If you want a great PA program, this is the place.
Take the first step toward a career as a physician assistant (PA). University of the Cumberlands' Williamsburg program offers domestic and international students the opportunity to grow in their knowledge, expertise, and experience in the medical field. With expert professors and hands-on learning, the training you receive at UC will prepare you for a career as a PA and ensure your success whether you work in a hospital or a clinic. You don't have to be a doctor to help your community have better health. Explore all that a Master's in Physician Assistant Studies at UC in Williamsburg has to offer!
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Curriculum & Degree Requirements
Our accredited Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program is designed to teach you the skills you need to provide medical care to patients. The program can be completed in as little as 27 months.
Requirements include 113 credit hours total, 68 of which are earned through didactic coursework in traditional classroom and laboratory settings. All didactic coursework takes place on campus.
Courses
The remaining 45 credit hours are comprised of 10 clinical rotation courses, and additional research and professional development courses designed to prepare the graduate for entry into clinical practice.
Clinical rotation experiences are designed to provide physician assistant program students with supervised experiences that will enable the student to:
- Assess, diagnose, and manage common acute and chronic problems.
- Provide preventative health and health maintenance.
- Integrate with other members of the health care team.
- Utilize evidence based practices/principles as part of the Physician-PA student team.
- Record and communicate medical data in an organized, intelligent process.
- Identify role limitations and indications for referral and consultation.
- Develop skills and habits necessary for life-long learning.
- Provide compassionate, culturally competent healthcare to all patients.
Clinical Rotation Courses
- MPAS 600 - Family Medicine I
- MPAS 605 - Family Medicine II
- MPAS 610 - Emergency Medicine- Clinical Rotation
- MPAS 620 - Internal Medicine I
- MPAS 692 - Capstone I
- Rotation 1 (4 hours)
- Rotation 2 (4 hours)
- Rotation 3 (4 hours)
- Rotation 4 (4 hours)
- MPAS 625 - Internal Medicine II
- MPAS 630 - Pediatrics
- MPAS 640 - Psychiatry- Clinical Rotation
- MPAS 650 - Surgery- Clinical Rotation
- Rotation 6 (4 hours)
- Rotation 7 (4 hours)
- Rotation 8 (4 hours)
- MPAS 660 - Women’s Health
- MPAS 670 - Clinical Elective
- MPAS 680 - Professional Development
- MPAS 693 - Capstone II
- Rotation 9 (4 hours)
- Rotation 10 (4 hours)
Program Competency | Description | Evidenced by: |
Clinical and Technical Skills | A PA that is competent in Clinical and Technical Skills provides person-centered care that includes patient- and setting-specific assessment, evaluation and management, and healthcare that is evidence-based, supports patient safety, and advances health equity. | 1. Successful completion of the MPAS 530-533 Patient Assessment courses. 2. Successful completion of the MPAS 505-506 Medical Procedures courses. 3. Successful completion of the summative OSCE that occurs during the didactic phase. 4. Successful completion of the OSCE component of the summative evaluation that occurs during the clinical phase. 5. Completion of the Master Competency List (MCL) component of the summative evaluation that occurs during the clinical phase. |
Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving Abilities | A PA that is competent in Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving Abilities synthesizes and analyzes pertinent clinical data to diagnose and implement appropriate management plans for diverse populations across the lifespan. | 1. Successful completion of the MPAS 530-533 Patient Assessment courses. 2. Successful completion of the MPAS 501-503 Integration Seminar courses. 3. Successful completion of the summative OSCE that occurs during the didactic phase. 4. Successful completion of the MPAS 600-670 SCPE courses. 5. Successful completion of the OSCE component of the summative evaluation that occurs during the clinical phase. |
Interpersonal and Communication Skills | A PA that is competent in Interpersonal and Communication Skills effectively exchanges information and collaborates with patients, their families, and health professionals. | 1. Successful completion of the MPAS 530-533 Patient Assessment courses. 2. Successful completion of MPAS 581 Health Care Issues I course. 3. Successful completion of the summative OSCE that occurs during the didactic phase. 4. Successful completion of the MPAS 600-670 SCPE courses. 5. Successful completion of the OSCE component of the summative evaluation that occurs during the clinical phase. 6. Successful completion of a program designed Interprofessional Experience (IPE) activity. |
Medical Knowledge | A PA that is competent in Medical Knowledge demonstrates an understanding of established and evolving biomedical and clinical sciences and the application of this knowledge to patient care. | 1. Successful completion of MPAS didactic courses with a final letter grade of “C” or above. 2. Successful completion of MPAS 600-660 SCPE courses. 3. Successful completion of the exam component of the summative evaluation (The PAEA End of Curriculum Exam) that occurs during the clinical phase. |
Professionalism | A PA that is competent in Professionalism is committed to practicing medicine in ethically and legally appropriate ways and emphasizing professional maturity and accountability for delivering safe and quality care to patients and populations. | 1. Achievement of an at or above benchmark scores on the professionalism assessment component of the summative evaluation that occurs during the clinical phase (i.e. the Summative Professional Assessment Tool (SPAT)) 2. Achievement of an at or above benchmark cumulative average score for the Professional Practice component of the Preceptor Evaluation of the Student (PES) for MPAS 600-670. 3. Successful completion of the MPAS 550, 581, 582, 591, 680, 692, 693 courses. |
*Table updates with available data each October for the most recent cohort data.
