Indiana State University's physician assistants Master's program has produced its first class of 29 graduates.  

After beginning the program in January of 2010, the first participants have completed the initial phase of the programs.

"The white coat received at the ceremony signifies completing classroom work and going into the professional, clinical world," said Richard "Biff' Williams, dean of the college of nursing.

Due to accreditation, the program has a limit of admitting 30 graduates.  

However, the program receives a few hundred applications.  When the program was being developed, it was modeled after other physician assistant programs that already existed, so ISU's program is very similar to others.

"The difference of our program is what makes it unique.  It is housed in the department of physical therapy, occupational therapy and athletic trainers, so there is an interprofessional aspect and a rural focus because there are a certain number of clinical rotations that have to be completed in small or underprivileged communities," Williams said.

Graduate Matthew Thimling, recipient of the "Future of Professionalism" award, agrees with the uniqueness of ISU's program.

"The ISU PA program stands out from every other PA program, in my opinion, because of its strong emphasis on rural healthcare while training students to provide the best possible patient services," Thimling said.

The didactic phase of learning in various courses lasting 15 months is followed by a clinical phase, which spans a period of 12 months.

There are sites for clinical rotations all around central Indiana, and further sites can be options as long as the location is approved.  During these rotations, graduate students shadow and work with physician assistants or medical doctors for hands on experience, Williams said.

"From a personal standpoint, the program did an excellent job of teaching me the skills I'll need to not only diagnose and treat patients, but to also effectively communicate and develop relationships with those around me. The ISU PA program has set a high standard of expected care from their students, and I believe it's really going to show as we work through our clinical year," Thimling said.