GREENVILLE, Pa.—About 40 students in Thiel College’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program strengthened their personal safety skills during a hands-on self-defense workshop held on campus in late June.
Led by instructors from Valor Combat Academy, the two-hour training introduced physician assistant students to practical self-defense techniques, situational awareness strategies and methods for responding to potentially dangerous encounters they may face in everyday life or while working in health care settings.
The workshop complemented the program’s clinical education by providing students with skills designed to enhance personal safety and confidence in challenging situations. Through interactive demonstrations and partner exercises, participants practiced defensive techniques, escape strategies and controlled responses in realistic scenarios.
Jessica Sloan, PA-C, Program Director and Clinical Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies, said the experience reinforced the importance of preparing future health care professionals for the diverse situations they may encounter throughout their careers.
“As future health care providers, our students will encounter a wide variety of situations throughout their careers,” Sloan said. “This training provided valuable life skills while reinforcing the importance of personal safety, situational awareness and confidence in challenging circumstances.”
Sloan said Valor Combat Academy tailored the workshop to meet the students’ goals while creating an engaging learning environment.
“Valor Combat’s expert instructors took the time to understand participants’ goals and created a fun, exciting and welcoming environment that encouraged learning and engagement,” Sloan said. “The students were highly appreciative of the experience and the opportunity to develop skills that extend beyond traditional medical education.”
In addition to reinforcing personal safety principles, the workshop highlighted the value of incorporating practical life skills into professional education.
“Taking a break from the classroom to focus on real-world life skills is an important part of preparing well-rounded health care professionals, and this event was a tremendous success,” Sloan said. “We are grateful to Valor Combat Academy for sharing their expertise, passion and commitment to empowering our students.”
The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program prepares future physician assistants through classroom instruction, clinical experiences and professional development opportunities that support success in a variety of health care environments.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.