11/19/2023

PA Program Spotlight: Marietta College

Newsletter Article - July 2023

In 2002, Marietta College’s Physician Assistant Program matriculated its first class of 15 students led by the founding Program Director, Dr. Gloria Stewart. The first cohort graduated in 2004, and every year since the program has strived for excellence in healthcare education. The Marietta PA program prides itself with an exceptional faculty to student ratio, instilling a superior background in radiology and pharmacology, and excellent first-time pass rates on the PANCE, with the Class of 2022 setting the standard at 100% first-time pass rate. The city of Marietta offers students a small-town environment that allows students to excel as future providers and colleagues.

The Class of 2025 is finishing their first semester of didactic year. The focus in this semester is to become proficient in Anatomy and normal Radiology which allows students to better understand abnormal come this Fall and Spring. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience as a member of Marietta's PA program. The strong cohesion between classmates and the readiness of faculty to assist in any way possible have reinforced my belief in the program's strength.” - Quentin P., 1st Year Student

The Class of 2024 received their white coat this past April and is currently midway through their second clinical rotation. “This weekend 36 of our future colleagues graduated from Marietta College and will start their careers as Physician Assistants. In one short year my cohort will join them. We are currently on our second rotation and applying everything we learned during our didactic year. It has been so exciting to see patients but nerve racking as we are now a member of their healthcare team. I am excited to continue to learn and grow throughout this next year.”- Savannah A., 2nd Year Student.

The Class of 2023 celebrated their graduation with the traditional Sternwheeler graduation party on the river and the commencement ceremony on July 22 adding 36 PAs to the profession and community. The class is more than eager and prepared to take their boards with almost 90% of graduates taking the PANCE on the first eligible date.

Over the next year the program will be assisting with sports physicals for athletes joining Marietta College, hosting the first annual “PA Day” where local high school students will learn about the PA profession, the tradition of excellence of Marietta College’s PA program, and participate in hands on activities with current students and faculty, and last but not least a 20th Anniversary celebration in July 2024 with the graduation of the 21st cohort from MC PA program.

In the past 22 years the Marietta Physician Assistant Program has helped 20 cohorts grow into outstanding providers and lifelong learners in the healthcare system. The program is currently in the process of interviewing the next group of future Physician Assistants for the Class of 2026.