Shaping Clinicians Who Lead with Skill and a Servant Heart
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.
Curriculum
Bethel's PA Program is designed to deliver the essential academic and clinical education necessary to prepare students for their professional roles and to satisfy the eligibility requirements to sit for the PA certification examination (PANCE). Didactic courses are conducted in person. Clinical courses are conducted primarily in person, with possible telemedicine experiences in which preceptors are present in the room.
Didactic Year
Study is divided into three didactic semesters over a 12-month period and four clinical semesters over a 15-month period. All students will complete 147 credit hours during the 27 month program, as outlined in their Didactic Handbook. The student will complete 86 credit hours during the Didactic Year. Course placement within the didactic year is subject to change.
Clinical Year
The clinical phase of the program consists of eleven rotations that must be completed to satisfy degree requirements. The eight core rotations consist of seven (7) directed rotations from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), with a second Family Medicine rotation. The remaining 3 rotations are electives that can be completed in disciplines of the core rotations or subspecialties of Internal Medicine or Surgery. Rotations are scheduled by the clinical department at qualified locations with an available clinical site. Elective rotations may be completed in a student’s hometown or hub area as available.
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