Elon’s Physician Assistant program moves forward with a focus on growth, preparation and service to the health care field.
Elon University has received approval for the expansion of the Physician Assistant program based on the Elon, North Carolina campus. The expansion allows the program to double the size of its incoming cohort from 38 to 76 students. This decision was approved by the Accreditation Review Commission on the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) following a thorough assessment of the curriculum, program resources and clinical placements. This approval reflects the program’s exceptional reputation, clinical relationships and the university’s preparedness for growth in enrollment.
The expansion will leverage Elon’s commitment to relationship-rich education and will strengthen health sciences programs to expand the impact of Elon graduates in health care. This expansion is supported by institutional investment. Over the next year, Elon University will add a total of six new faculty to the Elon PA Program, ensuring the continued delivery of an exceptional, student-centered education.
Advancing Workforce Capacity in a Critical Moment
Demand for Physician Assistants continues to rise across the United States as health care systems work to address provider shortages and expand access to high-quality care. By increasing its cohort size, Elon University is accelerating the preparation of new PAs who will enter the workforce ready to meet these pressing needs.
“Elon is deeply committed to educating compassionate, skilled Physician Assistants who can make an immediate impact in their communities,” said Dr. Maha Lund, dean of the School of Health Sciences at Elon University. “This expansion underscores our responsibility to the profession and to the patients our graduates will one day serve.”
High-Touch, High-Quality Education
As enrollment grows, the Elon PA Program continues to focus on its hallmark personalized learning environment that is central to the student experience. This approach includes:
- Engaged learning
- Hands-on practice
- Close faculty engagement
- Access to diverse, high-quality clinical rotation sites
Students will also benefit from an enhanced focus on critical reasoning when collecting clinical data through history and physical exams, intentional application of diagnostic evaluation and reasoning in laboratory courses and strengthened clinical placement infrastructure.
The larger cohort will also bring expanded perspectives, stronger collaboration, and a broader professional network.
Preparing the Next Generation of PA Leaders
As the next cohort prepares to begin their training, faculty and staff remain committed to guiding and supporting students through every stage of their academic and professional journey.
“We are excited to welcome the next cohort of vibrant, future PAs who will help shape the future of health care,” said Kim Stokes, Elon PA program director and chair. “This moment represents an important step forward, not only for Elon, but for the communities our graduates will serve throughout their careers.”
