General Information

The Shenandoah University Physician Assistant program is an accredited seven semester, 27-month graduate-level program leading to a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree.  The PA program, along with Shenandoah’s other health professions programs (athletic training, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy and respiratory care), offers a high-quality education in modern classrooms and laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment and technology. The charter Physician Assistant class of 16 students was accepted in the fall of 2001. Shenandoah University is located in historic Winchester in the northern Shenandoah Valley. Shenandoah University is within easy driving distance of Washington, DC (75 miles); Richmond, VA (133 miles); and Baltimore, MD (96 miles).  The area offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation including hiking and camping at the nearby Shenandoah National Park.

The Physician Assistant program is located on the campus of the Winchester Medical Center, a 411-bed regional referral hospital, which is part of Valley Health System and is one of the nation's 100 top hospitals. This location allows the PA program access to the outstanding clinical and teaching resources of the medical center and its affiliates. (Click here to view map of campus.) Our core faculty are experienced educators and have national reputations in the physician assistant or medical professions.

Physician Assistants (PAs) are health professionals, prepared to practice medicine with physician supervision. Within the physician/PA relationship, physician assistants exercise autonomy in decision making and provide a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. The role of the physician assistant includes provision of primary and specialty care in medical and surgical practices located in rural, urban or suburban areas. Physician assistant practice is patient care centered, but may include education, research and administration duties. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment outlook for physician assistants is very good.

The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) is the national organization that represents graduate PAs. The Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (SAAAPA) serves the interests of student physician assistants. Shenandoah’s PA program maintains close contact with the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), the national organization representing physician assistant education.

Candidates are urged to carefully review application requirements before applying.  

Candidates are strongly encouraged to attend one of the information sessions held in conjunction with graduate program open houses at Shenandoah University. The next scheduled information sessions are October 25, November 15, January 24, and February 28.

Reservations for the information sessions are suggested and can be made by calling the PA Program at 540-542-6208.  Click here to view directions and agenda for the information sessions.