Overview
A proven record of success
Searching for a respected physician assistant program that will prepare you for a career in medicine? Earn your degree in the nation’s health care industry capital.
For more than 40 years, the mission of Trevecca’s highly respected PA program has remained the same--to prepare professionally competent physician assistants who will use their skills to serve their communities in compassionate ministry.
Trevecca is proud to be home to the first and longest running Physician Assistant Master of Science in Medicine degree in the state of Tennessee. Continuously accredited since 1976, the University has graduated more than 1,000 students who serve in health care careers from across the United States and in countries abroad such as Africa and Mongolia.
According to the Nashville Health Care Council, the city’s health care industry globally generates more than $92 billion in revenue and more than 570,000 jobs. At Trevecca, you can be in the center of it all. Located one mile from downtown, you’ll have access to training at elite medical institutions. The University is committed to holistically investing in the next general of physician assistants.
“Our program equips students to make an impact and influence the world of health care,” says Program Director Bret Reeves. “As Nashville’s fastest growing university, Trevecca is expanding in ways that continually opens doors for our alumni. It’s an exciting time to be a student here. We invite you to be part of it.”
Here’s what to expect:
Superior academics. Benefit from our first-in-class lab that includes eight cadavers exclusively for PA students to use. Receive the instruction needed to excel on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). Throughout the last five years, the average first time PANCE pass-rate for Trevecca students has been 99 percent. Additionally, in recent years our graduates scored above the national average on every organ system section of the exam. Your success is our priority. To that end, we also offer an optional, self-directed preparatory program the semester before classes begin that covers basic and specialized science topics and helps students anticipate and prepare for the level of subject detail needed in the program.
Engaging community. Encounter an individualized learning experience in a missionally minded community. Our highly-trained professors invest in their students both academically and spiritually while intentionally cultivating mentoring relationships. Learn alongside a community of 50 other students within your cohort all working toward the same academic goals. Our cohort model offers a non-competitive environment where peers and faculty offer students constant support as they progress through the program.
Spiritual influence. Earn your degree in an environment that prioritizes compassion, integrity and a biblical worldview. We aim to integrate faith and learning in every area of our curriculum. Throughout the program, Trevecca students participate in learning experiences at The Clinic at Mercury Courts and Room In The Inn, two local organizations that reach Nashville’s medically underserved and homeless population. Our program offers opportunities for clinical experiences at faith-based clinics in urban and rural settings. For students interested in medical missions, we also have extended opportunities to participate in foreign mission trips and clinical rotations in countries such as Zambia, Swaziland and Haiti.
Faculty
General Resources
News
Core Classes
PANCE Data
Trevecca physician assistant students consistently score above the national average on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
View Trevecca's National Certifying Examination Five-Year First Time Taker Summary Report here.
Additional information at a glance:
- Classes of 2016 and 2017 first-time taker pass rate of 100%
- Class of 2017 and 2018 scored above the national mean on every organ system
- Class of 2018 achieved a 100% pass rate
- Trevecca's Class of 2019 first-time test taker pass rate was 5% higher (98%) than the national average (93%)
- The class of 2017 and 2018 scored above the national mean on every organ system exam.
- The class of 2018 achieved a 100 percent pass rate.
- The five-year pass rate for students taking the test for the first time is 99 percent.
Pass rates of first-time test takers
| 5-year national average | 5-year Trevecca graduate average |
| 96% | 99% |
Program Goals
Physician Assistant Program Goals
- Prepare professionally competent Physician Assistants for entry into clinical practice.
- Our current curriculum design focuses on encompassing all PA competencies as put forth by the NCCPA in a manner that facilitates the acquisition of these competencies.
- Refer to the link for Graduates Performance on the National Certification Exam for the Program’s PANCE Pass Rate for the last 5 years. View Trevecca's National Certifying Examination Five-Year First Time Taker Summary Report here
- Maintain a level of first-time PANCE pass rates above the national average.
- Refer to the link for Graduates Performance on the National Certification Exam for the Program’s PANCE Pass Rate for the last 5 years. View Trevecca's National Certifying Examination Five-Year First Time Taker Summary Report here
- Prepare physician assistants who will use their skills in compassionate ministry/service.
- Trevecca’s PA students participate in learning experiences with Mercury Courts Medical Clinic and Room in the Inn which serve the local medically underserved and homeless population throughout the didactic phase of the program.
