Randolph-Macon College’s Physician Assistant (PA) Program welcomed its first cohort of students on January 3, 2023 for its 24-month masters in PA program!
This exciting step into graduate health science education represents the College’s endeavor to address gaps in healthcare delivery and equity by creating a model for PA training that targets current and evolving health system, provider, and patient needs.
The 24-month RMC PA Program authentically combines fully-modern health science preparation and inter-professional training with infusions of liberal arts and community service: Imagine narrative medicine rounds with PA students and undergraduates, and service learning activities with volunteer groups composed of PA students, undergraduates and community leaders.
Our news reports frequently tell us that health systems are strained, health equity gaps are widening, providers are burning out, and that patients feel diminished connections with their care providers. The RMC curriculum will specifically target these trends via focused preparations in patient engagement / cultural competence, telemedicine, self-care, and burnout prevention.
Physician Assistants (PAs) are essential members of our healthcare systems, trained to deliver patient-centered care of the highest quality to individuals of all ages and from every background. PAs work in public and private environments, in the U.S. Military, and in many countries around the world. Most PA training programs are 24 to 30 months in length, including didactic (classroom and preclinical) and clinical rotation phases. Upon completion of accredited program requirements, a graduate degree is conferred. In order to practice in the U.S., eligible graduates must pass a national certifying exam, obtain state medical licensure, and meet continuing medical education requirements. More than 160,000 PAs have received national certification since 1975.
PAs report very high job satisfaction, and “Physician Assistant” is consistently ranked as one of the top 3 healthcare careers in the U.S. There are over 300 PA programs in the U.S. as of 2023, and our wonderful profession continues to grow and evolve.
For admissions-specific questions, please contact (804) 752 – 8850 or paadmissions@rmc.edu. For all other inquiries, please contact (804) 752 – 8878 or pa@rmc.edu.
Please use this form to request periodic information regarding open house announcements, admissions updates and more. If you have further questions about the information on our website, please email pa@rmc.edu.