Physician Assistant Program

The Bethel University Physician Assistant Program offers a rigorous, mission-centered education designed to shape both the skill and character of future healthcare providers. Located in West Tennessee, about two hours from Nashville and Memphis and just an hour from Jackson, the program combines the academic depth of a university setting with the personal connection of a small, close-knit learning community. Students benefit from individualized mentorship, strong peer collaboration, and a faculty deeply committed to professional and personal growth.

This 27-month program confers a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and includes 12 months of intensive didactic instruction followed by 15 months of diverse clinical experiences. With a 96 percent first-time PANCE pass rate, the program is outcomes-focused and grounded in Christian principles that emphasize compassionate, ethical practice. Bethel PA students are trained to navigate the demands of today’s healthcare system while embodying humility, compassion, and a servant’s heart.

The BUPAP hosts information sessions four times a year in March, May, June, and August.

2026 Information Session Dates:

• Friday, March 6, 2026
• Wednesday, May 13, 2026
• Monday, June 1, 2026
• Thursday, August 6, 2026

All information sessions begin at 10:00 AM Central Standard Time and will be held virtually, via Zoom. These sessions are designed to present general information about our PA Program and the Physician Assistant profession.

If you are interested in attending, please complete the registration form and email it to paadmissions@bethelu.edu.

Questions and RSVPs should be sent to the Admissions Coordinator at paadmissions@bethelu.edu.

The PA Program Office is located at the address below, adjacent to the Henry County Medical Center Diagnostic Center and across Tyson Avenue from the Henry County Medical Center in Paris, Tennessee, approximately 18 miles north of the Bethel University main campus in McKenzie, Tennessee.

Bethel University Physician Assistant Program
Paris Campus, Bethel University
302B Tyson Avenue, Paris, TN 38242
(731) 407-7650
paprogram@bethelu.edu

At its March 2024 meeting, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) placed the Bethel University – TN Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Bethel University on Accreditation-Probation status until its next review in March 2026.

Probation accreditation is a temporary accreditation status initially of not less than two years. However, that period may be extended by the ARC-PA for up to an additional two years if the ARC-PA finds that the program is making substantial progress toward meeting all applicable standards but requires additional time to come into full compliance. Probation accreditation status is granted, at the sole discretion of the ARC-PA, when a program holding an accreditation status of Accreditation - Provisional or Accreditation - Continued does not, in the judgment of the ARC-PA, meet the Standards or when the capability of the program to provide an acceptable educational experience for its students is threatened.

Once placed on probation, a program that fails to comply with accreditation requirements in a timely manner, as specified by the ARC-PA, may be scheduled for a focused site visit and is subject to having its accreditation withdrawn.

Specific questions regarding the Program and its plans should be directed to the Program Director and/or the appropriate institutional official(s).

The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at https://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-bethel-university-tn/.