Physician Assistant Articles

The School of Nursing & Health Sciences held two white coat ceremonies in August: one celebrating the Class of 2026 as its members transitioned from students to physician assistants and the other welcoming the Class of 2027 into the clinical phase of their education.

Pennsylvania College of Technology has approved enhancements to the selective admissions process for its physician assistant program. Four key changes that align with the college’s strategic priorities of recruitment, retention and graduate education growth will be implemented for Fall 2028 applicants.

Three members of Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives visited the college’s true-to-life physician assistant labs this week, learning more about how Penn College educates future health care practitioners.

Twenty-six physician assistant students in their clinical year recently completed mock interviews with Center for Career Design staff and physician assistant program alumni.

First-year physician assistant student Kara M. Emrich, of Harrisburg, was a recipient of the Thomas J. Lemley Award for Health Disparities. Emrich accepted the award at the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Associates annual conference on Nov. 1.

Pennsylvania College of Technology has appointed Melissa E. Sedor as its physician assistant program director.

Pennsylvania College of Technology has presented student achievement awards to its Summer 2025 graduates. Commencement ceremonies were held Aug. 9 at the Journey Bank Community Arts Center, Williamsport. Penn College is a special mission affiliate of Penn State.

A day before Saturday’s Summer Commencement ceremonies, students graduating with Master of Science and combined Bachelor/Master of Science degrees in physician assistant studies were celebrated during a “white coat ceremony.” White coat ceremonies are long-held traditions in many medical and physician assistant programs and symbolize the transition from student to health care provider.

More than 140 students have petitioned to graduate from Pennsylvania College of Technology following the Summer 2025 sessions. A commencement ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Journey Bank Community Arts Center, with 89 students expected to march in the proceedings.

Penn College’s physician assistant program celebrated PA Week – observed annually Oct. 6-12 – with an outdoor pizza lunch for its students on Monday. PA Week is promoted by the American Academy of Physician Associates to celebrate all that physician associates/assistants (PAs) have accomplished, highlight the care they provide, and elevate the profession.