The Gardner-Webb Department of Physician Assistant Studies is deeply committed to developing within each student a strong foundation in the basic medical, clinical and psychosocial sciences. This provides our graduates with the education to treat patients and enables them to meet the life-long challenges inherent in the practice of medicine.
Welcome to the Gardner-Webb University Department of Physician Assistant Studies webpage and thank you for your interest.
The Gardner-Webb University PA Program has established a strong legacy of academic excellence, dedicated faculty, and outstanding graduates serving on healthcare teams nationwide. As part of the College of Health Sciences, the program offers state-of-the-art facilities, including a modern simulation suite and advanced learning technologies. Our experienced faculty bring diverse clinical and academic expertise into the classroom, enriching student learning through real-world perspectives.
The program enrolls a small cohort of 36 students, allowing for individualized attention and exceptional faculty accessibility. Our mission emphasizes community partnership, patient-centered care, and service to underserved populations, providing students with meaningful and diverse clinical experiences. We value ethical practice, human diversity, and professional integrity, aligning closely with Gardner-Webb University’s mission of faith, intellectual freedom, compassion, and service.
We invite you to enjoy a virtual tour of our facilities and learn more about our program.
The mission of the PA program is to develop knowledgeable and caring physician assistants who practice competent patient-centered primary care with a focus on underserved populations.
The values of the GWU PA Studies Program reflect a commitment to respect, ethical behavior, and integrity in personal and professional service that are established upon the foundation of Christian values and faith, in agreement with the Gardner-Webb University mission.
Gardner-Webb University and its Department of Physician Assistant Studies are committed to these goals and will communicate them through our teaching, role modeling, and clinical practice.
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Gardner-Webb University Department of Physician Assistant Studies sponsored by Gardner-Webb University. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.
Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be March 2028. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy. 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.
To learn more about the Department of PA Studies policies and performance expectations, check out the PA Student Handbook and Policy Manual.
For more information about physician assistants please utilize the resources below
The professors truly care about you, your wellbeing and your future. They will challenge you beyond what you thought possible. They will be there for you when you are struggling and will also celebrate your accomplishments with you.”
One of my favorite things about Gardner-Webb was the integration of faith into the program. The faculty and staff are beyond amazing. I felt I could really focus on why God had me there—to become a Christ-led medical professional.”
The PA studies classes provide the base knowledge you need to succeed in a career as a PA, and the Gardner-Webb faculty instills a desire in each student to never stop learning.”