PA Information Sessions
Register for one of our upcoming information sessions, meet our faculty members and learn more about our PA program.
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Admission Information
Application and Interview Process
Admission to the Williamsburg Campus MSPAS Program at University of the Cumberlands is competitive. The Physician Assistant Program reviews each applicant who has completed and submitted each component of the admission material and meets the academic requirements. All applicants that meet admissions requirements are awarded points using an applicant score sheet. Consideration is given based on BCP GPA (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), documented clinical experience, letters of recommendation, and applicant residence. Applicants who reside in Appalachia, or a medically underserved area, and those who have completed hours at UC receive additional points on the score sheet.
The application cycle opens in April and closes August 1st each year.
After the applicant score sheets are completed for those that meet all requirements, the score sheets and application materials are utilized to determine invitations to online interviews. Any student who has completed the Pre-professional Physician Assistant curriculum or has obtained a Bachelor's degree from University of the Cumberlands and met all admission requirements will be given an interview regardless of their application ranking. Applicants invited to an interview, including those who have completed the Pre-professional Physician Assistant curriculum and UC graduates, are not guaranteed admission to the graduate program. All admission and interview materials will be used to select a cohort of 30 qualified candidates.
Because admission information is updated regularly, applicants should verify current requirements linked on the program website. Please review admission requirements prior to submitting an application.
UC MSPAS program application cycle opens in April each year. The deadline for the cycle is August 1st. All admissions material must be verified by this deadline.
Interviews are conducted by Physician Assistant Program faculty and instructors, along with relevant UC administrators. Both individual and group interviews are utilized. Notification of interview is sent to the email submitted on the CASPA WebADMIT system by the applicant. The Physician Assistant Program will send an interview notification at least one week prior to the dates set.
* International students seeking to study in the Physician Assistant program under an F1 student visa can only apply to study at our Williamsburg, KY campus.
Technical Standards
Individuals applying to the University of the Cumberlands Physician Assistant Program at the Williamsburg campus or Northern Kentucky campus must meet certain basic/essential requirements (referred to as the Technical Standards) that are necessary for obtaining employment and performing as a Physician Assistant. The Technical Standards each student must master include cognitive, physical and behavioral characteristics. Reasonable accommodation for persons with documented disabilities will be considered on an individual basis; but, a candidate must be able to perform in an independent manner. All students must possess the intellectual, ethical, physical, and emotional capabilities required to undertake the full curriculum and to achieve the levels of competence required by the program's core faculty. The following skills are required of each Physician Assistant student, with or without accommodation:
- Sufficient capacity for observation in academic, clinical, and other medical settings; functional vision, hearing, and tactile sensation sufficient to observe a patient’s condition and perform procedures regularly required during a physical examination
- Effective written and verbal communication skills sufficient to both academic and healthcare settings
- Sufficient motor function to carry out movements necessary for patient diagnosis and care; for free movement inpatient care and between facilities and buildings in academic and healthcare environments; physical stamina to complete didactic and clinical coursework
- Sufficient intellectual ability to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, and synthesize, in the context of medical problem-solving and patient care
- Sufficient emotional health and stability are required for exercising good judgment and promptly completing all academic and patient care responsibilities
Please see full technical standards in the MSPAS Catalog & Policy Handbook (Williamsburg Campus).
Admission Requirements
NOW OFFERING ROLLING ADMISSIONS
The CASPA Application Cycle for our Williamsburg program opens the last Thursday of April each year, and closes on August 1.