- Trevecca’s PA students have opportunities to complete clinical rotations with Christ Community Health Fellowship during the clinical phase of the program.
- Trevecca’s PA students have had opportunities to participate in foreign mission rotations and mission trips to areas such as Swaziland.
- Trevecca’s PA graduates have gone on to serve at multiple non-profit medical clinics and sites such as Faith Family Medical Clinic in Nashville, Siloam Family Health Center in Nashville, Christ Community in Memphis, and a facility in the Dominican Republic.
- Prepare physician assistant students to provide patient-centered health care to patients from diverse populations with a commitment to the ethical, legal and regulatory standards as part of an interprofessional collaborative team.
- The program’s curriculum is designed to facilitate the development of these skill sets in our students with courses such as Medical Ethics, Introduction to the Profession and Medical Communications, and incorporating Inter-Professional Education (IPE) experiences and assessments throughout the student’s tenure in the program.
Program Details
Program length
27 months/7 semesters
Total credit hours:
142
Hours per semester:
13-27
Start date:
May 2021
Application deadline:
October 1, 2020
Curricular Components and Additional information:
The program is divided between two phases:
Didactic phase: Consists of 15 months of basic medical science and clinical medicine courses.
Clinical phase: Consists of 8 six-week rotations to be completed in a 12-month period.
- Required rotations are Family Medicine I and II, Pediatrics, Behavioral and Mental Health, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine and General Surgery. Each student will complete an eighth elective rotation in an area of their choosing. It is expected that students accepting admission to the PA Program will accept rotation assignments where and when they are available. Reliable transportation is required. All expenses related to travel, meals and lodging during rotations are the responsibility of the student. Financial planning in this area is important.
Didactic Phase
Summer Semester I
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PAS 5101 | Patient Health Assessment Skills 1 | 2 |
| PAS 5025 | Research Methods and Designs in Medicine | 3 |
| PAS 5301 | Physician Assistant Medical Practice I | 1 |
| PAS 5070 | Applied Anatomy | 4 |
| PAS 5310 | Medical Physiology and Pathophysiology I | 4 |
Total Credit Hours: 11
Fall Semester
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PAS 5080 | Clinical Medicine I | 9 |
| PAS 5090 | Introduction to Psychiatry | 3 |
| PAS 5102 | Patient Health Assessment Skills II | 5 |
| PAS 5201 | Medical Diagnostics and Procedures I | 2 |
| PAS 5302 | Physician Assistant Medical Practice II | 1 |
| PAS 5315 | Medical Physiology and Pathophysiology II | 4 |
| PAS 5340 | Clinical Pharmacotherapeutics I | 2 |
Total Credit Hours: 26
Spring Semester
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PAS 5103 | Patient Health Assessment Skills III | 1 |
| PAS 5202 | Medical Diagnostics and Procedures II | 3 |
| PAS 5140 | Clinical Medicine II | 9 |
| PAS 5170 | Introduction to Surgery | 3 |
| PAS 5290 | Clinical Integration Skills I | 2 |
| PAS 5320 | Medical Physiology and Pathophysiology III | 4 |
| PAS 5345 | Clinical Pharmacotherapeutics II | 4 |
| PAS 5303 | Physician Assistant Medical Practice III | 1 |
Total Credit Hours: 27
Summer Semester II
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PAS 5200 | Introduction to Pediatrics | 3 |
| PAS 5230 | Introduction to Obstetrics and Gynecology | 3 |
| PAS 5240 | Clinical Medicine III | 8 |
| PAS 5250 | Introduction to Emergency Medicine | 3 |
| PAS 5104 | Patient Health Assessment Skills IV | 1 |
| PAS 5291 | Clinical Integration Skills II | 2 |
| PAS 5350 | Clinical Pharmacotherapeutics III | 4 |
| PAS 5203 | Medical Diagnostics and Procedures III | 1 |
| PAS 5304 | Physician Assistant Medical Practice IV | 1 |
Total Credit Hours: 26
Clinical Phase
All clinical rotations are six weeks in duration with a forty-hour per week minimum.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PAS 5280 | Research Seminar | 1 |
| PAS 6000 | Clinical Rotations (block registration) | x |
| PAS 6010 | Family Medicine I | 6 |
| PAS 6020 | Family Medicine II | 6 |
| PAS 6030 | Emergency Medicine | 6 |
| PAS 6050 | Internal Medicine | 6 |
| PAS 6070 | Pediatrics | 6 |
| PAS 6090 | Surgery | 6 |
| PAS 6110 | Behavioral and Mental Health | 6 |
| PAS 6xxx | Elective | 6 |
Total Credit Hours: 49
Student Employment
Students are discouraged from employment while in the PA program. Working often interferes with learning opportunities. Asking for time off or for adjustments to the PA program schedule demonstrates a lack of motivation and interest to everyone and may jeopardize the quality of your educational experience.
