Mission, Vision and Goals
Department of Physician Assistant Studies
Mission
The mission of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at The University of Texas at San Antonio is to educate and prepare compassionate, competent, and adaptable physician assistants who provide high-quality, patient-centered care across a broad range of clinical settings. Through excellence in education, clinical training, service, and research, the program seeks to improve health outcomes, advance evidence-based practice, and serve the health care needs of San Antonio, South Texas, and beyond.
Vision
The Department of Physician Assistant Studies will be recognized as a high-quality, student-centered PA program that graduates practice-ready clinicians, meaningfully contributes to health professions education and scholarship, serves as a trusted partner and leader in improving community health, and advances innovation and interprofessional collaboration in healthcare and education.
Goals
Goal 1: Educational Excellence and Student Success
Maintain a first-time PANCE pass rate at or above the national average for each graduating cohort, measured annually using NCCPA reports.
Goal 2: Clinical Preparedness and Workforce Readiness
Maintain a graduate employment rate of at least 90 percent within six months of graduation, measured through alumni surveys.
Goal 3: Community Engagement and Service
Maintain at least one ongoing community-based activity embedded within the didactic curriculum, documented through course syllabi and program records and reviewed annually.
Goal 4: Scholarship and Professional Contribution
Ensure that 100% of students complete a scholarly or evidence-based project, with at least 50% addressing areas aligned with institutional priorities, including healthcare improvement, community impact, education, or research and innovation, as measured by program-defined criteria.
The Department of Physician Assistant Studies’ mission, vision, and goals align with the university’s mission to improve lives through excellence in education, research, health, and community engagement. The program operationalizes this mission by preparing practice-ready clinicians, advancing scholarship, and serving the health needs of San Antonio and South Texas.