Curriculum for the physician assistant program at our Williamsburg Campus is open to applicants who have earned, or will earn, by the end of the fall semester prior to spring semester entry, a baccalaureate degree and have met, or will have met, by the end of the fall semester prior to spring semester entry, the following prerequisites.
In addition, the committee has determined that just as a UC 3-2+ student who meets minimum requirements will be guaranteed an interview in that application cycle, any UC student enrolled in a military program with the intention to become a military PA and meets requirements will also be guaranteed an interview in the year in which they apply.
***The following admissions requirements must be completed by the application deadline of August 1 unless otherwise noted.
Official Transcript Information: In accordance with University of the Cumberlands admissions policies and procedures, those students selected for admission to the MSPAS program at either the Williamsburg campus or the Northern Kentucky campus are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities previously attended. These transcripts must be received directly from the college/university. Student-submitted copies are not acceptable. Transcripts should be mailed directly to:
Graduate Admissions Office
649 S. 10th Street Suite C
Williamsburg, KY 40769
Phone: 606.539.4390
Toll-free: 800.343.1609 ext. 4390
Email: gradadm [at] ucumberlands.edu (gradadm[at]ucumberlands[dot]edu)
Transcripts must be received prior to the scheduled class matriculation date or class standing will be revoked. Failure to submit the mandatory transcripts or fulfill any other requirements specified in a conditional offer of admission to the program, prior to the scheduled class matriculation will result in withdrawal of the conditional offer.
Transfer and Course Credit Policy: No transfer credit will normally be accepted for courses in the MSPAS program at either the Williamsburg campus or the Northern Kentucky campus.
The University of the Cumberlands Physician Assistant Program does not grant advanced placement to students or applicants.
- Completed CASPA application
- Completed PA Supplemental Application – Once an applicant’s CASPA Application has been verified and reviewed, a link to the Supplemental Application will be provided via email
- An earned bachelor’s degree with an overall cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0
- A minimum average of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 in required pre-requisite courses. Pre-recs must have a grade of C or better.
- A minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in the combined Biology, Chemistry, Physics (BCP) as figured by Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).
- Ability to fulfill any university admission requirements
- Successful completion (as defined above) within ten years prior to admission of the following undergraduate science courses:
- Anatomy with lab (Human preferred)- 3 semester hours or more
- Physiology with lab (Human preferred)- 3 semester hours or more
- Microbiology with Lab- 3 semester hours or more
- Medical Terminology
- Upper Level Science Electives - 6 credit hours (Select from Genetics, Embryology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Advanced Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Histology, Parasitology, Virology, Organic Chemistry II, Analytical Chemistry, any upper level Pharmacology course)
- General Chemistry 1 and 2 with labs- 3 semester hours or more
- Organic 1 or Biochemistry
- Psychology (Abnormal or developmental preferred)- 3 semester hours or more
- Statistics- 3 semester hours or more
Direct Patient Contact Hours: The purpose of patient contact experience is to provide prospective students an introduction to medicine allowing the aspiring applicant exposure to medical terminology, common normal and abnormal findings, as well as introduction to critical thinking. It also allows for exposure to team-based care where they will encounter a variety of health care providers and how they work together for patient care. Lastly this provides the aspiring PA students ability to build professionalism skills such as communication, rapport, and accountability. The purpose of PA shadowing experience is to provide prospective students an understanding of the physician assistant profession as a unique member of the health care team. This allows the prospective student to have an understanding of the profession prior to enrollment. To achieve this, any patient care experience and PA shadowing that meets criteria will have to have occurred in specific locations as outlined below:
Patient Care Experience is paid or unpaid direct patient care and/or observation of medical care occurring in a defined healthcare setting: outpatient clinic, inpatient (hospital, nursing home, long term facility), acute care (urgent treatment facility, emergency room, and prehospital acute care), perioperative care (pre-op, operating room, and post op care in both inpatient and outpatient surgery).
PA shadowing experience is direct observation of a physician assistant in the delivery of health care with patients and other members of the healthcare team.- Submission of 3 letters of recommendation (Acceptable references: MD, DO, PA, or NP as well as academic advisors)
- Successful completion of an interview with and positive recommendation from program faculty
*We do not offer advanced placement/accept transfer credit for prior PA coursework.