Location/Modes
All didactic coursework for the Physician Assistant Master of Science in Medicine degree is required to be taken in person at our Nashville campus. For this particular program, we believe learning happens best when students can directly interact with professors in classroom and laboratory settings, gaining valuable hands-on training throughout courses and lab exercises.
Most clinical rotations occur within 85 miles of campus. Students can choose to participate in a non-local rotation that occurs outside of that range 1-2 times a year. Housing options are available for those who participate in a more remotely located clinical rotation.
Full-time attendance is required to complete the program. The program is not offered part-time. Students are strongly encouraged to make financial plans accordingly. Students are discouraged from employment while in the PA program, as working interferes with learning opportunities.
Outcomes/Careers
Trevecca’s physician assistant alumni are equipped to practice medicine with a commitment to ethical, legal and regulatory standards. Students finish the program prepared to serve their communities in various capacities. Many go on to use their skills in compassionate ministry or service roles. A number of graduates are currently serving at non-profit medical clinics and sites such as Faith Family Medical Clinic in Nashville, Siloam Family Health Center in Nashville, Resurrection Health in Memphis and a facility in the Dominican Republic.
Students are trained to offer patient-centered health care to patients from diverse populations as a part of an inter-professional collaborative team. The program’s curriculum is designed to facilitate the development of these skill sets in our students with courses such as Medical Ethics, Introduction to the Profession, and Medical Communications; and incorporating Inter-Professional Education (IPE) experiences and assessments throughout the student’s tenure in the program.
The occupation of serving as a physician assistant is projected to grow and provide ample career opportunities in the next decade. According to the United States Department of Labor, as demand for health care services grows, physician assistants will be needed to provide care to patients. “Physician assistants will have growing roles in all areas of medicine as states expand allowable procedures and autonomy, and as insurance companies expand their coverage of physician assistant services,” the department says.
Financial Aid & Costs
| Tuition per Semester | Credit Hours | Hours per Semester | Program Duration | Total Educational Package (tuition, fees and other costs) |
| $13,185 | 142 | 13-27 | 27 months | $92,300 |
Trevecca’s total educational package includes all tuition, fees and costs required of the program, with the exception of a lab coat and medical instruments. This all-inclusive price allows students to accurately know their total costs before entering the program.
The total education package includes:
- E-textbooks
- Hard copy of 2-3 books
- Educational resources
- File charges
- Cadaver expenses
- Rotation fees and preceptor payments
- Clinical rotation remote housing (when applicable)
Refund Policy
Admissions
The physician assistant program aims to develop graduates who can function as fully competent physician assistants and who are capable of fulfilling the Hippocratic duty “to benefit and do no harm.” As a result, it is important that individuals admitted to the program possess the intelligence, integrity, compassion, humanitarian concern and physical and emotional capacity necessary to practice medicine. The admissions process includes requirements in academics, patient care, PA shadowing, submission of references and a background check and completion of the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) application.
Trevecca University PA Program Attrition Data
(ARC-PA Student Attrition Template)
Graduated Classes |
Current Classes |
||||
Class of 2018 |
Class of 2019 |
Class of 2020 |
Class of 2021 |
Class of 2022 |
|
Maximum entering class size (as approved by ARC-PA) |
50 |
50 |
50 |
50 |
50 |
Entering class size |
48 | 51 | 54 | 45 |
50 |
Graduates |
43 | 46 | 53 | ||
* Attrition rate |
0.104 | 0.098 | 0.018 | 0.022 |
0.040 |
**Graduation rate |
0.895 | 0.902 | 0.981 | ||
Footnotes:
*Attrition rate calculation: Number of students who attritted from cohort divided by the entering class size.
**Graduation rate: Number of cohort graduates divided by the entering class size.
Comments:
Class of 2018 entering class size includes 46 new students and 2 reentering students from the Class of 2017.
Class of 2019 entering class size includes 48 new students and 3 reentering students from the Class of 2018.
