Written & submitted by Brandee Wagner

Elon University PA Program

Brandee Wagner is a Physician Assistant Student at Elon University PA Program. She also serves as the NCAPA Student Representative for the PA program.

Elon University’s PA Program began in January 2013 and has grown tremendously in the past 12 years. Each cohort consists of 38 students with diverse backgrounds and experiences and is anticipated to double in size starting in January 2026, with 76 future PA’s.

In the past year, the Francis Center renovation was completed to include new study rooms, updated common areas, and a renovated anatomy lab.

***Elon University PA Program Class of 2026***

Gerald L Francis Center houses Elon University’s School of Health Sciences, including Nursing Programs, Doctor of Physical Therapy, and Physician Assistant Program. The final phase of renovations was completed in Fall of 2024, including a new all-glass entrance, pictured above.

January began with a few days of orientation to help acclimate students to the rigorous, yet rewarding, life of graduate school, followed by a month-long J-Term that encompassed in-depth review of topics that would be expanded upon in the proceeding modules. This helps ensure students are up to date on prerequisite content to allow for a seamless transition into the PA curriculum material.

Spring Module began in February and runs until June, spanning HEENT, Endocrinology, Pulmonology, Cardiology, Hematology/ Oncology, and Gastroenterology. While first years are busy beginning their didactic studies, second year students travel across the country for their 6-week long clinical rotations, after which they return to campus to master their Ultrasound skills and take their End of Rotation exams.

Though most of the year has the cohorts apart, dozens traveled to Denver, CO at the end of May to attend the AAPA Conference, where we look forward to collaborating with other students and programs from across the United States.

***School of Health Sciences 2026 Award winners. From Left to Right: Dr. Monica Zimmerman, Dr. Alexis Moore, Dr. Cynthia Bennett, Meghan Renfroe, and Dean Maha Lund.***

In April, Elon School of Health Sciences recognized professors, faculty, and staff for their achievements, including:

Dr. Monica Zimmerman, DPT: The Grateful Award

Dr. Z, an Adjunct Faculty with the DPT and PA Programs at Elon University, was honored for her commitment to graduate students and their appreciation for all that she does to make our time in the lab a memorable and rewarding experience.

Dr. Alexis Moore: Excellence in Service, Leadership, and Collaboration Award

PA Program Assistant Professor, awarded for her mentorship, as well as her work with the Start Early in Medicine mentorship, where she educates adolescents about perspective healthcare careers.

Dr. Cynthia Bennet: Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring

PA Program Associate Professor, awarded for her classroom initiatives, including leading POCUS to 1^st and 2^nd year PA students.

Find more information on Elon University PA Program here: https://www.elon.edu/u/academics/health-sciences/physician-assistant/