- If admitted: Student will be required to complete a satisfactory level 1 background check, urine drug screen, and physical exam with documentation of required immunizations:
- Proof of TB Test (positive results will require the students to receive a chest x-ray and further evaluation)
- Proof of Hepatitis B vaccine and positive Hep B Ab (titer)
- Proof of MMR vaccine or immunity
- Proof of Varicella history or vaccination
- Proof of Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis vaccine
- Proof of Covid-19 vaccination
- Annual influenza vaccine while on clinical year
- Proof of Meningococcal vaccine
- Pneumococcal polysaccharide PPV vaccine**
**These vaccinations are not required by the program based on current CDC guidelines. If a clinical site requires these vaccinations, students must comply with facility guidelines.
- Demonstration to program principal faculty of ability to meet the following technical standards:
- Sufficient capacity for observation in academic, clinical, and other medical settings; functional vision, hearing, and tactile sensation sufficient to observe a patient’s condition and perform procedures regularly required during a physical examination
- Effective written and verbal communication skills sufficient to both academic and healthcare settings
- Sufficient motor function to carry out movements necessary for patient diagnosis and care; for free movement inpatient care and between facilities and buildings in academic and healthcare environments; physical stamina to complete didactic and clinical coursework
- Sufficient intellectual ability to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, and synthesize, in the context of medical problem-solving and patient care
- Sufficient emotional health and stability required for exercising good judgment and promptly completing all academic and patient care responsibilities
** Waivers will be considered by the admissions committee on a case-by-case basis. If requesting a waiver for one of the admissions criteria, please contact the MSPAS program. Under no circumstances will the minimum requirements for entrance to the program be waived.
Undergraduate students interested in applying for early admission into the university’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program must have declared as a freshman and complete all course work as 3-2+ at UC. We do not accept transfer students into the 3-2+ pathway. View our Pre-Physician Assistant academics page for more information on that major.
Additionally, students must complete all requirements of the General Education curriculum for undergraduates as outlined in the University of the Cumberlands undergraduate academic catalog. (You can find the catalog on our website.) Admission is made during the third year of undergraduate study. Must complete all admission criteria by the time of matriculation. We allow applicants to have courses in progress at time of application. Completion of the Pre-PA curriculum does not ensure acceptance into the MSPAS program.
Students who complete the Pre-Professional PA curriculum but do not continue on to the professional phase of the PA program will need nine hours of biology, five hours of chemistry and sixteen hours of electives to complete a major in biology. Alternatively, they can complete a Biology of Science degree in Independent Directions with a focus on applied health sciences. A third alternative is to complete a Bachelor of General Studies degree. Information on these alternatives may be found elsewhere in the University of the Cumberlands’ Undergraduate catalog.
Students who successfully complete the pre-physician assistant curriculum and are accepted into the MSPAS program are awarded a Bachelor of Health Science degree by the University after the successful completion of the first year of didactic coursework in the MSPAS program. Students are then awarded the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree after the successful completion of the second year of coursework.
In addition to the admissions requirements noted above for general applicants, the following courses are required prior to application for Pre-professional students:
- BIOL 113 - Intro. to Population Biology Lab.
- BIOL 114 - Intro. to Cellular Biology Lab.
- BIOL 121 - Medical Terminology
- BIOL 133 - Intro. to Population Biology
- BIOL 134 - Intro. to Cellular Biology
- BIOL 244* - Human Physiology OR BIOL 443 - General Animal Physiology
- BIOL 246 - Biodiversity
- BIOL 340 - Genetics
- BIOL 343 - Human Anatomy
- BIOL 345 - Microbiology
- CHEM 111 - General Chemistry Lab. I
- CHEM 132 - Chemistry 1 w/ lab- 3 semester hours or more
- CHEM 211 - General College Chemistry Lab. II
- CHEM 232 - Chemistry 2 w/ lab - 3 semester hours or more
- CHEM 321 - Organic Chemistry Lab. I
- CHEM 322 - Organic Chemistry I
- Upper Level Science Electives - 6 credit hours (Select from Genetics, Embryology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Advanced Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Histology, Parasitology, Virology, Organic Chemistry II, Analytical Chemistry, any upper level Pharmacology course)
- Psychology (3 credit hours)
- Statistics
*preferred
University of the Cumberlands Pre-Physician Assistant students are not guaranteed admission to the PA program; however, pre-professional UC students that meet all requirements for admission will automatically be granted an interview. Each PA applicant that meets all admissions requirements is graded using an admissions rubric that awards points based on academic performance, geographic location of the applicant, clinical work experience, and letters of recommendation.
