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Physician Assistant (PA) Program

Contact Graduate Admission

(440) 826-8012, paprogram@bw.edu

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Overview

Baldwin Wallace's 24-month Master of Medical Science physician assistant program begins in May each year. Students complete a comprehensive didactic and clinical curriculum with placements across Northeast Ohio so that they are qualified to sit for the PANCE exam and pursue employment opportunities sooner than other graduating PA classes in the area. BW alumni are employed as physician assistants across the United States in a multitude of medical specialties.

Program Highlights

  • 100% cumulative pass rate on PANCE. BW's first class of the physician assistant program graduated in May 2015. Students who graduated from BW's physician assistant program since 2015 have achieved a 99% first-time pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
  • Outstanding faculty and facilities. The PA faculty is comprised of physician assistants, physicians and medical professionals who have expertise both in the field and the classroom. Many have won awards for their teaching. All faculty who are physician assistants continue to work clinically, keeping their skills and knowledge current in today's changing healthcare environment. Students learn in a state-of-the-art cadaver lab and a recently renovated 22,000-square-foot health sciences building that houses the nursing and physician assistant programs.
  • Class size averages 35 students. Hallmark to the Baldwin Wallace education are a commitment to small classes, faculty mentoring and a strong sense of community shared by students, faculty and staff. There is tremendous support and commitment to your success.
  • Ideal location. BW's suburban campus in Berea, Ohio, is a great place to learn and live. BW is just minutes from internationally ranked and renowned medical facilities that offer outstanding career opportunities in all aspects of healthcare. As a student in the PA program, you'll acquire more than 2,000 hours of clinical experience through 11 clinical rotations (including 3 elective choices), working with practicing professionals in a variety of settings, from major research hospitals to clinics and extended care facilities. Berea and surrounding communities offer safe, affordable living options, with easy access to the Cleveland Metroparks, major league sports and entertainment.

Direct Entry PA Program for Undergraduate Students

If you're a first-year undergraduate student planning ahead for the next step after your bachelor's degree, BW offers the direct entry physician assistant program, a streamlined path that better prepares you for our competitive physician assistant program.

The direct entry PA program allows 10 first-year students to be accepted each year into both an undergraduate degree program at BW as well as our Master of Medical Science physician assistant (PA) program, guaranteeing incoming first-year students a space in the graduate PA program.

  • Physician Assistant students testing equipment
  • Students practicing medical techniques on a mannequin
  • PA students showing off casts
  • Students looking over a specimen
  • Students looking over a medical chart

Program Features

Program Goals

Alumni Success

Photo of Allie McKinney

 "BW's PA program made me feel like I was a part of a huge family. From the moment I walked into my interview, it was a welcoming and supportive environment that made graduate school seem less daunting. To this day, I feel like I can reach out to the staff and ask questions. They also check in and love to hear about your success and help if you find yourself in hard times."

Allie McKinney '20

First Assist
Cleveland Clinic, Head and Neck Institute

Photo of Chris Ranc

 "BW's program has everything – location, facilities, and dedicated professors who can guide you to becoming a well-rounded and compassionate caregiver."

Chris Ranc '19

PA-C in Surgery
Cleveland Clinic - Avon Hospital

Photo of Dana Strimbu

 "Clinicals provided hands-on experience to apply the knowledge that we gained as well as the procedures that we learned. I had clinical rotations in every required area as well as orthopedics, which was the area I wanted to specialize in."

Dana Strimbu '18

Physician Assistant
Orthopedic One

Photo of Andie Hobson

 "I really loved the approachability of the professors and how receptive they were to questions, concerns, and feedback. My classmates and professors were like my family during my education at BW, and that really contributed to my positive experience in the PA program."

Andie Hobson '18

Hospitalist
Summa Health, Internal Medicine

Photo of Cassy Waldman

 "I loved the small, intimate class sizes. The faculty is absolutely amazing and work together so cohesively. It was evident to me right away that the faculty and staff all had the same goal to foster learning in an environment where the staff is approachable, inclusive, and judgment-free."

Cassy Waldman '17

Orthopedic Surgery/Ortho Express Care
Cleveland Clinic

Photo of Andrew Porter

 "BW's program made me a strong and confident practitioner, but it also fostered camaraderie and friendship between its students to work together toward success. Teamwork is vital in medicine, and this mindset started in the program."

Andrew Porter '16

Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant
Cleveland Clinic - Marymount Hospital

Photo of Erin Jadallah

 "While on clinical rotations, I made several contacts who helped me find a job right after graduation. The three elective rotations really helped me narrow down the specialty I wanted to work in."

Erin Jadallah '15

Physician Assistant
The James Cancer Hospital, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery