Elon’s Physician Assistant Studies program reflects on a year of growth, including its largest incoming class to date, and shares updates on the faculty, clinical partners and preceptors helping prepare the next generation of PAs.
This year marks an exciting new chapter in the history of the Elon University Physician Assistant Studies program. In January 2026, the program welcomed its largest class ever, with 76 future physician assistants beginning their journey at Elon. This milestone reflects the continued growth of the program and Elon’s commitment to preparing exceptional clinicians who will meet the evolving healthcare needs of North Carolina and communities across the nation.
Since welcoming our inaugural class in 2013, Elon PA has built a reputation for academic excellence, meaningful community engagement and outstanding clinical education. As the demand for physician assistants continues to increase, so does our responsibility and opportunity to educate the next generation of compassionate, highly skilled healthcare providers.
Growth means more than enrolling additional students. It also involves expanding the program’s faculty and staff, strengthening the curriculum, developing new clinical partnerships and enhancing the learning environment to ensure every student receives the personalized education and mentorship that defines the Elon PA experience.
Most importantly, growth is made possible by the dedicated healthcare professionals who invest their time and expertise in teaching our students. Clinical preceptors are the cornerstone of PA education. Through each rotation, students gain invaluable opportunities to develop clinical reasoning skills, refine procedural techniques, build confidence and learn the art of patient -centered care from experienced clinicians. As the program continues to expand, so does the need for committed p receptors across all specialties and practice settings.
To those who currently precept Elon PA students, thank you. Your investment in Elon’s learners extends far beyond a single rotation and leaves a lasting impact on the future of the profession. If you are an alumnus, healthcare provider or practice interested in becoming involved, we would love to connect with you. Whether serving as a preceptor, sharing your professional journey or helping us identify new clinical partners, there are many ways to support the success of Elon PA students. This inaugural newsletter is another way we hope to strengthen our connection with the Elon PA community. We look forward to celebrating your accomplishments, sharing program updates, highlighting outstanding students and preceptors, and continuing to foster the relationships that make Elon PA so special.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we are preparing the next generation of physician assistants to make a lasting difference in the lives of their patients and the communities they serve.
The Elon PA Program Faculty and Staff