Frostburg State University Offers Bachelor’s to Master’s Physician Assistant Studies Pathway

Frostburg State University Offers Bachelor's to Master's Physician Assistant Studies Pathway

Oct 15, 2024 8:15 AM

Frostburg State University has established a streamlined pathway for undergraduate students to advance from a Bachelor of Science in Health Science directly into the FSU Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies program. This partnership will provide eligible students with a clear and advantageous route to pursue an advanced degree and professional training, all without having to leave FSU.

"This is our most prized story in the short history of the PA program," said Dr. Todd Doran, chair and program director. "The FSU-to-FSU pipeline is something we want to grow due to program alumni success and the importance of returning graduates back to the communities they came from, which are often desperately seeking healthcare providers."

According to Dr. Karen Keller, a professor in FSU's Department of Biology and coordinator of FSU's Health Science program, the interdisciplinary Health Science program was created in 2013 in anticipation of FSU's PA program and to support FSU students interested in pursuing degrees in health-related fields that require a wide variety of undergraduate course prerequisites not typically included in more traditional science majors.

"Over the past couple of years, we've seen the interest in the physician assistant field really take off and become one of the most popular choices of incoming students," said Keller.

"We're thrilled to be formalizing the pipeline agreement between our undergraduate students and our Physician Assistant program in Hagerstown to facilitate a more direct path for our students, and we hope that keeping these students nearby for their formal healthcare training will encourage many of them to come back to Western Maryland to practice."

Todd Harding, PA-C, an alum of the program, had only positive things to say about this pathway. "My education through FSU PA program has not only offered excellent insight into providing care within medically underserved communities, but it also helped me land a job within an underserved community following graduation." Harding continued, "This has led to an incredible sense of fulfillment, and I couldn't imagine what my life would be like otherwise." Harding currently works at the Potomac Valley Hospital RapidCare clinic in Keyser, W.Va.

Some of the key benefits of this program include five guaranteed spots for qualifying FSU undergrads and preferential consideration for early applications. Students will have the opportunity to focus on practical, patient-centered training guided by dedicated program coordinators. This initiative aligns with FSU's commitment to preparing highly skilled healthcare professionals ready to serve communities with the greatest need.

Second-year student Alyssa Mullery is a lifelong resident of Allegany County who hopes to have the opportunity to practice locally, providing quality care to the community in which she was raised. "During my time in the PA program, I have gained an understanding of clinical medicine, enhanced my communication skills and learned to provide comprehensive care that will positively impact the lives of my patients."

Blake Miller, who also hopes to practice medicine in Western Maryland, only just began his journey in this program and is glad he did. "Staying at FSU to pursue my PA education is one of the best decisions I have ever made. My undergraduate education provided a tremendous foundation for the curriculum, and I am thankful for that every day." In just the first few months, Miller said his cohort has already studied hematology, infectious disease, dermatology, HEENT, endocrinology, GI and GU. "In addition to the medical knowledge of these systems, we have also learned how to perform appropriate physical examinations, take histories from patients and how to practice as a PA."

Carlin Muise, a recently admitted student, is equally excited to begin this FSU-to-FSU pathway. "I am thrilled to embark on this new journey and continue my growth within the medical field. Attending the FSU PA program is incredibly meaningful to me, and during this experience I look forward to expanding my medical knowledge and enhancing my understanding of patient care."

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