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Guido Pichini, Chairman of the PASSHE Board of Governors; Jennifer Bell, Assistant Professor and Clearfield Clinical Coordinator, Lock Haven University PA Program; Dr. John C. Cavanaugh, Chancellor; and Dr. Michael Fiorentino, President of Lock Haven University. |
PASSHE showcases
LHU Physician Assistant Program
Feb. 20, 2012
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and Chancellor John C. Cavanaugh hosted a luncheon and presentation highlighting Lock Haven University’s Physician Assistant Program.
This event, the first in the PASSHE Enrichment Series showcasing outstanding programs across the state system, took place at the Dixon University Center in Harrisburg on February 1. The PASSHE Enrichment events are designed to showcase the impact of PASSHE on students and on the state; to highlight programs or high demand professions and to show PASSHE’s value in these areas; to offer faculty, student and donor testimonials; and to raise awareness and support for the System.
Guests learned about the Lock Haven University Physician Assistant (PA) Program from a variety of perspectives, including those of a current Physician Assistant first-year student, an employer from Geisinger Health System, a corporate sponsor representative from Highmark, and a faculty member from the Clearfield Campus.
First year student Haley Bridges, of Johnstown, Pa., spoke over a video message played at the event. She thanked everyone for attending and for supporting the Lock Haven University PA Program, and said that her first year in the program has been great. She enjoys the professors, peers, and Lock Haven University and the opportunities that the program brings for her future.
“The energy and excitement generated by discussing the meaning and influence that PASSHE makes on higher education, workforce development and fueling the economy within the Commonwealth was phenomenal,” said PASSHE Chancellor Dr. John C. Cavanaugh. “Sharing the innovative Physician Assistant program we offer through Lock Haven University and the impact it has on students, employers, corporate donors and Pennsylvania’s healthcare was an honor for me.”
The Physician Assistant Program at Lock Haven University is ranked in the top 25 nationwide in U.S. News and World Report’s rankings of graduate programs. Lock Haven University offers the program at its main campus in Lock Haven, at its Clearfield Campus, at the Dixon University Center in Harrisburg, and at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital in Coudersport.
Lock Haven University’s Clearfield Campus Clinical Coordinator, Ms. Jennifer Bell was honored to speak at the event from an instructor’s perspective and also to showcase her journey through the program. When asked about the event she commented, “I want to thank you very personally and sincerely for your support of PASSHE and the Lock Haven University PA Program. The impact of these efforts has been demonstrated by meeting the healthcare needs of underserved populations all across Pennsylvania.”
After the presentations, tours were held in Richards Hall demonstrating the interactive and distance learning classroom and the hands-on laboratory used by the Physician Assistant students.
Lock Haven University offers the only Masters Degree entry level, fully accredited, Physician Assistant program in a publicly funded institution in Pennsylvania. With four campus locations, the program has been recognized for its innovative modular curriculum design that couples high tech with high touch. The program boasts a more than 90 percent first-time pass rate on the national certifying examination. Graduates of the program are highly sought after, with more than 90 percent of graduates having received job offers before graduation. Graduates earn a highly competitive salary with starting salaries of $60,000 to $70,000. Admission to the program is highly competitive with more than 800 applications per year.
Lock Haven University is a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), the largest provider of higher education in the commonwealth. Its 14 universities offer more than 250 degree and certificate programs in more than 120 areas of study. Nearly 500,000 system alumni live and work in Pennsylvania.
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