In addition, the committee has determined that just as a UC 3-2+ student who meets minimum requirements will be guaranteed an interview in that application cycle, any UC student enrolled in a military program with the intention to become a military PA and meets requirements will also be guaranteed an interview in the year in which they apply.
Direct Patient Contact Hours: The purpose of patient contact experience is to provide prospective students an introduction to medicine allowing the aspiring applicant exposure to medical terminology, common normal and abnormal findings, as well as introduction to critical thinking. It also allows for exposure to team-based care where they will encounter a variety of health care providers and how they work together for patient care. Lastly this provides the aspiring PA students ability to build professionalism skills such as communication, rapport, and accountability. The purpose of PA shadowing experience is to provide prospective students an understanding of the physician assistant profession as a unique member of the health care team. This allows the prospective student to have an understanding of the profession prior to enrollment. To achieve this, any patient care experience and PA shadowing that meets criteria will have to have occurred in specific locations as outlined below:
Patient Care Experience is paid or unpaid direct patient care and/or observation of medical care occurring in a defined healthcare setting: outpatient clinic, inpatient (hospital, nursing home, long term facility), acute care (urgent treatment facility, emergency room, and prehospital acute care), perioperative care (pre-op, operating room, and post op care in both inpatient and outpatient surgery).
PA shadowing experience is direct observation of a physician assistant in the delivery of health care with patients and other members of the healthcare team.
*Students will need a minimum of 500 hours of paid employment or volunteer hours; must include a minimum of 50 hours PA shadowing.
Documentation of language fluency for non-native speakers of English, such as a score report from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the 8 International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or a report from Duolingo. This requirement is waived for students who have completed bachelor’s or master’s level coursework in the U.S. at an accredited institution. The minimum acceptable TOEFL or IELTS scores for admission are:
- Paper-based TOEFL (PBT) - 550
- Internet-based TOEFL (IBT) - 79
- IELTS - 6
- Duolingo - 100
Any international coursework completed must have official transcript evaluations completed and submitted to the University by the evaluation firm. Evaluations MUST include GPA for admission.
Approved Evaluation Firms are:
Tuition
At University of the Cumberlands, we strive to make education accessible and affordable.
Program Metrics
| Class | Class Graduation Year | Number of First Time Takers | Program First Time Taker Pass Rate | National First Time Taker Pass Rate for the Class Graduation Year |
| Cohort 3 | 2019 | 28 | 86% | 93% |
| Cohort 4 | 2020 | 27 | 93% | 95% |
| Cohort 5 | 2021 | 29 | 83% | 93% |
| Cohort 6 | 2022 | 26 | 88% | 92% |
| Cohort 7 | 2023 | 26 | 100% | 93% |
| Cohort 8 | 2024 | 27 | 93% | 93% |
Five-year first-time taker average pass rate for the program: 90%
Five-year national first-time taker average: 93%
| Graduated Classes | Class of 2021 | Class of 2022 | Class of 2023 | Class of 2024 |
| Maximum entering class size (as approved by ARC-PA) | 30 | 30 | 31 | 30 |
| *Entering class size | 30 | 30 | 31 | 30 |
| Graduates | 29 | 26 | 26 | 27 |
| ** Attrition rate | 3% | 13% | 16% | 10% |
| ***Graduation rate | 97% | 87% | 84% | 90% |
*This includes the number of joining class cohort who began with different cohort.
**Attrition rate calculation: Number of students who attritted from the cohort divided by the entering class size.
***Graduation rate: Number of cohort graduates divided by the entering class size.
| Cohort | Williamsburg MSPAS Job Placement Rate at 6 Months Post-Graduation* |
| 2020 | 100% |
| 2021 | 0% (only 1 respondent) |
| 2022 | 100% |
| 2023 | TBD 2024 |
*Rates are based on answers of those responding to the job placement survey.
PA Student Resources
The Williamsburg campus PA program is housed in the 1st & 2nd floors of the Correll Science Complex.
Course Catalogs
Classrooms
Classrooms
The physician assistant program has two lecture classrooms, all specifically dedicated to the department's use inside the Correll Science Center. Classrooms have a seating capacity of 30 students.
Laboratories
Laboratories
The physician assistant program has two laboratories built specifically for the department.
- The Procedures/Skills Laboratory is used for patient procedure simulations.
- The Physical Assessment Laboratory houses our Anatomage "cyber-dissection" table used during the laboratory portion of our anatomy course and other components of the curriculum.
Student Lounge
Student Lounge
A lounge for the physician assistant program students is located in the upstairs corridor of the Correll Science Building. Furnished in the lounge are lockers, cabinets, a refrigerator, a microwave, and a sink.
