Weber State graduates its maiden class of physician assistants

OGDEN — Several weeks ago, Weber State University marked an institutional milestone by welcoming its largest-ever student body of 32,000-plus students for the fall 2024 semester.

Now the Ogden-based public university is celebrating another historic first — graduating its inaugural cohort of physician assistants to a local workforce desperate for well-trained health care providers.

Last Friday, 19 WSU students were awarded master's degrees in physician assistant studies almost two years after beginning their graduate medical studies.

"I'm incredibly proud of this inaugural cohort and the program we've built together," said Sandra Stennett, program director and chairwoman of the Department of Physician Assistant Medicine, in a university release. "This group set a high standard of excellence, laying the foundation for a lasting legacy."

WSU's Dumke College of Health Professions launched the physician assistants program in January 2023 following several years of planning. The accredited 24-month program focuses on primary care and hospital internal medicine, one of the most valued medical specialities in the country.

A physician assistant is a licensed health care professional who cares for patients under the supervision of a physician. They are trained to perform a variety of essential patient-care tasks — including physical exams, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, managing treatment plans and even assisting with surgery.

Weber State's industry-driven program is designed to equip its future physician assistants with the high-demand skills necessary for fast transition from education to employment.

It's also the sort of university training program that state lawmakers believe Utah needs to be producing in greater abundance through its vast higher education system.

Over the next decade, the number of physician assistants practicing across the country is projected to grow 28%, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

And it's a high-paying job: The profession's median annual salary is over $130,000.

Weber State's inaugural PA graduates are now eligible for national board certification — the next step to becoming licensed to practice medicine.

The school's physician assistant program accepts 20 new students each year.

A second full cohort started the program in January and will begin clinical rotations next month. A third full cohort will begin studying at WSU next month.

Besides WSU, three schools in the state offer a physician assistant degree: the University of Utah, Utah Valley University and Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.

WSU's PA grads pursuing wide-ranging options

The initial cohort of Weber State-produced physician assistants are expected to pursue divergent career paths.

Graduate Zachary Sink is exploring several specialities — including pediatrics, oncology or psychiatry.

The Provo native told the Deseret News that he's grateful for a WSU faculty "that pushed us outside of our comfort zones."

The skills he developed through simulated patient interaction and identifying differential diagnosis, he added, will serve him well in his day-to-day practice..

He's also grateful to be part of the WSU's medical education history.

"It's exciting to be pioneers and to set the standards for others," he said.

Graduate Collin Stoker will soon start working in psychiatry at Layton's Numinus Clinic.

"While I carried many responsibilities as a student, I don't think any will compare to the responsibility I will feel when I start working out in the real world," said Stoker in the WSU release.

"I'm looking forward to finally feeling like a full-fledged provider."

Kearns native Mariah Palter joined the WSU's maiden class of physician assistant students after claiming a bachelor's degree in microbiology. She continued her education at WSU after having a positive undergraduate experience at the school.

Palter now plans to continue her medical training with a year-long fellowship at the University of Utah, completing rotations in internal medicine, cardiology, point-of-care and other areas.

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