M.S. in Physician Assistant

Mission and Goals

Program Mission

Boldly informed and motivated by the Christian faith, the Bethel Physician Assistant program prepares students through an exceptional education, equipping them with the skills necessary for competent, compassionate, and culturally responsive medical practice as a physician assistant.

Program Goals

Our program will promote excellence in:

Competence
Our program will provide exceptional training in the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level medical practice.

Class of 2025 had a 100% PANCE pass rate (exceeded national rate).

Compassion
Our program will prepare graduates to provide patient-centered, ethical, and compassionate care.

100% of the students in the Class of 2025 scored 80% or higher on the patient-centered care summative exam on the first attempt.

Confidence
Our program will prepare servant leaders who practice with integrity, following the example of Jesus

91% of graduates from the class of 2025 agreed or strongly agreed that the program prepares servant leaders who practice with integrity, following the example of Jesus.

Culture
Our program will celebrate the diversity of God’s kingdom by supporting students with an inclusive culture and preparing them to provide culturally humble care.

94% of students in the class of 2025 agreed or strongly agreed that the program was supportive of individual student needs and provided a safe and elective learning environment.

Learn more about our program goals and outcomes.

View goals and outcomes

Accreditation and Licensure

Program Accreditation

At its July 2026 meeting, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) placed the Bethel University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Bethel University-Minnesota on Accreditation-Probation status until its next review in July 2028.

Probation accreditation is a temporary accreditation status initially of not less than two years. However, that period may be extended by the ARC-PA for up to an additional two years if the ARC-PA finds that the program is making substantial progress toward meeting all applicable standards but requires additional time to come into full compliance. Probation accreditation status is granted, at the sole discretion of the ARC-PA, when a program holding an accreditation status of Accreditation-Provisional or Accreditation-Continued does not, in the judgment of the ARC-PA, meet the Standards or when the capability of the program to provide an acceptable educational experience for its students is threatened.

Once placed on probation, a program that fails to comply with accreditation requirements in a timely manner, as specified by the ARC-PA, may be scheduled for a focused site visit and is subject to having its accreditation withdrawn.

Specific questions regarding the Program and its plans should be directed to the Program Director and/or the appropriate institutional official(s). The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at http://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-bethel-university-mn/.

University Accreditation

Bethel University has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1959. This regional accreditation, recognized by the United States Department of Education, demonstrates that the university meets quality educational standards.

Find out whether this program meets the licensure requirements for your state.

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