Physician Assistant Master’s Degree in Medicine (MSM)

Information Session

Interested in learning more about this program from students and professors? Check out one of our upcoming Information Sessions.

• No upcoming information sessions scheduled. Check back soon!

Included in these info sessions:

• Greetings from the admissions team
• Q/A time with student & faculty panels
• Light refreshments
• Informational presentation of the program
• Tour of the program facilities

For questions, please contact Mason Mitchell at mcmitchell2@trevecca.edu.

Professional organization student membership fees, medical instruments, program scrubs and lab coats are additional costs to the above tuition package per student selection.

*Disclaimer: Tuition & costs are subject to change.

Medical instruments, program scrubs and lab coats are additional costs to the above tuition package per student selection.

*Disclaimer: Tuition & costs are subject to change.

Trevecca Refund Policy

For students withdrawing from all classes or dropping a course, the following refund policy applies to tuition and fees:

All refund periods are calculated on total calendar days from the start of the semester. After the 7th calendar day there will be no refund on fees.

Financial Payment Information

Trevecca Nazarene University requires all students to sign a Financial Commitment Form prior to enrollment and first semester registration. Academic registration for each semester is not complete until the student has completed all financial obligations. Academic Records can withhold grades and/or admittance to an upcoming semester if a student has an unpaid account. Students are expected to make all necessary arrangements with Trevecca’s Financial Services Office. The student is responsible for any outstanding balance on their account.

All charges are due and payable at the beginning of each semester. Late fees are charged at 1.5% per month on any outstanding balance. Through MyTrevecca, each student can access their student account, balance, activity, statements, and payment plans. Additional information can be found here.

Admissions Requirements

The physician assistant program aims to develop graduates who can function as fully competent physician assistants and who are capable of fulfilling the Hippocratic duty “to benefit and do no harm.” As a result, it is important that individuals admitted to the program possess the intelligence, integrity, compassion, humanitarian concern and physical and emotional capacity necessary to practice medicine. The admissions process includes requirements in academics, patient care, PA shadowing, submission of references and completion of the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) application.

The Trevecca PA Program offers admission on a rolling basis. Interview invites will begin in late spring/early summer. In order to be eligible for an interview, all admissions requirements must be met or exceeded. Meeting all admissions requirements does not guarantee an interview offer. Following an interview, all candidates are reviewed and ranked according to a holistic model including academic success, character, experiential differences, professional/intrapersonal skills, and alignment with our mission. A rolling admission process will continue throughout the end of interview season in late fall/early winter. We make it our goal to notify all interviewees of our decision within two weeks when possible. All notifications of admission status (offer, hold or denial) will be communicated to the applicant’s email within CASPA. Offers will continue to be made until a full cohort of 50 students are selected. After a cohort is complete, any additional qualifying interviewees will be placed on our alternate list. When a seat is available, the TNU PA Admissions Committee will review all candidates on the alternate list and select the next highest ranked interviewee to receive the offer.

Our admission’s goal is to select a cohort prepared to succeed both academically and professionally while possessing the character and values suited to fulfill our mission. While doing so, we additionally set aside a potential ten seats within each cohort for Trevecca and Olivet Nazarene University’s STEM students through the STEM PA Scholar Pathway (formally the Trevecca Pre PA Pathway). The Trevecca PA Program guarantees an interview invite to any graduate of Trevecca (beginning with CASPA cycle 22-23) or Olivet Nazarene Universities (beginning with CASPA cycle 24-25) who meets all admissions requirements. Additionally, we provide an opportunity for early assurance for students that qualify for our Pre PA Pathway and/or the new STEM PA Scholar Pathway from Trevecca (see STEM PA Scholar tab) and for students of Olivet that qualify as a STEM PA Scholar (beginning in Fall of 2024). Please see the Pre PA Pathway/STEM PA Scholar landing page for additional information on qualifications). 

Due to continued restrictions related to COVID-19, the Admissions Committee at Trevecca's PA program has updated its admissions policy addendum. This updated policy supersede all previous COVID-19 policy addendums.