Common Questions
A Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) at the University of the Cumberlands' Williamsburg Kentucky campus is an advanced program that prepares students to become skilled healthcare providers. The curriculum is designed to ensure students gain the comprehensive medical knowledge and practical experience necessary to deliver primary care, working in tandem with licensed physicians. Through rigorous coursework and clinical rotations, students are equipped with the essential skills and credentials.
The MSPAS program at the University of the Cumberlands spans approximately 27 months. This duration encompasses both on-campus didactic instruction and hands-on clinical rotations, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education that combines theoretical learning with practical application.
No, the MSPAS program at the University of the Cumberlands is exclusively available on-campus at their Northern Kentucky and Williamsburg locations. The program's structure includes vital hands-on clinical training and laboratory work that cannot be effectively replicated in an online format.
Absolutely, pursuing an MSPAS from the University of the Cumberlands is a sound investment. The field of physician assistants is experiencing significant growth, with high demand for qualified professionals, excellent job prospects, and competitive salaries. With an average salary of $121,530 and an industry growth rate of 31%, a career as a physician assistant is both financially and professionally rewarding.
Graduates with an MSPAS from the University of the Cumberlands can pursue careers as physician assistants in various medical fields, including primary care, family medicine, emergency medicine, psychiatry, and surgery. PAs are trained to examine, diagnose, and treat patients, perform diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and provide patient education about health conditions and treatments.
To enroll in the MSPAS program at the University of the Cumberlands, you must first complete a bachelor’s degree and meet specific prerequisite coursework and entrance exam requirements. Once admitted, you will undergo 113 credit hours of both classroom-based and clinical education. After completing the program, you must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) to become a certified physician assistant.
Library Resources
Available to PA students through the electronic resources supported by the Grover M. Hermann Library are many electronic and online databases to which the library subscribes. The databases have become a major segment of the learning resources available on campus and provide scholarly support for all academic programs, including those in the medical field. Most of these databases include full-text journals and other information resources.
Of the available electronic resources, those that are considered particularly useful to the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program consist of the following:
- Encyclopedia of Environmental Microbiology
- Encyclopedia of Molecular Biology
- CINAHL
- CINAHL with Full Text
- Health Source-Consumer Edition
- Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe
- MEDLINE
- Oxford Reference Online
- Wilson Web OmniFile Full Text Mega
- Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
The collaborative agreements of KYVL members facilitate access of students of University of Cumberlands to other libraries and expedite no-fee interlibrary loans from member institutions.
The library catalog, with all electronic resources, may be accessed on-campus or off-campus through the library's website. Also available on the library’s homepage are links to online forms for interlibrary loan requests and to tutorials on accessing and using library resources.
Chelsea Brooks, PA-CI really loved my time in the PA program in Williamsburg. The small class size allowed for the faculty to really invest in us, and they went above and beyond to help us succeed. In such a rigorous program, it helped to have an environment that felt like a home away from home!
MSPAS '19
PA Program Goals
- Outcome:
1A: The Program has exceeded the minimum benchmark for the last three admission years (cohorts 2024, 2025, 2026) at 80%, 83%, and 100% of students who have identified themselves as residing in the medically underserved regions in each incoming Cohort.
1B: The Program has been intermittent at meeting the minimum benchmark for the last three admission years but have improved over the last year (cohorts 2023, 2024, and 2025) at 40%, 20%, and 45% of students, respectively, identifying as Appalachian residency.
- Outcome:
2A: Students of cohort 2019-2024 have inconsistently demonstrated medical knowledge acquisition through academic score achievement on nationally benchmarked examinations however have improved in performance over the last academic year's assessments in most areas, including PACKRAT I (PR I), PACKRAT II (PR II), and PANCE. Most recent cohort 2025’s PACKRAT I at or above national average content and task areas: Cardiology, Dermatology, Endocrinology, Hematology, Neurology, Orthopedics/Rheumatology, Urology/Renal and Using Lab and Diagnostic Studies, and Basic Scientific Concepts. Most recent cohort 2024’s PACKRAT II content and task areas at or above national average: Cardiology, Endocrinology, EENT/Ophthalmology, Hematology, Infectious Disease, Orthopedics/Rheumatology, Psychiatry/Behavioral Health, Using Lab and Diagnostic studies, History Taking and Performing Physical Exam, Health Maintenance, and Basic Scientific Concepts. Overall Program First-time test taker PANCE rate is 91% for the most recent five cohorts (2010-2024) of data. Most recent cohort 2024 PANCE First Time Test Taker Pass Rate: 93% Most recent available data for cohort 2023’s PANCE at or above national average content and task areas: Dermatology, EENT/Opthalmology, Gastrointestinal/Nutrition, Neurology, Reproductive, Pulmonology, Renal, and Genitourinary, Clinical Therapeutics, History Taking and Performing Physical Examination, Forming Most Likely Diagnosis, Using Lab and Diagnostic Studies, and Basic Scientific Concepts.
