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.
In our brief existence, we have established a legacy of academic excellence, strong faculty educators and exceptional PA graduates who are members of healthcare teams nationwide. Our Program is a part of the growing College of Health Sciences at Gardner-Webb University where we have state of the art facilities including a simulation suite among other technologically advanced educational opportunities. Our seasoned faculty bring practical experiences to the classroom through their diverse backgrounds in clinical practice and higher education.
Our program offers a small class size of 36 students with a motivated faculty and staff to invest in and guide students through their educational experiences. Accessibility of faculty is unparalleled and our focus on partnering with the community to deliver excellent, patient-centered care is what sets our program apart. We are focused on delivery of healthcare to the underserved, and we are proud to provide multiple and diverse opportunities for our students to experience healthcare delivery within this population. We embrace the ethical values and human diversity of our team of faculty, students and patients. Our program aligns with the Gardner-Webb University mission of embracing faith and intellectual freedom, balancing conviction with compassion and inspiring a love of learning, service and leadership while focusing on developing knowledgeable and caring PAs who practice patient-centered care upon graduation.
We take great pride in our profession and value the art of medicine. Our commitment is to excellence, integrity and compassion. Our students benefit from the support of faculty and staff who genuinely extend these qualities to each student who bears the Gardner-Webb name.
We appreciate your interest in the Gardner-Webb University Department of Physician Assistant Studies. Please enjoy a virtual tour of our facility. Sharing our program with you is our great pleasure.
If you would like to schedule a Zoom meeting with an PA admissions representative, please email [email protected]. We look forward to connecting with you soon!
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. Our values 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.
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.
The PA Studies Program upholds the tenets of diversity within Gardner-Webb University’s Statement of Value of Diversity.
Studying and celebrating our world’s rich mix of cultures, ideologies, and ethnicities; respecting and welcoming students without regard to ethnicity, gender, religious commitment or national origin.
Inclusiveness and diversity are fundamental in preparing healthcare providers to deliver equitable, cross-cultural healthcare while making strides to eliminate health disparities and improve outcomes across all populations. The social determinants of health that are influencing the well-being of Cleveland County residents, as well as those of surrounding communities and the state of North Carolina, are important to our program. Health equity for our underrepresented and underserved community members is the passion of our program, and one example of how the PA Program values inclusion and diversity.
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.”