1. Academics

• GPA requirement, cumulative undergraduate: 3.25 or greater
• GPA requirement, overall science: 3.25 or greater on all coursework 
• GRE will no longer be required beginning with the 2024-5 CASPA Cycle
• While any undergraduate major is acceptable, it is recommended that applicants supplement any degree outside of biology or chemistry with additional upper-level science courses to present themselves most competitive. Accepted applicants average 3-4 additional upper-level science courses.

Due to a large number of applicants, not all students meeting the minimum requirements will receive an interview. Candidates should endeavor to obtain their most competitive application in regards to GPA, rigor and challenge. With any grade lower than a B, the applicant should retake the course in order to reflect mastery of the material and a capability to succeed within a rigorous program. Entering students of the last three years have significantly exceeded the minimum admissions requirements. For example, the statistics for the cohort of 2026 include the following ranges and average:

• Undergrad Cumulative GPA: range 3.37-4.0 with average 3.77
• Overall Science GPA: range 3.27-4.0 with average 3.68

Prerequisite courses

Applicants must successfully complete all of the following program prerequisites, regardless of the undergraduate degree or major. 

• Human Anatomy and Human Physiology with lab – 8 hours (see note under pre-requisite course substitutions)
• General Chemistry I and II with lab – 8 hours
• Microbiology with lab - 3 or 4 hours
• General Psychology – 3 hours
• Developmental Psychology (Growth and Development or Lifespan) – 3 hours
• Medical Terminology – minimum 1 hour/certificate

No online or hybrid science prerequisites will be accepted. Science courses labeled as "survey" or "introductory" will not be accepted (for clarification, please contact us for approval). You may only use online course options to complete psychology requirements and/or medical terminology. (See COVID Policy Addendum for exceptions.)

Pre-Requisite Course Substitutions:

Abnormal psychology cannot be substituted for the developmental psychology prerequisite. Child development or lifespan psychology is considered a substitute for developmental psychology. It is important that normal psychological development across the lifespan be covered in the course. We do not accept immunology, genetics, or cellular & molecular biology for the microbiology prerequisite, although these classes are recommended as additional courses. Comparative or Mammalian Anatomy and Physiology are not considered acceptable substitutions for Human Anatomy or Human Physiology. 

Additional Upper-Level Science Courses:

Due to the competitiveness of the selection process, all applicants are encouraged to take as many additional upper-level science courses as possible. Not only do the courses provide information on academic performance, but they also assist in preparation for the rigorous program. The successful completion of these additional courses will assist in your competitiveness.

• Organic Chemistry
• Immunology
• Pathophysiology
• Genetics
• Molecular or Cellular Biology
• Biochemistry

Expiration of science courses: Any science prerequisite class taken seven years prior to the month of May of your matriculate year will require a refresher course. A refresher course is qualified by repeating the full course or, in the case of a two-semester course, repeating at least one-half of the course. An applicant may only be exempt from taking a refresher course if they have consistently worked in an academic or commercial setting (as a chemist or biologist--see below), where the material covered in the course was utilized on a routine basis. A description of specific course exemptions is included below. When in question, repeating the course is recommended. Please contact the program for clarification on specific courses if needed.

Science prerequisites with their exemption criteria:

• Chemistry: Academic or Commercial Chemist 
• Anatomy/Physiology: Academic or Commercial Human Biologist
• Microbiology: Academic or Commercial Biologist/Microbiologist

Pending courses: For an applicant to present themselves most competitively, it is mandatory that two or fewer required science courses be pending for the spring semester prior to matriculation. This allows the admissions committee the ability to accurately assess the applicant’s academic performance at the time of an interview.

2. Patient care

All applicants must log a minimum of 250 hours of direct patient care. Direct patient care hours must be logged at the time of submitting your application. This allows the admissions committee to process your application at first review and schedule earlier interviews. In the opinion of the PA program faculty, past medical experience provides a framework upon which students can build and facilitate the expansion of medical knowledge. We do not accept updates sent directly to the program.

