FORT WORTH, Texas, (October 24, 2024) — TCU is proud to announce the launch of its highly anticipated Physician Associate (PA) Studies program, set to welcome its first cohort in January 2027. This new program is designed to meet the increasing need for qualified healthcare professionals, as the demand for PAs continues to rise across the nation.
Texas, in particular, faces a shortage of health care providers, especially in rural and underserved areas. TCU's PA studies program is designed to help address this critical gap. With Texas currently ranking in the bottom half of U.S. states for health care access, PAs are uniquely positioned to bridge this divide and improve patient outcomes.
“At TCU, we are committed to preparing the next generation of health care leaders,” said Chris Watts, Ph.D., the Marilyn & Morgan Davies Dean of Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences at TCU. “Our new Physician Associate Studies program will equip students with the knowledge, skills and experience they need to provide high-quality patient care and make a lasting impact in their communities.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of Physician Associates is projected to grow by 28% by 2033, significantly faster than the average for all occupations. This surge is driven by a combination of factors, including an aging population, increased chronic diseases and a growing emphasis on preventive care. As health care systems continue to expand, PAs are playing an essential role in improving access to quality medical care, particularly in underserved areas.
"Harris College has a long history of nationally recognized health profession programs. Our goal is to continue that tradition by developing extraordinarily competent and compassionate physician associates to provide high quality, patient centered, evidenced based health care as a member of a physician-lead health care team who can think and act responsibly in a global community,” said Founding Program Director Gary Pérez, DMSc, PA-C.
One of the key components of the Physician Associate Studies program will be its close collaboration with TCU's Burnett School of Medicine. Students will have the opportunity to train alongside medical students, benefiting from an interprofessional learning environment that fosters teamwork, communication and comprehensive patient care. This approach ensures that PA students receive cutting-edge training, using state-of-the-art simulation labs, clinical rotations and hands-on experience in real-world health care settings.
"We are currently developing our curriculum and preparing for our first accreditation visit in May 2026. Physician Assistant Studies is receiving enthusiastic support from the university, Harris College and the Burnett School of Medicine," notes Pérez.
The rigorous curriculum will focus on the latest advancements in medical science, diagnostics and patient management, with courses ranging from anatomy and pharmacology to health care ethics and cultural competence. In addition to classroom learning, students will complete extensive clinical rotations in specialties such as family medicine, emergency care, surgery and pediatrics, ensuring they are fully prepared to meet the diverse needs of patients.
About Texas Christian University
Founded in 1873, TCU is a world-class, values-centered private university based in Fort Worth, Texas. The university comprises nine schools and colleges offering 117 areas of undergraduate study, 61 master’s level programs, and 39 areas of doctoral study. Total enrollment stands at 12,273, including 10,523 undergraduates and 1,750 graduate students. The student/faculty ratio is 13.5:1, and 86% of TCU’s 709 full-time faculty members hold the highest degree in their discipline. TCU consistently ranks among the top universities and colleges in the nation, and the Horned Frog family consists of more than 98,800 living alumni. For more information, please visit TCU’s website.
About Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences is the original health care and human services-focused school of Fort Worth, training the next generation of health care professionals since 1946. Today, with more than 1,900 students enrolled, the areas of study include applied health sciences, communication sciences and disorders, kinesiology, nursing, nurse anesthesia, occupational therapy and social work. Harris College aims to transform global health through equitable, accessible and inclusive education, scholarship and innovation. To learn more, please visit Harris College’s website.