Oct. 03, 2025
South College has hired Dr. Shannon Layton to spearhead the process of adding a new Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program at its Indianapolis campus to help fulfill a growing need for advanced healthcare practitioners in the region.
Layton, who previously served as a faculty member at South College Nashville’s School of Physician Assistant Studies, will develop and apply for approval for the PA program, which could allow students to enroll as early as 2027 for the master’s degree track. The campus currently offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Science (Pre-Physician Assistant).
“We strive to add new programs that are in demand for students and address workforce needs,” said Courtney Martin Sechler, president of South College Indianapolis. “Our campus is focused on growth and innovation, and Dr. Layton will lead our efforts to expand with our Physician Assistant Studies program at a master’s degree level.”
The degree program is designed to prepare graduates for physician assistant practice in just 27 months and will help students build a solid foundation in patient assessment, clinical medicine and the medical, behavioral and social sciences. It would include classroom training, hands-on labs and clinical experiences in a variety of patient settings.
“Students who choose to pursue higher levels of education can advance their professional opportunities,” said Layton, who earned a doctorate in medical science and master’s degrees in physician assistant studies and healthcare administration. “I started my career in 2007 in emergency medicine and have dedicated my life to serving patients and teaching students. I welcomed the opportunity to become a director in Indianapolis to work on launching the PA Studies program.”
Nationally, South College’s Physician Assistant program is ranked No. 23 for Best Physician Assistant Schools, according to College Factual, a leading source for college data and insights.
South College Indianapolis, which opened in 2021, is located at 301 Pennsylvania Parkway and has expanded its healthcare programs from certificate to bachelor levels across several disciplines.
For more information about South College Indianapolis, visit south.edu/indianapolis.
Across its national footprint, South College offers an array of academic programs in business, education, healthcare and other fields. The institution was founded in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1882 and now includes 10 physical campuses, as well as online and Competency-Based Education programs.
About South College
South College serves more than 18,000 students and is proud of its more than 20,000 graduates. The institution offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online and Competency-Based Education (CBE). South College focuses on ensuring high standards and quality educational offerings, maintaining multiple authorizations and accreditations.
South College’s programs span diverse fields such as business, criminal justice, dental hygiene/assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, nursing, occupational therapy, paralegal studies, physical therapy, radiography, respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, pharmacy and surgical technology. The institution is dedicated to preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for the professional opportunities ahead of them. For more information, visit south.edu.
