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Graduates of the Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program at the �����Թ� Science Center at San Antonio School of Health Professions have earned 100 percent first-time pass rate on the National Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

The Master of Physician Assistant Studies Class of 2015 consisted of 43 graduates and is the third cohort in the last five years to achieve 100 percent first-time pass rate on the PANCE exam. The five-year, first-time-taker pass rate for the Health Science Center PA program is 94 percent, the same as the national average.

“We are very proud of our students and the 100 percent first-time pass rate is a testament to their hard work and preparation,” said Barbara Quillin, MPAS, PA-C and PA program director. “We are committed to preparing successful graduates to meet the workforce demand of this fast-growing health care profession.”

A PA is a nationally certified and state-licensed medical professional. PAs practice medicine on healthcare teams with physicians and other providers. PA is one of the fastest growing health care professions with employment growth rate of 38 percent between 2011 and 2022, according to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2015, PA has been ranked as the “Best Job in America” by Glassdoor and as one of the top 10 best jobs by U.S. News and World Report.

The Health Science Center’s PA program is a rigorous 30-month program that prepares excellent health care providers through an interprofessional curriculum, extensive clinical rotations, laboratory experiences and research. Students also have the opportunity to participate in outreach programs that emphasize community service and health care in the rural and underserved areas of South Texas.