Physician Assistant Studies

Message from the Chair

Welcome to the Department of Physician Assistant Studies’ web page.  These are challenging times for our country and state, particularly in health care.  Our faculty and staff strongly believe that physician assistants are part of the solution to our health care challenges, especially in those areas and for those people most in need.  The physician assistant profession is a relatively new profession that has grown rapidly in the past few years and demand for physician assistants is high.  This is true in South Texas where every county is a whole or partially designated Medically Underserved or Health Professions Shortage Area.  South Texas is a region of contrasts; tremendous riches coupled with abject poverty; opportunities coupled with social and financial constraints; industrious people coupled with limited opportunities; dedicated physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, and allied health practitioners coupled with huge health care needs; a region with quality institutions of higher education coupled with a lack of many needed educational programs.  The contrasts could go on.  It is with these contrasts in mind that the Department has developed its mission and vision statements with a commitment to service for and to the people of South Texas.

Entry into our program is very competitive and the program is 33 months of hard, intense work.  Our educational focus is on Primary Care with an emphasis on South Texas.  Service is an important part of our consideration of applicants and we expect our students to continue to be involved with community and professional service.  We want students who put service to others, particularly those with the greatest need, ahead of personal gain. 

As you look at PA programs, learn as much as you can about all the programs in which you are interested.  Remember, the application process is not just about us selecting you, but you selecting us.  You have to choose the best program for you because the demands on you and the commitments you have to make to succeed are high.  Learn everything you can about us; understand our mission, vision, and philosophy.  If you share our vision, mission, and philosophy, then consider our program.

Physician Assistant is a great career and very rewarding in many ways. 

Please contact us for additional information at any time.