Physician Assistant (PA) Program

Tackle Complex Cases

Collaborate with your peers in small groups to address the medical issues of actual patients. It’s all part of problem-based learning, a teaching approach that emphasizes developing new knowledge instead of memorizing the right answer. You’ll hone your analytical skills and learn to convey complex information with precision and clarity.

“It’s a different kind of experience,” says 2023 graduate Sarah Jane Lance, who’s re-establishing orthopedic care as a PA in Harney County, Oregon. “You’re working not only alongside your classmates but with them, which reflects what you’ll be doing as a practitioner. Being pushed to be in these groups and work through things together is challenging, but it forces you to grow.”

Serve from the Heart

We’ve created a culture of leadership, knowledge and humanitarian service in our learning community with a special focus on rural and medically underserved communities. Our vision is to transform the medical field by increasing access to high-quality, affordable care. This is your chance to bring health and healing to those who need it most.

“With the knowledge that I gained through school, I have the kuleana – the responsibility – to go back home someday and take care of the people of my community,” says 2023 graduate Tia Kinilau. “If you take care of the community, it will take care of you.”

Learn about our program’s mission, vision, values and goals

Learn on the Leading Edge

Master the latest technology in our 43,000-square-foot Medical Sciences Building. You’ll gain insights from practicing PAs in state-of-the-art classrooms, hone your skills using cutting-edge tools and create knowledge through research. We share the building with our physical therapy program, opening the door to collaborative projects and insights that transform your life’s work.

“The PA program aligns directly with my dreams, goals and passions while allowing me the opportunity to provide quality and affordable care,” says Christina Cranley, a PA specializing in primary care in Roseburg, Oregon. “I truly couldn’t see myself attending anywhere else.”

Accelerate Your Career

Thanks to our dual-enrollment format, you can start working toward your doctorate (DMSc) degree right away. You’ll complete 21 DMSc credits during your first two years in the PA program, giving you the option of earning your Doctor of Medical Science degree with one additional semester of three online classes. You’ll also gain invaluable experience during a weeklong service trip to a high-need community domestically or abroad.

“The DMSc degree sets the graduate up to be a leader in disaster medicine relief and health care delivery to communities in high need,” says Curt Stilp, associate dean of the College of Medical Science and director of the PA ad DMSc programs. “It brings the mission of humanitarianism and service to fulfillment through advanced knowledge, research and experience.”

Be Close to Everything

George Fox University is located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, home to lush green valleys, breathtaking vineyards, windswept beaches, and mountains that extend from the Coast Range in the west to the high desert in the east.

Newberg, home to George Fox, is situated along the Willamette River between the Oregon Coast and the spectacular Cascade Mountains. Whatever your interest, it’s probably just a short drive away.

• 45 minutes to the vibrant cultural life of Portland
• 60 minutes to the Pacific Ocean
• 90 minutes to the slopes of Mt. Hood

Learn more about our location and community