Class of 2020 entering class size includes 50 new students and 4 reentering students from the Class of 2019.
Class of 2021 entering class size includes 45 new students.
Class of 2022 entering class size includes 50 new students. 1 student from the Class of 2022 will be reentering with the Class of 2023.
Class of 2021 and Class of 2022 attrition rates are as of 1/28/2021.
Applicant requirements
Updated 8/2/2021: Due to continued restrictions related to COVID-19, the Admissions Committee at Trevecca's PA program has updated its admissions policy addendum effective August 2, 2021. Please click on the link below to review the updated policies. These updated policies supersede all previous COVID-19 policy addendums.
COVID-19 Admissions Policy Addendum
1. Academics
- GPA requirement, cumulative undergraduate: 3.25 or greater
- GPA requirement, cumulative science: 3.25 or greater on all coursework
- GRE minimum score: 300 from a combined best score in the verbal and quantitative sections of the test (the writing component is not included.)
- An official test score must be submitted directly to CASPA (use code #0532) prior to October 1. Without an officially posted score, the application will not be reviewed. These scores are believed to indicate sufficient academic ability for successful completion of the program. We do not include the written portion of the test in the required 300 or greater score. - While any undergraduate major is acceptable, those with biology or chemistry majors will be the best prepared for the rigorous demands of the program.
Due to a large number of applicants, not all students meeting the minimum requirements will receive an interview. Candidates should endeavor to obtain the highest GPA and GRE scores possible. With any grade lower than a “B,” the applicant should retake the course in order to reflect a grasp of the material and a capability of rigorous coursework. Entering students of the last three years have significantly exceeded the minimum requirements. For example, the statistics for the cohort of 2021 include the following scores:
- General GPA 3.7
- Science GPA 3.76
- BCP GPA (Bio/Chem/Physics) 3.6
- GRE combined score of 307
Prerequisite courses
Applicants must successfully complete all of the following program prerequisites, regardless of the undergraduate degree or major.
- Human Anatomy and Physiology with lab – 8 hours
- General Chemistry I and II with lab – 8 hours
- Microbiology with lab - 3 or 4 hours
- General Psychology – 3 hours
- Developmental Psychology (Growth and Development or Lifespan) – 3 hours
- Medical Terminology – minimum 1 hour/certificate
No online or hybrid science prerequisites will be accepted. Science courses labeled as "survey" or "introductory" will not be accepted (for clarification, please contact us for approval). You may only use online course options to complete psychology requirements and/or medical terminology.
Abnormal Psychology cannot be substituted for the Developmental Psychology prerequisite. Child Development or Lifespan Psychology is considered a substitute for Developmental Psychology. It is important that normal psychological development across the lifespan be covered in the course. We do not accept Immunology, Genetics, or Cellular & Molecular Biology for the Microbiology prerequisite, although these classes are recommended as additional courses. Mammalian Anatomy can satisfy the Human Anatomy requirement.
Due to the competitiveness of the selection process, all applicants are encouraged to take as many additional upper-level science courses as possible. Not only do the courses provide information on academic performance, but they also assist in preparation for the rigorous program. The successful completion of these additional courses will assist in your competitiveness.
- Organic Chemistry
- Immunology
- Pathophysiology
- Genetics
- Molecular or Cellular Biology
- Biochemistry
Any science prerequisite class taken seven years prior to the month of May of your matriculate year will require a refresher course. A refresher course is qualified by repeating the full course or, in the case of a two-semester course, repeating at least one-half of the course. An applicant may only be exempt from taking a refresher course if they have consistently worked in an academic or commercial setting (as a chemist or biologist--see below), where the material covered in the course was utilized on a routine basis. A description of specific course exemptions is included below. When in question, repeating the course is recommended. Please contact the program for clarification on specific courses if needed.
Science prerequisites with their exemption criteria:
- Chemistry: Academic or Commercial Chemist
- Anatomy/Physiology: Academic or Commercial Human Biologist
- Microbiology: Academic or Commercial Biologist/Microbiologist
Pending courses: For an applicant to present themselves most competitively, it is mandatory that two or fewer required science courses be pending for the spring semester prior to matriculation. This allows the admissions committee the ability to accurately assess the applicant’s academic performance at the time of an interview.
2. Patient care
All applicants must log at least 250 hours of direct patient care. All direct patient care hours must be logged at the time of submitting your application. This allows the admissions committee to process your application at first review and schedule earlier interviews. In the opinion of the PA program faculty, past medical experience provides a framework upon which students can build and facilitate the expansion of medical knowledge. We do not accept updates sent directly to the program.
