Physician Assistant
Degree Program
Whether you’re an incoming first-year student looking to take our combined Bachelor of Science in Biology Health Professions concentration and Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, or if you already hold a bachelor’s degree and are just looking to complete your master’s degree, our Physician Assistant (PA) Program is flexible to suit your needs.
2 Pathways, 1 Program:
B.S./M.S. Pre-Physician Assistant Program
Graduate Program
What does a Physician Assistant do?
A Physician Assistant works closely and collaboratively with doctors and other medical professionals to provide additional care to their patients. Duties of a PA will often include:
PA’s are highly-trained medical professionals who work across the country in all medical settings and specialties. In rural or underserved areas, PA’s are typically the first line of medical care and will often refer patients to physicians or arrange transfer to clinics and hospitals to continue their treatment plan.
- Take medical histories
- Conduct physical exams
- Diagnose and treat illness
- Order and interpret tests
- Develop treatment plans
- Prescribe medication
- Counsel on preventive care
- Perform procedures
- Assist in surgery
- Make rounds in hospitals and nursing homes
- Do clinical research
PA’s are highly-trained medical professionals who work across the country in all medical settings and specialties. In rural or underserved areas, PA’s are typically the first line of medical care and will often refer patients to physicians or arrange transfer to clinics and hospitals to continue their treatment plan.
Employment of physician assistants is projected to grow 37% between 2016 and 2026.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics ©
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics ©
Why study in the Physician Assistant Program at Etown?
The Etown PA Program provides a comprehensive curriculum that incorporates hands-on learning in state-of-the-art laboratories. The mission of the program aligns with that of the College, that education is long-lasting and far-reaching because it is deeply transformational. We work to ensure that you, as a future health care provider, are equipped with an education that is centered on service and integrates interdisciplinary learning. Our small class sizes promote individualized attention for our students that help you to build strong mentoring relationships with our faculty throughout your time on campus and beyond.
Two Pathways, One Outcome
When you’re looking at colleges with physician assistant programs, you want to ensure that they meet you where you are in your educational journey. That’s why we provide two options at Etown:
- B.S./M.S. - First-year entry or direct entry as a student into the Physician Assistant bachelor/master’s degree program. Students will complete their bachelor’s degree in Biology Allied Health and a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies in a total of five years, culminating in sitting for the Physician Assistant National Certification Exam.
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- Graduate - Students who have completed a bachelor’s degree (either at Etown or another institution) and meet the required course prerequisites can apply for the stand alone master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies through the Elizabethtown College application site. The master’s program will be completed in 26 months and students are then eligible to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certification Exam.
Physician Assistant Program Classes
The PA Program curriculum at Elizabethtown College is designed to meet the needs of today’s learners. We help you to advance your knowledge and build the skills you will need through experiential opportunities, ready to enter the workforce upon graduation.
A didactic year of classroom and laboratory experience. Laboratory facilities will include cadaver, assessment, and simulation labs.
Students will complete eight (8) clinical rotations, in the fields of:
These rotations will occur in various settings including inpatient and outpatient.
First-year:
A didactic year of classroom and laboratory experience. Laboratory facilities will include cadaver, assessment, and simulation labs.
Second-year:
Students will complete eight (8) clinical rotations, in the fields of:
- Family Practice
- Internal Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Women’s Health
- Behavioral Health
- Surgery
- Emergency
- An Elective
Elizabethtown College Physician Assistant Advisory Board
- Luke Bingaman, MPAS, PA-C, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital
- Mrs. Barbara Blouch, PA-C, Retired
- Kelly Bonneville, MHS, PA-C, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital
- Christina Broomell, MS, PA-C, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital
- Madison Carey, PA-C, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital
- Erin Colello, MHS, PA-C, UPMC Pinnacle
- Kevin Hickman, MJ Health Law, MHA, PA-C, Neurosurgery
- Sarah Pelletier, MHS, PA-C, UPMC Pinnacle
- Victor Pupo, MPAS, PA-C, Geisinger Health System
- Chase Schaeffer, MSPAS, PA-C, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital
- Dr. Christopher Wenger, DO, FACC, FNLA, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital
Are you ready to elevate your career? Get started now with an M.S. in Physician Assistant from Elizabethtown College.
717-361-10001 Alpha Drive
Elizabethtown, PA 17022© 2025 Elizabethtown College
Elizabethtown, PA 17022© 2025 Elizabethtown College
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