Thiel College’s first class of 40 physician assistant graduate students will begin in July

Posted March 30, 2021Communications and Marketing Department

GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College received provisional accreditation status recently to open the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program with its first class of 40 students beginning in July.

The provisional accreditation notice comes from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant.

“This fantastic news will have a transformative impact on the College, attracting high-caliber undergraduate and graduate students, advancing Thiel’s commitment to allied health and sciences, and positioning the College to help meet the workforce needs in our region,” President Susan Traverso, Ph.D., said. “Thiel’s leadership in producing healthcare professionals reflects strong collaboration between the College and numerous healthcare providers, including Sharon Regional Medical Center and Allegheny Health Network.”

Provisional accreditation status is granted to new programs during their first five years.

“The College began planning this program in August 2018, and this announcement is the result of the work of many dedicated faculty,” Vice President for Academic Affairs Liz Frombgen, Ph.D., said. “I am so grateful to everyone who pulled together and help us reach this milestone in the College’s history.”

The College is investing $10 million in facility enhancements to the Rhodehouse Science Building, which will house the physician assistant and the speech-language pathology graduate programs as well as undergraduate programs in the sciences. Upgrades to the science building include new classrooms, innovative laboratories, a cadaver lab and collaborative learning spaces.

The physician assistant program is the third graduate degree the College has unveiled in the last two years.

Incoming undergraduate students can apply for one of the guaranteed seats and graduate in five years with a bachelor’s and master’s degree as part of the Physician Assistant program. The College is also accepting applications for the five-Year Bachelor of Science Communication Sciences and Disorders/Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program and its five-year M.B.A. program.

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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.



Thiel College
75 College Ave
Greenville, PA 16125
1-800-248-4435