West Virginia Wesleyan College introduces Physician Assistant program

West Virginia Wesleyan College is planning to introduce a Physician Assistant program in 2028. The college has applied for Accreditation-Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, with a decision expected in January of 2028. If approved, the college will begin offering its program in May 2028, with the intention of helping to fill the gaps in rural healthcare.

According to an article on West Virginia Wesleyan College’s website, Dr. Lynn M. Linder, the college’s provost, is quoted as saying of the new program, “The physician assistant profession is essential to meeting the growing healthcare needs of West Virginia and the greater Appalachian region. By launching this program, we are preparing skilled, compassionate providers who will expand access to care, strengthen healthcare systems, and build healthier communities. This is not only an investment in our students, but a legacy that will shape lives and reaffirm West Virginia Wesleyan College’s leadership in healthcare education and workforce development.”

The program’s first director has been selected. Deanna Leach, DMSc, PA-C will take on the role, using her clinical experience as a physician assistant and her experience as assistant director of the physician assistant program at the former Alderson Broaddus University and as the assistant director of the physician assistant program at West Liberty University to guide her.

Glen E. Combs, Ed.D. (HC), PA, said, The establishment of a new program to educate future PAs is a monumental step forward for the health and well-being of our communities. It signifies a strong commitment by West Virginia Wesleyan to educate skilled medical practitioners, particularly in our state’s rural and underserved regions. By educating a new generation of compassionate and competent PAs, we are not only enriching our local workforce but also ensuring that more West Virginians have access to the quality medical care that they deserve. This new PA program will be a beacon of opportunity, fostering educational excellence and building a healthier future for all.”

Additionally, college president Dr. James Moore shared his enthusiasm for the positive impact this new program will have. He said, “West Virginia Wesleyan College is excited and proud to make this announcement. As the region’s leader in care-centered healthcare education, we believe that it’s central to our mission to launch programs that will produce graduates who will improve the healthcare outcomes of West Virginians and Appalachians. We are grateful to our healthcare partners for their guidance and partnership in this exciting new program.”

For more information about West Virginia Wesleyan College, visit the school’s website.