2B: All students in cohorts 2022, 2023, and 2024 have been given scores above the minimum benchmark for Applying Basic Science Concepts, Health Maintenance, Patient Education, and Preventative Measures by their preceptors on the PES.
2C: Ninety-four percent of students of cohort 2023 positively appraised their acquisition of medical knowledge in both the didactic year and on the exit survey. All of the Cohort 2024 students positively appraised their acquisition of medical knowledge in the didactic year and on the clinical year. Ninety-two percent of students of cohort 2025 positively appraised their acquisition of knowledge in the didactic year. The Cohort 2025 clinical year data and Cohort 2026 didactic year data will be available October of 2025.
Outcome:
3A: Cohort 2022, 2023, and 2024 scored below national average in H & P, Lab and Diagnostics, Clinical Therapeutics, Clinical Interventions, and Forming the Most Likely Diagnosis areas on PACKRAT I. Cohort 2025 had improved scores of at or above national average in Lab and Diagnostics on PACKRAT I. Cohort 2022 task areas were all below national average, Cohort 2023 scores were at or above national average in all tasks. Cohort 2024 continued at or above scores in the Lab & Diagnostic Studies, History Taking and Performing Physical Exam task areas on PACKRAT II. Students have scored consistently above the national average on PANCE. Students of Cohort 2020, 2021, and 2022 have scored below the national average in Lab and Diagnostics, Clinical Interventions, and Forming the most likely Diagnosis on PANCE. Students of Cohort 2020, 2021 have scored above the national average in Clinical Therapeutics on PANCE. The program's most recent cohort 2023 data available shows students have improved scores on PANCE with Clinical Therapeutics, Forming Most Likely Diagnosis, Lab & Diagnostic Studies and History Taking and Performing Physical exam all at or above national average on PANCE. Cohort 2024 PANCE data, Cohort 2025 clinical phase data, and Cohort 2026 didactic data will be available October 2025.
3B: Overall average for End of didactic OSCE is above the minimum benchmark of 75% for students of cohort 2025, and when stratified by task areas by a number of students in each respective cohort 2023, 2024, and 2025, all students scored above 75% on History taking, more than half of the cohort scored above 75% on Using Diagnostic and Laboratory Studies, Formulating Most Likely Diagnosis, Clinical Interventions, and less than half of the cohort scored 75% or above on the performing physical exam, and Pharmaceutical Therapeutics tasks. Overall average for the summative OSCE is above the minimum benchmark of 75% for students of cohort 2024, and when stratified by task areas by a number of students in each respective cohort 2022, 2023, and 2024, more than half of the cohort scored above 75% on Using Diagnostic and Laboratory Studies, performing physical exam, Formulating Most Likely Diagnosis, and less than half of the cohort scored 75% or above and Pharmaceutical Therapeutics tasks, and Clinical Interventions, Students of Cohort 2022, 2023, and 2024 consistently had cohort average PES scores above the minimum benchmark in all assessed cohorts. Outcome data for didactic Cohort 2026 and clinical Cohort 2025 will be available October 2025.
3C: All students of Cohorts 2022, 2023, and 2024 have positively appraised their competency acquisition of clinical and technical skills necessary to provide competent medical care on the NCCPA Self-Evaluation of Competencies exit survey. Outcome data for Cohort 2025 will be available October 2025.
- Outcome:
4A: In cohort 2021, 44% of the class, in Cohort 2022-48% of the class, and in Cohort 2023-58% Cohort 2024-56% of the class scored at or above the national average on the professional practice task area on the PANCE. Outcome data for Cohort 2025 will be available October 2025.
4B: Analysis of Cohort 2022’s, 2023’s, and 2024’s students’ Preceptor Evaluation of the Student (PES) data reveals students achieving above minimum benchmark in all the following areas: Professional Practice and Patient Education. Outcome data for Cohort 2025 will be available October 2025.
