Physician Assistant Program
College of Health Sciences
Bethel's physician assistant studies program graduates go on to be compassionate healthcare professionals who practice medicine within an ethical framework grounded in Christian principles.

Welcome
Welcome to the Bethel University Physician Assistant Program (BUPAP). We have developed an innovative and comprehensive curriculum that will maximize your learning experience as a physician assistant student. BUPAP will confer a Master of Science degree in physician assistant studies upon completion of the 27-month educational program. Our program consists of 12 months of didactic education and 15 months of clinical experience.
Information Sessions
The BUPAP hosts information sessions four times a year in March, May, June, and August.
2022 Information Session Dates:
- Tuesday, March 15
- Friday, May 13
- Tuesday, June 7
- Friday, August 26
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 paprogram@bethelu.edu..
Questions and RSVPs should be sent to the Admissions Coordinator at paprogram@bethelu.edu.
Accreditation Status
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Bethel University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Bethel University. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.
Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be March 2024. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy.
The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at here.
Student Society (SAAAPA)
The mission of the Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (SAAAPA) is to foster the personal and professional development of physician assistant students, encourage educational excellence, and advocate for student and professional issues.
The purpose of the society shall be to serve as the official organization for the students to promote academic achievement, clinical excellence, the physician assistant as a member of the health care delivery team.
For more information about the PA Program Student Society, call (731) 407-7663.
Contact Us
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.
PA Program
Paris Campus, Bethel University
302B Tyson Avenue, Paris, TN 38242
(731) 407-7650
paprogram@bethelu.edu
Meet the Faculty and Staff
Please feel free to reach out to any of our faculty or staff with questions. We're here to help.
See All Faculty and StaffAmy R. Belyew
CHS Clinical Manager
(731) 407-7653belyewa@bethelu.eduMichelle K. Thomas
PA Department Manager
(731) 407-7662thomasm@bethelu.eduKristin Kibbler
Clinical Recruiter, Physician Assistant Program
kibblerk@bethelu.eduHannah Hutson, MSPAS, PA-C
Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant Program
(731)407-7659hutsonh@bethelu.eduLezlie Burden, MSPAS, PA-C
Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant Program
(731) 407-7654burdenl@bethelu.eduTrent Scates, M.S.S., M.S., PA-C
Program Director and Associate Professor, PA
(731) 407-7651scatest@bethelu.eduTonya Nash, MSPAS, PA-C
Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant Program
(731) 407-7665nasht@bethelu.eduKelly T. Rawls, MSPAS, PA-C
Admissions Director; Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant Program
(731) 407-7658rawlsk@bethelu.eduKathryn Bloodworth, BA
Admissions Coordinator, Physician Assistant Program
(731) 407-7655bloodworthk@bethelu.eduChristy Lankford, BSN, MSPAS, PA-C
Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant Program
(731) 407-7664lankfordc@bethelu.eduCindy Laux, MS, MSPAS, PA-C
Clinical Director, Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant Program
(731) 407-7666lauxc@bethelu.eduDaniel Patrick Brown, MSPAS, PA-C
Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant Program
(731) 407-7656brownd@bethelu.eduJ.R. Allison, MD
Medical Director, Asst. Professor, Physician Assistant Program
(731) 407-7652allisonj@bethelu.eduJanet Peeler
Academic Manager, Physician Assistant Program
(731) 407-7660peelerj@bethelu.eduKerri Smith, MSPAS, PA-C, ATC
Associate Director & Academic Director, Physician Assistant Program
(731) 407-7663smithk@bethelu.eduSandy Atwill, MAEd
Recruitment Associate Director, Physician Assistant Program
(731) 407-7657atwills@bethelu.edu
Professional Licensure
Please note that the Bethel University Physician Assistant Program meets the requirements for professional licensure in Tennessee as well as all states recognize all accredited programs.