PBA Launches Medicine Program

Credit: PBA

(Press Release) West Palm Beach, Fla. (July 21, 2025)-- Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) will in October 2025 welcome the first cohort of students for its Master of Medical Science in Physician Associate Medicine program. The program received provisional accreditation in June 2025 from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). 

---

Provisional accreditation is a temporary status given to a new program that hasn’t yet enrolled students. It means the program’s plans and resources are strong enough to meet national standards if everything is carried out as proposed. It can also apply to programs that are already in progress and appear to be on track to meet the standards as they move toward graduating from their first class. 

PBA's Physician Associate Medicine Program is part of the University's strategic efforts to help health care professionals across the United States. According to the outlook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is expected to grow by 28 percent between 2023 to 2033, with approximately 12,900 job openings annually. According to experts, this demand is being driven by an aging population and increased emphasis on preventive care. The outlook for demand in the PA field is at a significantly faster rate than the average for all occupations, with starting salaries above $130,000.  

"This program reflects PBA's commitment to meeting growing industry needs and integrating faith and learning," said PBA President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, who was instrumental in developing the program and will serve as a faculty member. "Our goal is to prepare students to excel clinically and serve patients with compassion and integrity." 

The 28-month program comprises 16 months of didactic instruction, followed by 12 months of clinical rotations.   

"By incorporating community medicine requirements, our students will have opportunities to serve in mobile health units, domestic violence shelters, and HIV clinics, embodying Christ-centered care in their practice," added Dr. Phil Tobin, dean of the School of Health Professions and Founding Director of the PA Medicine, emphasizing the program's unique approach. 

The first cohort of students will include 56 students. Applications are already open for the second cohort of students, who will begin in August 2026. This cohort will accept 56 students. To learn more about PBA’s Physician Associate Medicine program, visit School of Health Professions | PBA • Palm Beach Atlantic University.