Positions that qualify for direct patient care hours include: medical assistant, patient care technician, surgical technician, first assistant, scribe, CNA, LPN, RN, EMT/paramedic, OT/PT or OT asst./PT asst., AT-C, phlebotomist, RT, ER technician, lab technician (if phlebotomy or direct patient care is the majority of job description), clinical pharmacy technician (with high percentage of patient exposure) and clinical dietician.
Positions that do not qualify are personal care assistant, pharmacy technician without clinical exposure, unit clerk, camp counselor, counselor and social worker. Clinical hours obtained while working towards a prior degree are not to be submitted in the application as direct patient care. Direct patient care hours should be obtained while an employee in one of the above accepted clinical positions. In addition, we will accept hours accrued under “volunteer” status in any of the above, accepted position titles.
3. Shadowing of a physician assistant
Shadowing of physician assistants is required for admission. Applicants should log a minimum of 10 hours at the time of application. This provides sufficient insight as to the role and duties of practicing physician assistants and is believed to be an accurate indicator of an individual’s desire and commitment to the profession. Shadowing may be logged from multiple physician assistants. All hours logged should be obtained via direct clinical observation and not on the basis of a personal relationship. Mission field shadowing may be utilized as long as you were working alongside a PA in a medical setting. Please do not duplicate shadowing hours as direct patient care hours. The program will not accept hour updates via email.
4. References
A total of three recommendations is required. One recommendation must be from a physician assistant. This PA should be one whom the applicant has worked alongside in a clinical setting through observation, shadowing or prior work experience.
5. Background statement
Through the CASPA portal, an applicant must self-report any misdemeanor, felony, and/or dismissals. If at a later time an incident is discovered that was not reported, the applicant is subject to possible revoking of an offer or acceptance into Trevecca’s PA program. A certified background check will also be performed prior to matriculation and any positive report is also cause for the revoking of an offer or acceptance.
Trevecca Pre-PA Pathway
Beginning with the CASPA admission cycle of April 2020, we will be giving preference to students who complete our Trevecca Pre-PA Pathway and/or the Early Assurance Process of the Trevecca PA Program. Visit the Pre-PA Pathway page to learn more.
How to apply
The PA program utilizes the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). Students who wish to apply to the physician assistant program must submit the application and documentation to CASPA.
- Early applicants should apply as early as possible upon opening of the application cycle in April. Remember that all shadowing and direct patient care hours must be logged at the time of submitting your application.
- Applications must have a completed status in CASPA by October 1 and must include the following documentation. If you have questions as to status determination per CASPA, please notify its help desk for clarification.
- Official transcripts from all schools attended. DO NOT send transcripts to the program during the application process.
- Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation. One recommendation must be completed by a physician assistant.
- An official score from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) must be logged on the CASPA application prior to October 1. The Designated Institution Code for Trevecca Nazarene University is #0532.
- Applicants must submit all transcripts and scores directly to CASPA. If you are offered a seat in the program an official transcript will be requested in the spring prior to matriculation.
- No advanced placement is given to any student regardless of academic background.
- No transfers of PA students are considered.
- Questions? Contact the PA Admissions office at (615)248-1303 or tvines@trevecca.edu to reach Teresa Vines, PA Admissions Coordinator.
- For questions concerning the CASPA application process, please contact CASPA directly at 240-497-1985 or e-mail apply@caspaonline.org.
International students
Trevecca welcomes international students to apply to our program. Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take an examination of their English language ability. The test required is the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and a minimum score of 550 is required on the paper-based test and 213 on the computer-based test. On the computer-based TOEFL, we require a total score of 80 with 20 on each section (listening, speaking, reading and writing).
You are also required to submit your foreign coursework to a US-based evaluation service for a course-by-course US equivalency report. This report should then be sent directly to CASPA from the evaluation service. We recommend you contact a foreign transcript evaluation service as early as possible. Services can take several weeks to process your transcript(s) once received. The following are foreign evaluation vendors our applicants have used in the past. This list is not all-inclusive and we do not recommend or endorse any particular vendor or service.
- World Education Services (WES), Inc.
- Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
- Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
- International Education Research Foundation, Inc.
