The University of Nevada School of Medicine will likely have a new physician assistant or PA program launching next year. Reno Public Radio’s Marcus Lavergne has the details.
In Nevada, the number of physicians per capita ranks near the bottom, nationally. PAs that can treat and diagnose patients in all areas of medicine will help lessen the workload.
The School of Medicine and Renown Health are moving forward with the Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree they proposed back in December. Founding Program Director Brian Lauf says this can help make more health care professionals available to Nevadans.
“It will allow our residents here in Nevada to be able to quickly gain the experience and education to then move on to a clinical practice back into the community,” Lauf said.
Lauf’s been working to bring the PA program here for years.
“More recently the needs have increased,” Lauf said. “The leadership here at the University in the School of Medicine have recognized the value of PAs and the value they bring to the access issue to Nevada.”
Lauf expects the accreditation process to go smoothly and end next March. The school will start accepting student applications this June.