PA Students Achieve 100 Percent Pass Rate on Exam

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During the summer, 51 SFU Physician Assistant graduates enrolled to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) for the first time.

To be eligible to take the PANCE, you must graduate from an accredited Physician Assistant program. You must complete the exam within six years of graduation.

All 51 SFU students who took the exam in the summer of 2020 passed on their first attempt.

Saint Francis’ Physician Assistant Science program boasts a 98 percent first-time pass rate over the last five years, higher than the national average of 96 percent during that span. Perhaps not surprisingly, the University’s PA program has built a national reputation as a respected school within this field of health sciences.

Meghan Allen is one of the 51 SFU students to pass the PANCE this past summer. She said she is thankful for the excellent instruction she received during her time in Loretto.

“The staff in the PA program were incredibly helpful,” said Allen. “From the day we started, they kept us motivated and on track, and prepared us for the PANCE, as well as how to become successful in our careers as Physician Assistants.

“I am so proud to be a part of just an amazing accomplishment.”

Over the past three years, Master of Physician Assistant Science graduates from SFU have enjoyed a 100 percent employment rate within six months of graduation, according to the University’s First Destination Report.

Trevor Tarwater is currently a senior PA major and will be taking the exam next year. He feels confident, given SFU PA majors’ track record of success on it.

“I bought a few extracurricular books that outline what is expected to be on the PANCE,” said Tarwater. “Saint Francis’ curriculum is on par when it comes to highlighting the important concepts.

“I think our 100 percent pass rates speak for themselves. The school’s PA program does an excellent job of preparing students for the PANCE.”