The Physician Assistant master’s program at Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences EVMS School of Health Professions at Old Dominion University is again among the top in the nation, according to the latest U.S. News & World Report ranking released April 8.
The 2025 edition of the publication’s Best Health Schools rankings — a peer-assessed category of its Best Graduate Schools — ranks the M.P.A. program 35th among the nation’s 310 physician assistant programs.
“This national recognition is a testament to the excellence of our faculty, the strength of our curriculum and our commitment to preparing future healthcare leaders,” said Alfred Abuhamad, MD, executive vice president for Health Sciences. “We are proud to see the Physician Assistant program consistently ranked among the nation’s best. This achievement reflects our mission to be recognized for our strength in medical and health professions education and to improve the health of our community.”
Kimberly Dempsey, Ed.D., M.P.A., PA-C (M.P.A. ’03), director of the Physician Assistant (M.P.A.) program and associate professor in the EVMS School of Health Professions, underscores the longevity of the program, which boasts over 20 years of history in educating physician assistants.
“We have a solid, mature curriculum with a proven track record of educating PAs who become leaders in healthcare,” said Dr. Dempsey. “Additionally, we have faculty who have extensive clinical experience and are experienced educators.”
“The M.P.A. program faculty — many who have taught in the program for over a decade — have experience in all specialties, including primary care, internal medicine, urgent care, emergency medicine, pediatrics, dermatology and more,” Dr. Dempsey continued. “This range of clinical expertise gives the program a great depth of knowledge to draw upon.”
The M.P.A. program’s rigorous 28-month, full-time curriculum ensures graduates are well equipped to provide care and work collaboratively in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, urgent care centers, outpatient offices and clinics.
The program is unique in that it is affiliated with a medical school, allowing PA and MD students to interact and understand each other’s roles as integral members of a healthcare team. It also features hands-on, point-of-care ultrasound training early in the program, better preparing students to utilize bedside ultrasound in their clinical rotations.
"The unparalleled opportunities for early clinical immersion, coupled with the exceptional academic instruction from the PA faculty, were key factors in my decision to pursue further education here.” said Clarissa Bielema, M.P.A. Class of 2026. “Hands-on learning through simulation labs and standardized patient encounters has allowed me to translate classroom knowledge into practical application while cultivating empathetic and patient-centered care skills. The robust didactic curriculum has instilled in me the confidence and competence necessary for a seamless transition into professional practice."
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of PAs is projected to grow 28 percent from 2023 to 2033, with close to 13,000 openings projected annually during that timeframe.* This is much faster than the average for all occupations.
For those seeking advanced credentials, the EVMS School of Health Professions also offers a fully online Doctor of Medical Science (D.M.Sc.) degree. The one-year program is designed for certified physician assistants who want to attain the culminating degree in their profession. Working PAs can achieve their specific professional goals by focusing on a Clinical Leadership and Administration or Educational Leadership and Administration track.
“The D.M.Sc. degree offers significant benefits for PAs by enhancing their leadership capabilities, administrative skills and research expertise,” said Lauren Paluch, D.M.Sc., M.P.A., PA-C, director of the Medical Science (D.M.Sc.) program and assistant professor in the EVMS School of Health Professions. “Through advanced coursework in healthcare leadership, policy and management, PAs are better equipped to take on administrative and leadership roles. This expanded skill set can lead to opportunities in academic teaching, program leadership and healthcare management, allowing PAs to contribute to the development and training of future clinicians and to shape healthcare policies.”
Two Graduate Certificate programs are also available in Clinical Leadership and Administration and Educational Leadership and Administration. The nine credits earned in these one-year programs can be applied to fulfill the doctoral courses if a student chooses to continue the degree.
Learn more about the Physician Assistant (M.P.A.) and the Medical Science (D.M.Sc.) programs.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Physician Assistants, at bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physician-assistants.htm.