Mar. 23, 2026
South College Asheville celebrated the graduation of its second cohort in the Master of Health Science in Physician Assistant Studies program on March 20.
“It’s gratifying to celebrate this milestone for our graduates and the success of the program,” South College Asheville President Dr. Samantha Sircey said. “Governor Josh Stein has credited higher education with helping to develop North Carolina’s workforce, and we’re pleased to contribute by offering high-quality education.”
A critical workforce needs assessment released by the North Carolina Healthcare Association (NCHA) in 2024 revealed that by 2035, 20 percent of the state’s population will be aged 65 or older, increasing the need for healthcare. Physician Assistants help bridge the healthcare gap, especially in rural and underserved areas.
The Master of Health Science in Physician Assistant Studies program can be completed in as little as 27 months, with 15 months in didactic classroom instruction followed by 12 months in supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs).
The 2026 graduates are now eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) exam to earn certification to practice.
In addition to the 84 graduates celebrated at the commencement ceremony, 77 students in the fourth cohort participated in the White Coat Ceremony, which marks the completion of five quarters in 15 months of classroom education.
The ceremony signifies the transition from the classroom phase to the clinical phase that will include a rotation through eight different specialties, including internal medicine, surgery, family medicine, emergency medicine, women’s health, pediatrics and behavioral health as well as an elective and completion of a capstone research project.
“It’s exciting to see this program flourish and help meet growing demand for healthcare professionals in Western North Carolina,” Sircey said.
The Master of Health Science in Physician Assistant Studies program is designed to help students build a solid foundation in patient assessment, clinical medicine and the medical, behavioral, and social sciences. It includes classroom training, hands-on labs and clinical simulation assessments in a variety of patient settings.
The Asheville campus is located at 140 Sweeten Creek Road. Interested students may call the admissions team at 828-630-8104 or visit south.edu/asheville.
About South College
South College serves more than 20,000 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 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.