- Educational Perspectives
All regular admission requirements must be completed. Fifteen (15) semester hours must be completed in a United States accredited institution. Nine of the 15 hours must be prerequisite science courses. Trevecca’s Certification of Financial Support must be on file at the time an I-20 form is issued. International students will have the same financial policy applied to them as any other student does. Only international students with a valid immigration student status of F-1 will be permitted to register.
Info Session
Interested in learning more?
Join us for an Info Session where you can hear from professors and students from the program.
In-Person Info Sessions (in the Quick Lecture Hall)
- Feb 28 at 6 p.m.
- March 22 at 12 p.m.
- April 27 at 12 p.m.
Virutal Info Sessions
- February 22 at 7 p.m.
- March 30 at 10 a.m.
- April 25 at 12 p.m.
Accreditation
Trevecca’s physician assistant program has maintained continuous accreditation since its inception more than 40 years ago. The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the physician assistant program of Trevecca Nazarene University, sponsored by Trevecca Nazarene 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 2023. 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 by clicking here.
Preceptors
“I’ve been a preceptor to Trevecca PA students for many years now. The faculty prepares them well. My patients love how thorough and professional they are during history taking and physical exams. I highly recommend becoming a preceptor to share your experience and knowledge with these newcomers to our profession.”
Robert M. Tomsett Jr., PA-C
Owner / Provider GracePointe Healthcare PLLC
Trevecca partners with medical professionals who can offer hands-on training to PA students. Locally licensed physician assistants, nurse practitioners, doctors of medicine and doctors of osteopathic medicine are invited to apply to serve as clinical preceptors.
Why be a preceptor?
- Invest in the next generation of health care providers.
- Become eligible as a regular preceptor to receive a precepting stipend.
- Evaluate possible future employees.
- Add educational component to CV.
- Opportunity for guest lecturing.
- Earn CME credits.
- Access to Trevecca’s online and campus library resources.
- Students bring great energy and enthusiasm to your practice.
What are the responsibilities?
- “See one. Do one. Teach one.” Introduce students to new skills and procedures.
- Offer training to master’s-level PA students for a six-week 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.
What sets Trevecca’s PA program apart?
- Trevecca is home to the first and longest running Physician Assistant Master of Science in Medicine degree in the state of Tennessee. Continuously accredited since 1976, the University has graduated more than 1,000 students who’ve gone on to serve successfully in a wide variety of health care careers.
- Throughout the last five years, the average first time PANCE pass-rate for Trevecca students has been 99 percent. Additionally, in recent years our graduates scored above the national average on every organ system section of the exam.
- Our program emphasizes both academic excellence and a mindset of compassion and integrity.
How can I become a clinical preceptor?
Complete the online interest form, and we will be in touch soon with more information.
Testimonials
“The Trevecca PA program was the most challenging but profound academic endeavor I’ve ever achieved. I finished fully prepared, ready to face the real world of medicine and patients, and most importantly equipped to face that world as the hands and feet of Christ in medicine. That is what the program is all about.” Whitney Hanor, ’14
“Trevecca taught me how to truly care for my patients physically, emotionally and spiritually. I had never been pushed so hard academically, yet I always felt accepted and respected even if I wasn't at the top of my class.” Elizabeth White, ’19
“Trevecca's program provided me with excellent training through the didactic and clinical phases. The faculty and preceptors were knowledgeable and compassionate. And God used my international rotation to confirm my desire to serve as a missionary.” Marisa Smith, ’17
“Trevecca’s PA program set me up for success as I began my career in Nashville. The program’s reputation is positive, and that has been extremely helpful throughout my professional journey.” Caroline Royalty, ’14
“I could not be more grateful for my experience at Trevecca. The program not only provided me with the medical skills and knowledge needed to be a competent PA, but expanded my ability to face challenges, deepened my faith, gave me life-long friendships and ultimately helped me become a better version of myself.” Jocelyn Benton, ’18
“I have felt supported during the good times and bad at Trevecca. I truly believe both the faculty and my classmates want to see me succeed and I want the same for them. It is a family environment of people who push each other to be their best.” Mary Kathryn Lunceford-Levesque, ’20
“Trevecca’s PA program has exceeded my expectations. The faculty members are outstanding--they truly care about their students and strive to see each person in the program succeed academically, professionally and as a whole person. My favorite aspect is the faith-based learning. By starting each day with a devotion, we are constantly reminded about what is most important--Jesus. I cannot imagine going through PA school anywhere else. Trevecca feels like home and my class feels like family.” Jenna Mulder, ’20
“I will never forget the support that I received from my peers and professors. Through this program, I established faith in the Lord, a devotion to medicine and a mission to help people.” Xiaohui Brotzge, ‘19
Pre-PA Pathway
Trevecca offers a Pre-PA Pathway that allows students to tailor their undergraduate academic experience in order to prepare a competitive PA school application and maximize success in Trevecca’s PA program, where students earn a Master of Science in medicine. Program coursework meets the prerequisites for the University’s PA program and provides additional coursework to promote success. This pathway consists of the courses required for a major in biology with a minor in chemistry, along with defined upper-level electives focused on building a solid foundation for PA school.
