Press Release: Idaho State University’s Physician Assistant Program Achieves Historic Ranking
POCATELLO, ID – Idaho State University (ISU) proudly announces that its Physician Assistant (PA) program has achieved an unprecedented ranking of 26th among U.S. graduate PA programs, according to U.S. News & World Report. This marks a significant leap from its previous ranking of 50th and secures ISU’s position in the prestigious “U.S. News Best Graduate Schools” award, amidst more than 300 PA programs nationwide.
The PA program, which also collaborates with the College of Idaho, offers a comprehensive 24-month Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree. Emphasizing clinical excellence and a student-centered approach, the program utilizes advanced telepresence technology, enabling delivery across three Idaho campuses. It is renowned for its faculty engagement and commitment to community health enhancement.
In March, the program received a full 10-year accreditation renewal, underscoring its long-standing reputation for training skilled physician assistants. Program Director Jared Papa remarked, "This ranking showcases our relentless pursuit of excellence and our impact on healthcare." Papa emphasized the program’s dedication to producing compassionate healthcare providers who are prepared to serve diverse communities.
Additionally, the Idaho legislature has allocated $17 million for facility upgrades, alongside $3 million for medical laboratory science programs. A new life sciences building on the Pocatello campus is set to begin construction this August, enhancing educational infrastructure and accommodating more students.
The PA program also benefited from various grants, enabling the training of students in rural Idaho to address healthcare disparities. Through initiatives like the PACARE grant, the program prepares students for rural practice, demonstrating ISU’s commitment to improving healthcare access across the region.
As ISU continues to advance PA education, the program exemplifies the university’s dedication to meeting the healthcare workforce needs of Idaho.
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