4C: All students of Cohort 2022, 2023, and 2024 have positively appraised their interpersonal and communication skills on the NCCPA Self-Evaluation of Competencies exit survey. Outcome data for Cohort 2025 will be available October 2025.
- Outcome:
5A: In cohort 2021, 44% of the class, in Cohort 2022-48% of the class, and in Cohort 2023-58% Cohort 2024-56% of the class scored at or above the national average on the professional practice task area on the PANCE. Outcome data for Cohort 2025 will be available October 2025.
5B: Cohorts 2024, 2025, and 2026 have demonstrated working collaboratively in interprofessional patient-centered teams through IPE Assignment in the didactic year. Clinical Cohorts 2021-2024 have 93% or greater logging of IPE exposure on EXXAT during the Clinical year. Clinical Cohorts have Professional Practice PES scores above the minimum benchmark, supporting adequate IPE exposure in all cohorts. Outcome data for didactic Cohort 2027 and clinical Cohort 2025 will be available October 2025. - 5C: All students of Cohort 2022, 2023, and 2024 have positively appraised their ability to work collaboratively in interprofessional patient-centered teams on the NCCPA Self-Evaluation of Competencies exit survey. Outcome data for Cohort 2025 will be available October 2025.
- Outcome:
6A: In cohort 2021, 44% of the class, in Cohort 2022-48% of the class, and in Cohort 2023-58% Cohort 2024-56% of the class scored at or above the national average on the professional practice task area on the PANCE. Outcome data for Cohort 2025 will be available October 2025.
6B: Students of Cohort 2022, 2023, and 2024 have demonstrated knowledge and skills to provide medical care regarding issues that affect diverse populations with the achievement of scores above the minimum benchmark in the Professional Practice and Caring for Diverse Populations sections of the Preceptor Evaluation of the Student (PES). Outcome data for Cohort 2025 will be available October 2025.
6C: All students of Cohort 2022, 2023, and 2024 have positively appraised their ability to provide medical care regarding issues that affect diverse populations on the NCCPA Self-Evaluation of Competencies exit survey. Outcome data for Cohort 2025 will be available October 2025.
Physician Assistant Faculty Experts
Learn more about the professors you will interact with in our physician assistant program.
Dr. Dana Campbell
Dr. Dana Campbell
Contact Information
Dr. Geogy Thomas
Dr. Geogy Thomas
Contact Information
Accreditation
In addition to our overall institutional accreditation through SACSCOC, the PA program in Williamsburg, KY, has received accreditation from specialized accrediting bodies. The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the University of the Cumberlands Physician Assistant Program sponsored by the University of the Cumberlands. 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 2029. 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.
Want to Learn More About our Program?
Let us know you're interested, and we'll connect with you to answer all the questions you have.
Become a UC Physician Assistant Preceptor!
The University of the Cumberlands Physician Assistant Program is always interested in recruiting skilled and experienced MDs, DOs, PAs, and NPs to educate our students during the clinical phase of the program's curriculum. Our students complete supervised clinical experiences (also known commonly as “clinical rotations”) in family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, women's health, pediatrics, behavioral and mental health, general surgery, and a clinical elective of the student's choice.
Do you remember the provider that inspired you? Become a UC PA Preceptor and impact healthcare one student at a time.
- Invest in the next generation of PAs
- Become eligible as a regular preceptor to receive a precepting stipend
- Evaluate possible future employees
- Add an educational component to your CV
- Serve in a guest lecturing role in the classroom
- Earn CME credits
- Add energy and enthusiasm to your practice through student participants
- “See one. Do one. Teach one.” Introduce students to new skills and procedures
- Offer training to master’s-level PA students for a clinical rotation
- Provide feedback on student performance
- Share opportunities and knowledge gained during practice
- Be an example of professionalism
- Grow a student’s communication skills
- Connect students with professionals in other areas
- Set the student’s schedule based on the provider’s schedule
If you would like more information about our preceptor opportunities, please contact the UC PA clinical team.
Dr. Tye Prewitt, DMSc, MSPAS, PA-C
Director of Clinical Education | Assistant Professor
tye.prewitt [at] ucumberlands.edu (tye[dot]prewitt[at]ucumberlands[dot]edu)
Mrs. Whitney Losey
Clinical Coordinator
whitney.losey [at] ucumberlands.edu (whitney[dot]losey[at]ucumberlands[dot]edu)
If you are interested in becoming a preceptor with University of the Cumberlands, please complete this form: