Buies Creek, NC (August 28, 2008) — Campbell University Board Chairman, Mr. Harold Wells, has announced that at its August 27, 2008 meeting, the Executive Committee of the University’s Board of Trustees received a favorable report regarding the addition of a master’s program in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS). Subject to approval of the full Board of Trustees, the University will begin the development and accreditation process for the professional program, anticipating the enrollment of the first class in 2011. Physician assistants are academically and clinically prepared to provide health care services with the direction and responsible supervision of a doctor of medicine or osteopathy. PAs make clinical decisions and provide a broad range of diagnostic, therapeutic, preventive and health maintenance services centered on patient care. The professional curriculum for PA education includes basic medical, behavioral and social sciences; introduction to clinical medicine and patient assessment; supervised clinical practice; and health policy and professional practice issues (ARC-PA). “Campbell University is pleased to anticipate this exciting addition to our Health Sciences programs,” said Campbell President, Dr. Jerry Wallace. “The Physician Assistant program will provide students knowledge and skills necessary to meet the increasing demands for physician extenders in our community and nation.” President Wallace’s remarks were affirmed by local physician, Dr. Chris Stewart, and by Dr. Shankar Sanka, President of the Harnett County Medical Society. In acknowledging the growing need for Physician Assistants, both expressed their delight that Campbell would be moving forward with this program.Under the auspices of the School of Pharmacy, the program will seek accreditation with the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). ARC-PA is an independent accrediting body authorized to accredit qualified PA educational programs. ARC-PA uses a peer review process that includes documentation and periodic site visit evaluations to ensure compliance with established standards and practices.Dr. Ron Maddox, dean of the Campbell University School of Pharmacy, says the Physicians Assistant program will serve a tremendous need in meeting the healthcare needs of many rural communities in North Carolina.“There has been a significant decrease in physicians choosing primary care and/or going into the rural underserved areas in our state. Hence, a major goal of the Campbell University Physician Assistant program will be to train and provide physician assistants that will help fulfill primary health care in these areas,” said Maddox. “Likewise, a cornerstone of our efforts will be to support the Healthy People 2010 initiative in eliminating health disparities among racial and ethnic minority populations by enhanced awareness education of health care providers.”The program will complement the University’s other health sciences graduate and professional degree programs under the School of Pharmacy – the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), the Master of Clinical Research (MSCR) and Master of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSPS). The Campbell University School of Pharmacy was established in 1986 as the first new school of pharmacy to open in the United States in 35 years. In 1990, the charter class distinguished itself with a 100 percent passage rate on state and national board examinations. Subsequent classes have maintained a record of 99 percent passage rate on the national board exam and 99 percent on state board exams. The School is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.
Campbell Trustees consider addition of Physician Assistant program