University of Charleston

University of Charleston

Physician assistant student posing in simulation lab

Physician Assistant Program

Training Compassionate, Competent, Patient-Centered Providers

Make a Difference in Your Community

Physician Assistants play a vital role in creating and maintaining healthy communities, providing front-line healthcare to patients in every stage of life.

PAs are highly trained to offer a wide spectrum of patient care – practicing in all medical and surgical specialties.  They diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications and often serve as a patient’s main healthcare provider.

The UC Physician Assistant Program is designed to train outstanding physician assistants, able to handle the challenges of practicing medicine in a complex healthcare system. We emphasize a holistic approach – not simply training students in the foundations of medical knowledge and patient care, but also to think critically, solve complex medical problems, utilize evidence to make excellent decisions at the point of care, and communicate effectively with colleagues, other healthcare professionals, and patients of different backgrounds.

 

Physician Assistant Admissions

PA Testimonial

 

Program Highlights Include

    • Small classes led by experienced and caring faculty

    • Private, small campus in West Virginia’s capital city

    • Campus located near major hospitals and medical clinics

    • Pass/Fail credit system

    • Simulated patient experiences provide confidence in working with a variety of patients and health issues

    • Opportunities for interprofessional experiences with UC School of Pharmacy and UC Nursing students

    • Fast track program for motivated undergraduates

    • Accredited program with strong student outcomes

    • A commitment to medically underserved populations, with opportunities for outreach within and outside our community.

Why the UC Physician Assistant Program?

Accredited since 2012 and featuring a faculty with over 93 combined years of clinical experience, Program Director Teresa Preston shares why she thinks the UC-PA program could be the right fit for you.

Meet the Faculty

Meet the Faculty

Teresa Preston, MBA, MPAS, PA-C

Department of Physician Assistant Studies Program Director
Associate Professor

Angela Elkins
Angela Elkins, MSPA, PA-C

Director of Didactic Education
Assistant Professor

Michelle Riffe Davis, MSPA, PA-C

Director of Clinical Education/Assistant Professor

Melissa Jensen
Melissa Jensen, MSPA, PA-C

Principal Faculty
Assistant Professor

Ashley Mellert MPAS, PA-C

Assistant Professor/Principal Faculty

Lesley Adkins, MSPA, PA-C

Assistant Professor/ Principal Faculty

Julie A. DeTemple, MD, FAAFP

Medical Director Physician Assistant Program
Physician/Owner, Family Health Associates of the Kanawha Valley, PLLC
Medical Director, Stonerise Home Health