 program ranked by U.S. News & World Report. The 2020 national rankings released March 12 mark the first set of rankings Elon’s program has been eligible for after receiving accreditation-continued status by the national accrediting body. Elon's program ranked third-highest in North Carolina, ahead of programs that are much more established.