Franklin Pierce University Launches Its First Program in Texas: A Hybrid Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program
Mar 4, 2024
Newest Academic Center Expands Franklin Pierce’s Presence in Growing Health Science Sector
Today, Franklin Pierce University officially launched its hybrid Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program at the school’s newest Academic Center in Round Rock, Texas. The University also recently completed the buildout of the physical space, tailoring the center to meet the specific needs of its faculty, staff, and students, ahead of the program’s first Immersion Week in August 2024.
“The official start of our hybrid MPAS program in Texas is a pivotal element of our strategic plan, Pierce@60, and underscores our unwavering commitment to innovation in teaching and learning,” stated President Kim Mooney ’83. “This program exemplifies Franklin Pierce University's flexible and forward-thinking approach to graduate allied health education, aiming to equip students with the comprehensive education necessary to navigate the complexities of today’s healthcare workforce needs.”
Monday also marks the beginning of studies for the program’s inaugural 48-person cohort, joining a university that encompasses one campus and four academic centers across three states. The students bring diverse backgrounds and experiences from across the country and embody the excellence and dedication that Franklin Pierce aims to foster.
The TX MPAS program follows the University’s successful hybrid model in Goodyear, Arizona, combining immersive on-site experiences and clinical placements with online instruction. Located in the Austin suburb of Round Rock, home to some of the top medical facilities and health science programs in the state, students will travel to the center for a series of immersion weeks throughout their course of study.
Dr. Catherine M. Paden, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, highlighted the significance of the program's launch, saying, “As we mark the beginning of the hybrid MPAS program in Texas, we are reminded of the crucial role that innovation and collaboration play in achieving academic excellence. This program is not just about addressing the pressing shortage of healthcare professionals; it's about affirming our commitment to influencing the future of healthcare in underserved areas and beyond.”
Franklin Pierce University has been actively engaged in broadening its reach through the expansion of its graduate programs, with a particular emphasis on underserved populations in New Hampshire and beyond. In addition to the new program in Texas, the University offers MPAS programs in Goodyear, AZ and Lebanon, NH, as well as Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs in both Goodyear and Lebanon, NH, and Nursing programs in Manchester, NH.
