Delaware Valley University Celebrates First Class of Physician Assistant Graduates

Doylestown, PA (11/12/2024) — Delaware Valley University (DelVal) proudly celebrated the graduation of its inaugural class of students from the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program in a ceremony held on Thursday, October 10, at 4 p.m. in the Life Sciences Building Auditorium. This milestone event recognized DelVal's first 18 Physician Assistant (PA) graduates since the program's launch in 2020, marking a significant achievement for the University, its students, and the future of healthcare.

The PA program at DelVal offers a comprehensive curriculum that equips students with the medical expertise and clinical skills essential for today's healthcare environment. The curriculum includes approximately 2,000 hours of supervised clinical practice experience, which graduates completed at a variety of prestigious medical clinics, private practices, and healthcare networks across the nation. Locally, the PA program enjoys a strong collaborative relationship with Doylestown Health, where over half of the graduating cohort completed a portion of their clinical training.

This first cohort represented a diverse mix of graduates, including recent college graduates, career health professionals-such as paramedics and athletic trainers-seeking to expand their scope of practice, and individuals transitioning to a new career in healthcare. Each of these graduates entered the program with a wealth of prior healthcare experience, averaging nearly 6,000 hours in patient care.

"This is an incredible milestone, not only for our students, but for Delaware Valley University and the local community," said Shannon Diallo, PA program director. "The students in this first cohort were our trailblazers, and we are so proud of their accomplishments and grateful that they trusted in the developing program at Delaware Valley University. The Physician Assistant Class of 2024 has exceeded our expectations academically and in their medical knowledge, but beyond that, has demonstrated the skills, abilities, and drive to be leaders, advocates, and problem solvers in the PA profession. We can't wait to see what comes next for this amazing group of students!"

The ceremony brought together families, friends, and University administrators, as well as the program faculty who guided these students through their studies. Among the attendees were DelVal President Dr. Benjamin Rusiloski, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gloria Oikelome, and Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies Dr. Joseph Paris, all of whom shared words of congratulations and encouragement. Each graduate also had the opportunity to reflect on their journey, celebrating both personal and collective achievements.

This graduating class already includes standout success stories. One graduate will continue on to doctoral education through the Doctor of Medical Science bridge program at Butler University and recently presented original research at the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants' annual conference. Several graduates have also secured positions at prominent healthcare networks such as Grand View Health and UPMC, showcasing the program's alignment with professional opportunities in the healthcare field.

"The first graduating class of our Physician Assistant program represents a groundbreaking achievement for Delaware Valley University," said Dr. Paris. "These graduates are pioneers, setting the bar for all future PA students at DelVal. They are equipped not only with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed but also with the drive to make a meaningful impact on patient care."

For more information about the Physician Assistant program at Delaware Valley University, visit https://delval.edu/programs/graduate-programs/physician-assistant-studies.

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Delaware Valley University's inaugural class of Physician Assistant graduates at the 2024 graduation ceremony