10/29/2023

PA Program Spotlight: University of Dayton

Hello from the University of Dayton PA Program,

The program was started in 2014 with the support of the Associate Provost of Graduate Programs and Dean, who were looking for ways to expand the health science offerings at the University of Dayton. The development of a PA program fit the mission of the UD Health Sciences Department, looking to provide the highest level of care with a holistic approach, while also serving the community.

Exciting upcoming events include the White Coat Ceremony for the 2024 cohort on December 1, as well as the graduation of our 2023 cohort on December 15. Our most recent graduating class included 38 students, with 37/38 students having passed the PANCE!

It is also an exciting time as we are currently interviewing for our 2026 cohort. Other unique things going on in the program include completion of a 5K to help the 2024 cohort raise funds for their white coats.

Outreach to the community has been a point of emphasis, with the PA students recently going to a local elementary school to educate about the PA profession and about the things we can do. Students have also volunteered in an outreach clinic that provides health services to those in the Dayton community who may not have insurance. The 2025 cohort looks forward to completion of Healer’s Art, a course that the program has completed for many years, which gives students the opportunity to reflect on self-care, grief and loss, courage, and service as a way of life. Students are able to connect with their fellow classmates and faculty, as well as further developing their arsenal of career tools going forward as a PA.

Submitted by Andrew Petry