#United States #Austin #Austin TX #South University #Physician Assistant

South University Austin Hosts First Graduation for Physician Assistant Students

On March 29, 2025, South University (SU) in Austin, Texas, will mark a significant achievement with the graduation of its inaugural cohort of Master of Science in Physician Assistant students. This event not only represents a triumph for the university itself but also highlights a pivotal moment for healthcare access in the Austin metro area.

SU Austin is particularly noteworthy, as it hosts the first accredited Master's in Physician Assistant program in the region. It joins four other programs offered by South University across its campuses in Richmond, Virginia; Tampa and West Palm Beach, Florida; and Savannah, Georgia. The graduation ceremony will honor 35 students who have successfully navigated a rigorous 27-month curriculum, which comprises 15 months of comprehensive didactic training followed by a year-long hands-on clinical experience.

The graduates of this program have undergone training across at least seven medical specialties, including family and internal medicine, emergency and behavioral medicine, pediatrics, surgery, and women’s health. According to Victor Lopez, the Assistant Director of Clinical Education at SU Austin, this graduation signifies more than just the end of an academic journey. It represents a crucial step towards fulfilling healthcare needs in a rapidly evolving landscape.

“Texas is experiencing significant demographic shifts, and the demand for health care workers has surged as the state's population continues to grow,” said Lopez. “We designed our clinical programs to equip students with the skills necessary to address these critical needs while emphasizing compassion in patient care.”

The program admitted its cohorts from a competitive pool of over 2,000 applicants, showcasing the high standards and expectations set for its students. In a community where healthcare accessibility is becoming increasingly vital, SU Austin aims to train competent and compassionate healthcare providers that will make an immediate impact.

Established in Round Rock in 2011, South University Austin provides a range of programs at various educational levels from associates to masters in diverse fields. The upcoming graduation will take place at the Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel Conference Center, located at 1101 Woodlawn Ave.

With over 10,000 students enrolled across 11 campuses and online offerings, South University continues to grow, providing relevant educational programs that focus on healthcare, business, and technology. The institution maintains accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award degrees up to the doctoral level.

As South University Austin prepares to celebrate this meaningful milestone, it looks forward to contributing to the healthcare landscape by helping foster a new generation of skilled medical professionals ready to serve and improve community health outcomes. This graduation is not only a celebration of academic achievement but also a hopeful promise for the future of healthcare availability in the Austin area and beyond.