Positions that qualify for direct patient care hours include: medical assistant, patient care technician, surgical technician, first assistant, scribe, CNA, LPN, RN, EMT/paramedic, OT/PT or OT asst./PT asst., AT-C, phlebotomist, RT, ER technician, lab technician (if phlebotomy or direct patient care is the majority of job description), certified pharmacy technician with hands-on patient care and clinical dietician.

Positions that do not qualify are personal care assistant, clerical pharmacy technician, unit clerk, camp counselor, counselor and social worker. Clinical hours obtained while working towards a prior degree are not to be submitted in the application as direct patient care. Direct patient care hours should be obtained while an employee in one of the above accepted clinical positions. In addition, we will accept hours accrued under “volunteer” status in any of the above, accepted position titles.

3. Shadowing

Shadowing of physician assistants is required for admission. Applicants must have logged a minimum of 10 hours at the time of application. This provides sufficient insight as to the role and duties of practicing physician assistants and is believed to be an accurate indicator of an individual’s desire and commitment to the profession. Shadowing may be logged from multiple physician assistants. All hours logged should be obtained via direct clinical observation and not on the basis of a personal relationship. Mission field shadowing may be utilized as long as you were working alongside a PA in a medical setting. Please do not duplicate shadowing hours as direct patient care hours. The program will not accept hour updates via email.

4. References

A total of three recommendations is required. One recommendation must be from a PA, MD, DO or NP. This medical professional should be one whom the applicant has worked alongside in a clinical setting through observation, shadowing or prior work experience.

5. Background statement

Through the CASPA portal, an applicant must self-report any misdemeanor, felony, and/or dismissals. If at a later time an incident is discovered that was not reported, the applicant is subject to possible revoking of an offer or acceptance into Trevecca’s PA program. A certified background check will also be performed prior to matriculation and any positive report is also cause for the revoking of an offer or acceptance.

How to apply

The PA program utilizes the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). Students who wish to apply to the physician assistant program must submit the application and documentation to CASPA.

• Early applicants should apply as early as possible upon opening of the application cycle in April. Remember that all shadowing and direct patient care hours must be logged at the time of submitting your application.
• Applications must have a completed status in CASPA by October 1 and must include the following documentation. If you have questions as to status determination per CASPA, please notify its help desk for clarification.
1. Official transcripts from all schools attended. DO NOT send transcripts to the program during the application process.
2. Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation. One recommendation must be completed by a PA, MD, DO or NP.
3. Applicants must submit all transcripts and scores directly to CASPA. If you are offered a seat in the program an official transcript will be requested in the spring prior to matriculation.

• No advanced placement is given to any student regardless of academic background.
• No transfers of PA students are considered.
• Questions? Contact the PA Admissions office at (615) 248-1303 or tvines@trevecca.edu to reach Teresa Vines, PA admissions coordinator.
• For questions concerning the CASPA application process, please contact CASPA directly at 240-497-1985 or e-mail apply@caspaonline.org.
• Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take an examination of their English language ability. The test required is the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). See International students section below for score requirements.

International students

Trevecca welcomes international students to apply to our program. Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take an examination of their English language ability. The test required is the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and a minimum score of 550 is required on the paper-based test and 213 on the computer-based test. On the computer-based TOEFL, we require a total score of 80 with 20 on each section (listening, speaking, reading and writing).

You are also required to submit your foreign coursework to a US-based evaluation service for a course-by-course US equivalency report. This report should then be sent directly to CASPA from the evaluation service. We recommend you contact a foreign transcript evaluation service as early as possible. Services can take several weeks to process your transcript(s) once received. The following are foreign evaluation vendors our applicants have used in the past. This list is not all-inclusive and we do not recommend or endorse any particular vendor or service. 

• World Education Services (WES), Inc.
• Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
• Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. 
• International Education Research Foundation, Inc. 
• Educational Perspectives

All regular admission requirements must be completed. Fifteen (15) semester hours must be completed in a United States accredited institution. Nine of the 15 hours must be prerequisite science courses. Trevecca’s Certification of Financial Support must be on file at the time an I-20 form is issued. International students will have the same financial policy applied to them as any other student does. Only international students with a valid immigration student status of F-1 will be permitted to register.