FAQs
When is the application deadline? What items must be completed by that date? (see COVID policy for exceptions)
When are interviews conducted, and when should I expect to receive an invitation to interview?
When can I expect to hear about an admissions decision?
What is considered an early application?
Are factors such as volunteer work within underserved populations considered in the admissions process?
Can I send you my current transcript demonstrating completion of a course?
Who is required to write my recommendation letters?
Can I submit additional recommendation letters?
Can I apply before accruing all of my patient care and shadowing hours? (see COVID policy for exceptions)
How recent must my GRE scores be?
I have a master’s degree. Do I still need to take the GRE?
If prerequisite coursework is repeated, would the admissions committee consider only the most recent grade, or would multiple courses be averaged?
Do you accept transfer credits from another PA program?
Do you accept Advanced Placement (AP) credit?
Do you accept online courses or hybrid classes that offer labs on campus and lectures online? (see COVID policy for exceptions)
Do you have a bridge program?
Tour
Physician Assistant Virtual Tour
General Campus Tour
Overview
A proven record of success
Searching for a respected physician assistant program that will prepare you for a career in medicine? Earn your degree in the nation’s health care industry capital.
For more than 40 years, the mission of Trevecca’s highly respected PA program has remained the same--to prepare professionally competent physician assistants who will use their skills to serve their communities in compassionate ministry.
Trevecca is proud to be home to the first and longest running Physician Assistant Master of Science in Medicine degree in the state of Tennessee. Continuously accredited since 1976, the University has graduated more than 1,000 students who serve in health care careers from across the United States and abroad.
According to the Nashville Health Care Council, the city’s health care industry globally generates more than $92 billion in revenue and more than 570,000 jobs. At Trevecca, you can be in the center of it all. Located one mile from downtown, you’ll have access to training at elite medical institutions. The University is committed to holistically investing in the next general of physician assistants.
“Our program equips students to make an impact and influence the world of health care,” says Program Director Bret Reeves. “As Nashville’s fastest growing university, Trevecca is expanding in ways that continually opens doors for our alumni. It’s an exciting time to be a student here. We invite you to be part of it.”
Mission Statement
The Physician Assistant Program exists to prepare professionally competent physician assistants who will use their skills to serve their communities in compassionate ministry.
Here’s what to expect:
Superior academics. Benefit from our first-in-class lab that includes eight cadavers exclusively for PA students to use. Receive the instruction needed to excel on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). Throughout the last five years, the average first time PANCE pass-rate for Trevecca students has been 99 percent. View Trevecca's National Certifying Examination Five-Year First Time Taker Summary Report here. Additionally, in recent years our graduates scored above the national average on every organ system section of the exam. Your success is our priority. To that end, we also offer an optional, self-directed preparatory program the semester before classes begin that covers basic and specialized science topics and helps students anticipate and prepare for the level of subject detail needed in the program.
Engaging community. Encounter an individualized learning experience in a missionally minded community. Our highly-trained professors invest in their students both academically and spiritually while intentionally cultivating mentoring relationships. Learn alongside a community of 50 other students within your cohort all working toward the same academic goals. Our cohort model offers a non-competitive environment where peers and faculty offer students constant support as they progress through the program.
Spiritual influence. Earn your degree in an environment that prioritizes compassion, integrity and a biblical worldview. We aim to integrate faith and learning in every area of our curriculum. Throughout the program, Trevecca students participate in learning experiences at The Clinic at Mercury Courts and Room In The Inn, two local organizations that reach Nashville’s medically underserved and homeless population. Our program offers opportunities for clinical experiences at faith-based clinics in urban and rural settings. For students interested in medical missions, we also have extended opportunities to participate in foreign mission trips and clinical rotations in countries such as Zambia, Swaziland and Haiti.