Randolph-Macon’s Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program welcomed its second cohort of students on Jan. 2, beginning their 24-month graduate studies. The new students join the inaugural cohort — which is beginning clinical rotations this month— in a program that integrates contemporary health science education and inter-professional training alongside elements of liberal arts and community service.

The cohort is made up of 24 total students, including three RMC alumni. Of those students, 17 are from Virginia, with others hailing from Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, South Carolina, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin.

The RMC PA curriculum recognizes challenges in healthcare around strained health systems, health equity gaps, provider burnout, and reduced patient-provider connections, and strategically addresses these issues through targeted training in patient engagement, cultural competence, telemedicine, self-care, and burnout prevention.

The program aims to cultivate a diverse student body comprising academically qualified PA matriculants, and this cohort successfully attains multiple significant benchmarks toward that objective:

• 33% of the class is the first generation in their family to attend college.
• 25% of the class is from a medically underserved area or an HPSA (health professional shortage area).
• An overall class GPA of 3.61

This program’s comprehensive preparation ensures that students not only meet the academic requirements but are also poised to make meaningful contributions to their communities through their enhanced skills and holistic approach to healthcare. Upon successful completion, graduates will emerge equipped to pass the national certifying exam and secure state licensure.