Technical Standards (Admission and Retention Requirements)

Physician Assistant education is a comprehensive process requiring the acquisition of general knowledge in all fields of medicine and basic skills requisite for the practice of medicine. The education of a PA (Physician Assistant) also requires the development of judgment through patient care experiences that prepare individuals for appropriate decision-making in clinical practice.

It is the intent and practice of the Trevecca Nazarene University Physician Assistant Program to select applicants who have the capacity to become highly competent PAs (Physician Assistant). Trevecca adheres to the “Standards” promulgated by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA). Within these guidelines, Trevecca’s PA Program has the freedom and ultimate responsibility for the selection of students; the design, implementation, and evaluation of curriculum; the evaluation of students; and the determination of who should be awarded a degree. Admission and retention decisions are based not only on meeting required academic achievements but also on non-academic factors such as, but not limited to, character, integrity, altruism, grit, and perseverance, which indicate alignment with the mission of the Trevecca PA Program.

The PA Program has the responsibility to the public to assure that its graduates are fully competent PAs capable of fulfilling the Hippocratic duty “to benefit and do no harm.” Thus, it is important that persons admitted to the PA Program possess the intelligence, integrity, compassion, humanitarian concern, and physical and emotional capacity necessary to practice medicine. 

As a private Christian university affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene, Trevecca is open to any qualified student without regard of race, color, sex, age, creed, national or ethnic origin, or physical disability. Trevecca Nazarene University complies with all statutory and regulatory nondiscrimination requirements applicable to this institution in the administration of its educational policies and programs, scholarships and loan programs, equal opportunity employment practices, and athletic and other school-administered programs.  

Applicants to the Trevecca Nazarene University Physician Assistant Program must meet the academic and technical standards outlined by the program and the university. We recognize that degrees of ability vary between students. Prospective students who are otherwise qualified but require reasonable accommodation should contact Trevecca Nazarene University Disability Services. All Technical standards must be met with or without accommodation. 

Technical standards and educational objectives are established to align with the program curriculum. Accepted students must possess cognitive, physical, and behavioral skills that ensure they can acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective care as a physician assistant. The Trevecca Nazarene University Physician Assistant Program welcomes all who meet minimal admissions requirements to apply. The program follows all admissions requirements and technical standards when making their admissions decisions. 

Observation 

Observation includes the use of the sense of vision, both near and far, as well as other senses and modalities (smell, hearing, etc.) to facilitate knowledge. The candidate must be able to observe content including, but not limited to, demonstrations, illustrations, microscopic studies, and patient physical condition. These skills are necessary to accurately diagnose and develop treatment plans.

Communication  

Communication involves the ability to speak clearly, interpret, and observe patients. Effective communication includes speaking fluently and effectively with sensitivity and compassion toward patients. Additional required communication skills include comprehension and composition of written documentation, allowing candidates to work effectively and efficiently as part of a medical care team.  

Motor 

Motor functions are an integral part of the diagnostic process. Candidates should be able to perform maneuvers such as palpation, auscultation, and percussion. Additionally, candidates should be able to perform diagnostic procedures (e.g., lumbar puncture, skin biopsy) and emergency treatments (e.g., suturing, splinting, incision and drainage) which require gross and fine motor skills to ensure the highest level of patient care.

Cognitive/Conceptualization

The ability to synthesize, retain, and apply a wide breadth of complex information indicates that candidates must be alert and attentive. Candidates will experience their curriculum through a variety of modalities. It is important that they can integrate knowledge presented in diverse ways. This includes the ability to comprehend spatial relationships and three-dimensional models. 

Behavioral/Social 

The practice of medicine includes many legal and ethical aspects. Candidates must be able to relate to their patients and families in a way that shows dignity, respect, and compassion. The well-being of the patient should be primary. Candidates should be able to complete multiple tasks and functions under stress. They should be able to adapt to the needs of their patients and exhibit empathy and integrity throughout their education and their medical career. 

The above technical standards identify the Trevecca University PA Program requirements for admission and retention of applicants and students, respectively.

Curriculum

The curriculum is divided into a didactic and clinical phase of the program.  The didactic phase is 15 months. In the first semester, you will concentrate on learning the medical sciences such as anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology. The clinical medicine phase will start in the second semester where you will learn about diseases in each organ system of the body.

