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The Department of Physician Assistant Studies at A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) prepares highly competent professionals in the art and science of medicine, grounded in the osteopathic tradition of body-mind-spirit care for the whole person and a commitment to serving underserved populations. Through a collaborative model of care, the department equips future PAs to deliver compassionate, patient-centered healthcare while working alongside physicians and other healthcare professionals.
PAHx partnership and professional heritage
ATSU-ASHS is proud to be an associate of the PA History Society (PAHx) and support PAHx as a Historian. Together, we share the history of the development of the PA profession to inspire the next generation of PAs and the advancement of the profession through education.
Find the physician assistant degree that’s right for you
This continuum of PA education includes entry-level preparation, advanced doctoral study, and post-professional development designed to support learners throughout their physician assistant careers.
Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)
Equips practicing PAs with advanced leadership, clinical expertise, and healthcare systems knowledge.
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (PA)
Prepares students for PA certification and clinical practice through rigorous training.
Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBMS)
Builds foundational biomedical knowledge for students pursuing PA school.
Education Certificate
Prepares practicing PAs to teach, develop curriculum, and advance health professions education.
Leadership Certificate
Develops leadership skills in healthcare administration, policy, and organizational improvement.
Physician Assistant CME courses
Supports lifelong learning through accredited continuing education and interdisciplinary training.
Beyond the classroom
PA education extends beyond traditional instruction through immersive experiences that foster clinical excellence, professional growth, and a commitment to serving diverse communities. Through hands-on learning, community engagement, and opportunities for continued development, PA students and professionals are supported throughout their educational and professional journeys.
ATSU’s PA students gain hands-on experience in diverse clinical environments, including primary care practices, surgical settings, medical examiner offices, and community health centers (CHCs) serving underserved populations. Through a historic partnership with the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), students complete clinical rotations that emphasize whole -person, community-centered care.
Students also engage in outreach and wellness initiatives throughout the Greater Phoenix area, including Mission of Mercy events, the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® program, school-based screenings at Title I schools, Corbin’s Legacy, and other community health efforts. Every PA student is certified as a trainer for Still Standing: A Matter of Balance™, a national award-winning, evidence-based falls prevention program delivered in teams across community settings. Through the event medical services team, students provide supervised emergency care at events such as the USA Karate Olympic Qualifier and Special Olympics competitions. Clinically engaged faculty guide students through office-based and community-based clinical experiences, supporting the development of skills needed to address real-world health needs and provide compassionate, community-focused care. These applied learning experiences advance ATSU’s commitment to preparing PAs who serve their communities with knowledge, empathy, and a dedication to whole person healthcare.
Through the Hometown Scholars program, ATSU supports students from community health centers and surrounding communities in pursuing PA education and returning to serve the populations that need them most. By strengthening pathways for local students to become healthcare providers, the program helps improve access to care while building a workforce that reflects the communities it serves.
Students in the residential Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program may also dual enroll in the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program during their clinical year at a reduced tuition rate, expanding opportunities for advanced education and professional growth.
Physician assistant research and scholarly work
The Department of Physician Assistant Studies advances scholarship, research, and applied innovation to improve medical education, clinical practice, and community health outcomes. Faculty and students engage in research and scholarly activities across areas such as medical education, public health, and interprofessional practice, contributing to evidence-based approaches that strengthen patient care and prepare future PAs. Through publications, funded initiatives, professional recognition, and student achievements, the department continues to expand the impact of PA education.
- Vaping: Are Its “Benefits” a Lot of Hot Air?
- Are E-Cigarettes a safe alternative to smoking?
- 10 Reasons to See a Physician Assistant
- AACOM Patriot Day, Day of National Service
- Asthma Control Rescue
- I Am Psyched; Are You? Mental health has been segregated from primary care for decades. But as calls for integration increase, opportunity looms for PAs and NPs.
- Howell, S. E., Jafferbhoy, H., Trombly, C. R., Thompson, J. D., Knutson, L. J. (in press). Dental Anesthesia for Medical Providers: A Novel Interprofessional Course. Journal of Physician Assistant Education.
- MacConnell, L. S. (2019). ENT Made Easy (pp. 1-163). Banbury, Oxfordshire: Scion Publishing Ltd.
- Ross, W. G., Danielsen, R. D. (2018). What’s the Buzz? Treatment Strategies in Chronic Subjective Tinnitus. Clinician Reviews, 27(10), 34-41.
- Simon, A.F. (2016). In A. F. Simon (Ed.), Lange Question and Answer Physician Assistant Examination. (7th ed.). New York, New York: McGraw Hill. https://www.amazon.com/Physician-Assistant-Examination-Seventh-Allied/dp/0071845054
- Walsh, S. E., Tibben, T. M. Endocrinology. Appleton & Lange’s Review for the Physician Assistant (8th ed.). McGraw Hill.
- Weber, L. L. (2020). Advance care planning and goals of care discussion. Physician Assistant in Hospice and Palliative medicine (5:3 ed., vol. in press, pp. 309-320). Amsterdam: Elsevier.
- Walker CW, Saltzman G, Hammerich C, Hulsey B. Developmental dysplasia of the hips. Clinical Advisor. July 2026. Accepted and Pending Publication
- Walker CW, McFarlane A, Hulsey B. Atopic dermatitis. JAAPA. Accepted and Pending Publication
- Berry B, Walker CW. When Back Pain Persists: A Difficult Diagnosis. JAAPA. Accepted and Pending Publication
- Walker CW, Hartman T, Saltzman G, Maughan C. Orthopedic manifestations of pediatric obesity. Clinical Advisor. June 2026. Accepted and Pending Publication
- Hulsey B, Hibbs L, Walker CW. A growing problem: missed diagnosis of a 22-cm ovarian dermoid cyst. Clinical Advisor. June 2026. Accepted and Pending Publication
- Venable C, Walker CW. Leveraging doctoral education to advance physician associate leadership in clinical research and expand trial access in underserved communities. J Physician Assist Educ. Published online June 11, 2026. doi:10.1097/JPA.0000000000000769
- Sharma R, Walker CW. From headache to hydrocephalus: a case of progressive Coccidioidal meningitis. Clinical Advisor. Accepted and pending publication
- Hulsey B, Walker CW. Isthmocele: An underrecognized contributor to infertility. J Comm Med And Pub Health Rep 7(02): https://doi.org/10.38207/JCMPHR/2026/APR07020411
- Walker, CW, Hoffart C, Burbach, T. Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa): Clinical considerations for physician associates. JAAPA. Accepted and Pending Publication
- Walker CW, Champigny D, Hulsey B, Hartman T, Hoffart C. Diagnosis and Management of Hair Loss. JAAPA. Accepted and pending publication
- Hulsey B, Walker CW, Dory S, Dietrich D. Relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs). JAAPA. 2026;39(6):22-27. doi:10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000362
- Kayler-Bucich K, Walker CW. Coccidiomycosis in pregnancy. JAAPA. Accepted and pending publication
- Walker CW, Hartman,T, Hoffart C. From submersion to survival: a clinician's guide to treatment and prevention. Clinical Advisor. January 2, 2026. Published. https://www.clinicaladvisor.com/features/drowning-management-treatment-prevention/
- Walker CW, Hartman T, Pompa M. The evaluation of leukocytosis. JAAPA. 2026 Jan 1;39(1):26-32. doi: 10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000298. Epub 2025 Dec 23. PMID: 41369241
- Hulsey B, Walker CW. Beyond childhood: Understanding ADHD in adults. JAAPA. Published online November 10, 2025. doi:10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000286
- Hartman, T., Walker CW. Pain and swelling in left cheek and jaw of 21-year-old man. Clinical Advisor. September 22, 2025. Published. https://www.clinicaladvisor.com/features/pain-and-swelling-in-left-cheek-and-jaw-of-21-year-old-man/
- Walker CW, Hartman T, Hulsey B. Evaluation and management of hemoptysis. JAAPA. 2025;38(10):17-22. doi:10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000252
- Hommos M, Elugunti P, Pullee A, Walker CW, et al. Developing and deploying a hypertension remote patient monitoring program 101. Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovation, Quality, and Outcomes. Published: August 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2025.100629
- Shearon T, Weber L, Bettridge A, Gross B, Hartman T. Assessing change in interprofessional collaborative competency of physician assistant students after observing an occupational or physical therapy session. J Physician Assist Educ. Accepted June 22, 2026.
- Dahl-Popolizio S, Story S, Hartman T, Andrews L, Radziak J, Zhu A, et al. Beyond walking: evaluating functional use of exoskeletons in the home environment. Internet J Allied Health Sci Pract. Accepted May 2026.
- Radziak J, Andrews L, Story A, Hartman T, Dahl-Poplizio S. Empowerment in motion: the role of occupational therapy in lower extremity exoskeleton use following spinal cord injury. Open J Occup Ther. Accepted. March 2026.
Grants:
- Bettridge, A. (Principal), “Stamp Out Stigma: De-stigmatizing Substance Use Disorders and Co-morbid Mental Illness Through Innovative Curricular Strategies,” Sponsored by PA Foundation (NIDA Mentored Outreach Award), Private, $10,000.00. (January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020).
- Bettridge, A. (Principal), “Meeting at Crossroads to Improve Smoking Abstinence,” Sponsored by nccPA Health Fdn, Private, $900.48. (January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019).
Awards:
- Annette Bettridge: NIDA Mentor Outreach Award Recipient, PA foundation and National Institute of Drug Abuse. (2019).
- Randy Danielsen: AAPA Eugene A. Stead Jr. Award of Achievement (2015); Honorary Membership, Arizona School of Health Sciences Alumni Board. (May 1, 2017)
- Kim DeVore: 2020 Clinical Education Award, Physician Assistant Education Association. (2020).
- Ray Pavlick: Osmosis Raise the Line Faculty Award (Dec, 2020).
- Albert F. Simon: Recognition of Leadership, NACHC. (2019); PA of the Year, ASAPA. (March 2019)
PAs earning their DMSc from ATSU are scholar-practitioners advancing the profession through publications, presentations, research, and applied clinical scholarship.
VIEW ACCOMPLISHMENTSConnected by purpose
When you join one of ATSU-ASHS' PA degrees, you become part of a community dedicated to whole person healthcare and the advancement of the PA profession. Hear from students, alumni, and faculty as they share how their ATSU experiences shaped their education, careers, and impact on the profession.
Voices of the ATSU’s physician assistant degrees
PA Life Moments
PA education is shaped by real experiences, milestones, and moments that define the student journey from classroom learning to clinical practice. From first patient interactions to moments of growth in confidence and skill, these stories reflect the challenges, progress, and achievements that occur along the way.