Upon completion of the didactic phase of the program, you will progress to the clinical phase where you will complete nine clinical rotations over a 12-month period. Core rotations include family medicine I and II, pediatrics, behavioral/mental health, internal medicine, emergency medicine, surgery, women’s health, and one elective of your choosing. With the exception of the women’s health rotation, all rotations are six weeks in length. The women’s health rotation is a one-week experience in a women’s health clinic.

At the completion of all curriculum requirements, the Master of Science in Medicine (MSM) degree will be awarded.

Trevecca physician assistant students consistently score above the national average on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). View the TNU PA Program Performance Summary Report here.

Here is more information about our exam results: 

• Congratulations to the class of 2024 for their 100% first-time taker pass rate. 
• Classes of 2016, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 each achieved a first-time taker pass rate of 100%.

Pass rates of first-time test takers

5-year national average:
93%

5-year average for Trevecca graduates:
99%

Attrition Data Table

Program Goals

1. Attract and admit diverse, qualified learners.

Our admissions process involves a holistic review of our applicants. We matriculate those that meet or exceed our program admissions requirements. Moreover, our program places high importance on personal character that aligns with our mission and values. Our admissions selection process also demonstrates our value for experiential differences. Out of respect for individual backgrounds, we seek to provide opportunities for applicants who represent medically underserved communities, economic disadvantages, first-generation college students, military, and those with the gift of expanded connection due to proficiency in a second language. In this way, we hope to enrich our program and the PA profession

2. Cultivate graduates who recognize the value of service in communities. 

Fundamental to our program’s mission and values is our intention to prepare our graduates to employ their knowledge, skills, and resources in compassionate service. We do so by providing program-sponsored opportunities for our students to serve communities through Nashville-area nonprofits and to participate in clinical rotations that care for medically underserved populations, both in the U.S. and internationally. We also encourage our students to reflect on the value of these experiences and to personally commit to supporting future community service/missions after graduation.

3. Provide a comprehensive educational experience that enables students to acquire the essential knowledge and skills for entry-level practice as a PA.

Our program-defined competencies required of all graduating students encompass knowledge for practice, interpersonal and communication skills, patient-centered care, professionalism, and practice-based learning and improvement. We have designed a curriculum of sufficient depth and breadth in both the didactic and clinical phases to address these competencies and allow us to be confident that all of our graduates are ready for entry-level PA practice.

4. Foster a highly supportive educational community dedicated to student retention and success. 

Our program endeavors to challenge our students to excel and achieve their fullest potential within a strongly supportive learning community. We are committed to the success of each student admitted to our program; thus, we strive to maintain a high graduation rate. Additionally, we seek to develop encouraging, mentoring relationships between faculty/staff and students that promote ongoing holistic growth and excellence, as well as close-knit student-peer relationships that encourage camaraderie and teamwork. Methods by which this is accomplished include strong academic advising support; formative educational experiences with intentional one-on-one or small group faculty-student coaching; student learning activities that facilitate interpersonal student interaction and teamwork; class officer appointments that model leadership and service to one’s cohort; and the intentional design of facility spaces to allow for small group learning.

Effectiveness of Meeting Program Goals Document (PDF)

Knowledge for Practice (KP) 

Demonstrate knowledge about established and evolving biomedical and clinical sciences and their application to patient care.

KP1. Relate the foundational principles of basic and clinical science to the practice of medicine.
KP2. Apply principles of epidemiology to identify health problems, risk factors, and disease prevention strategies for individuals and populations.
KP3. Identify signs and symptoms associated with commonly presenting disorders.
KP4. Formulate differential diagnoses based on presenting signs, symptoms, and patient-specific data.
KP5. Select and interpret appropriate laboratory and diagnostic tests based on the clinical situation.
KP6. Appropriately utilize evidence-based clinical and therapeutic interventions.
KP7. Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in acute, chronic, and emergent clinical situations across the lifespan.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills (IPCS) 

Demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that result in the effective exchange of information and collaboration with patients, their families, and health professionals.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills Program Learning Outcomes

IPCS1. Demonstrate effective communication skills to elicit information from and provide information to diverse patient populations, patient families, and other members of the healthcare team.
IPCS2. Appropriately organize and accurately document medical information.
IPCS3. Accurately articulate one's role and responsibilities to patients, families and other health professionals.
IPCS4. Recognize when referrals are needed and make them to the appropriate health care provider.

Patient-Centered Care (PCC) 

Provide patient-centered care that includes patient and setting specific assessment, evaluation, and management and healthcare that is evidence-based, supports patient safety and advances health equity.

Patient-Centered Care Program Learning Outcomes

PCC1. Develop therapeutic relationships with patients and their families.
PCC2. Collect essential information about patients by taking a problem-focused or comprehensive history.
PCC3. Perform an accurate physical examination for both problem-focused and comprehensive patient visits.
PCC4. Construct patient-centered management plans and appropriately incorporate disease prevention and health promotion.
PCC5. Perform common clinical skills and procedures appropriate for entry into clinical practice.
PCC6. Counsel and educate patients effectively. 

Professionalism (PF) 

Demonstrate a commitment to practicing medicine in ethically and legally appropriate ways and emphasizing professionalism and accountability for delivering safe and quality care to patients and populations.

Professionalism Program Learning Outcomes

PF1. Adhere to appropriate professional behaviors in interactions with others.
PF2. Demonstrate consideration for the dignity of patients and the diversity of patient populations.
PF3. Collaborate with other members of the healthcare team to optimize clinical care while maintaining a climate of mutual respect.
PF4. Demonstrate understanding of and adherence to ethical principles, laws, policies, and regulations pertaining to PA medical practice.
PF5. Support advocacy for the PA profession.

Practice-Based Learning and Improvement (PLI) 

Develop skills to evaluate, assess, and analyze one’s own practice experience, the medical literature, and other information resources for the purpose of self-evaluation, lifelong learning, and practice improvement.

Practice-Based Learning and Improvement Program Learning Outcomes

At its March 2023 meeting, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) placed the Trevecca Nazarene University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Trevecca Nazarene University on Accreditation Probation status until its next review in March 2025. Probation accreditation is a temporary accreditation status initially of not less than two years. However, that period may be extended by the ARC-PA for up to an additional two years if the ARC-PA finds that the program is making substantial progress toward meeting all applicable standards but requires additional time to come into full compliance. Probation accreditation status is granted, at the sole discretion of the ARC-PA, when a program holding an accreditation status of Accreditation - Provisional or Accreditation - Continued does not, in the judgment of the ARC-PA, meet the Standards or when the capability of the program to provide an acceptable educational experience for its students is threatened. Once placed on probation, a program that fails to comply with accreditation requirements in a timely manner, as specified by the ARC-PA, may be scheduled for a focused site visit and is subject to having its accreditation withdrawn. Specific questions regarding the Program and its plans should be directed to the Program Director and/or the appropriate institutional official(s). The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at

https://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-trevecca-nazarene-university/

Accreditation FAQs

Is a program on probation still accredited?
Yes. Accreditation-Probation is a temporary accreditation status initially of not less than two years.

How will the Accreditation-Probation status affect future entering classes?
The program will continue to admit students during its regular admissions cycle. The program may admit future cohorts under the current Accreditation-Probation status.

How will the Accreditation-Probation status affect the current staff and faculty support for newly admitted students, current students, and alumni?
The program will continue to provide the resources necessary to our students, past and present.

How does the program’s Accreditation-Probation status affect my degree from Trevecca?
There is no effect on your degree. You will still earn a MSM degree once you meet the degree requirements and will be awarded your degree as scheduled.

If the program is on probation, can I take the PANCE?
Yes. The program is fully accredited, which allows all program graduates to take the PANCE.

Can I apply for licensure if the program I graduated from is on Accreditation-Probation status?
Yes. The primary requirements for licensure are graduation from an accredited program and NCCPA certification. The program remains fully accredited.

The program I am considering is on probation. If I enter that program, will I be graduating from an accredited program?
Probation is an active accreditation status and those entering a program that is on probation are entering a program that is fully accredited. In order to be eligible to take the PANCE, students must successfully complete a program that was accredited at the time the student matriculated. It is best to check with the NCCPA concerning exam eligibility criteria.

Preceptors

Trevecca partners with medical professionals who can offer hands-on training to PA students. Licensed physician assistants, nurse practitioners, doctors of medicine and doctors of osteopathic medicine are invited to apply to serve as clinical preceptors.

Why be a preceptor?

• Invest in the next generation of healthcare providers
• Become eligible as a regular preceptor to receive a precepting stipend
• Evaluate possible future employees
• Add an educational component to your CV
• Serve in a guest lecturing role in the classroom
• Earn CME credits
• Add energy and enthusiasm to your practice through student participants

What are the responsibilities?

• “See one. Do one. Teach one.” Introduce students to new skills and procedures
• Offer training to master’s-level PA students for a clinical rotation
• Provide feedback on student performance
• Share opportunities and knowledge gained during practice
• Be an example of professionalism
• Grow a student’s communication skills
• Connect students with professionals in other areas
• Set the student’s schedule based on the provider’s schedule

What sets Trevecca’s PA program apart?

Trevecca is home to the first and longest-running Physician Assistant Master of Science in Medicine degree in Tennessee. Since 1976, the University has graduated more than 1,300 students who’ve gone on to serve successfully in a variety of healthcare careers. Our program emphasizes both academic excellence and a mindset of compassion and integrity.

Throughout the last five years, the average first-time PANCE pass rate for Trevecca students has been 99 percent. In recent years our graduates have scored above the national average on every organ system section of the exam.

STEM PA Scholar Pathway (Pre PA Pathway)

Beginning in 2021, undergraduate Trevecca students with Biology major/Chemistry minors, who met all criteria, were eligible to interview for a Pre-PA Pathway candidacy which allowed for a tailored undergraduate academic experience in preparation for application to a competitive PA school such as Trevecca’s. Two options within the pathway were a guaranteed seat or a guaranteed interview for the Trevecca PA Program. A maximum of 10% of the cohort seats were designated for this purpose.

In the Fall of 2024, Trevecca will be transitioning the previous Pre PA Pathway to our new STEM PA Scholar Pathway. This new opportunity allows for qualifying undergraduate Trevecca students across all STEM majors to tailor their education in preparation for becoming a PA. In addition, the advantage of this educational pathway gives a greater number of our students the potential to qualify for a guaranteed seat, as a sophomore, into our historically recognized PA program upon completion of their undergraduate STEM degree from Trevecca.

If you are interested in applying or have additional questions on how to qualify, please email Teresa Vines, PA Program Admissions Coordinator, at tvines@trevecca.edu.

Health Sciences Walkthrough

Trevecca campus tour

Student Policies

• Tuition Fees Refunds
  (Accreditation Standards A1.02k; A3.12f)
• PA Program Not Requiring Prospective & Enrolled Students to Provide SCPE Sites or Preceptors
  (Accreditation Standard A3.03)
• Student Health Screening and Immunization Policy
  (Accreditation Standard A3.07a; A3.07b)
• PA Student Exposure to Infectious and Environmental Hazards Policy
  (Accreditation Standards A3.08 a; A3.08b; A3.08c)
• PA Program Faculty & Directors Precluded from Providing PA Students Health Care
  (Accreditation Standards A3.09)
• PA Program Goals
  (Accreditation Standard A3.12b)
• Trevecca Nazarene University Physician Assistant Program Competencies
  (Accreditation Standard A3.12g)
• PA Student Employment Policy, PA Students Must Not Be Required to Work for the Program Policy, PA Students Must Not Substitute for Instructional Faculty
  (Accreditation Standard A3.15e, Accreditation Standard A3.04, Accreditation Standard A3.05)
• Processing Student Allegations of Harassment
  (Accreditation Standard A1.02j)
• Timely Access and/or Referral of Students to Services Addressing Personal Issues
  (Accreditation Standards A1.04; A3.10)
• PA Program Withdrawal and Dismissal
  (Accreditation Standard A3.15d)