by Erin Diggs, PA-S, Lenoir-Rhyne University Class of 2020
Lenoir-Rhyne University’s inaugural PA program class of 2018
The Lenoir-Rhyne University Physician Assistant Program is a 27-month long program which began in January 2016. The first cohort of 29 students obtained a 100% pass rate on their first time taking the PANCE after graduation in May 2018. The second cohort has 36 students currently on clinical rotations and will graduate in May 2019. The third cohort (Class of 2020) has 44 students who are starting their last semester of didactic year and will start their clinical year in May 2019. The fourth cohort of the LRU PA program (Class of 2021) has 43 students who just started their first semester of didactic. As you can tell by the class size(s), we are slowly but surely growing! Last semester, the class of 2020 participated in PA week and raised over $400 for the non-profit Stomp the Monster NC, which works to aid patients financially as they undergo treatment for their cancer. The class of 2020 also volunteered at CCM, a free-clinic in Hickory, where they provided patient care along with students in the nursing and OT programs.
The PA program faculty consists of Dr. Richard Ball and 7 full-time faculty members. Several adjunct faculty also teach as content experts in various disciplines. Our facilities include classrooms, labs, exam rooms, a simulation room and a student lounge. One thing that is unique about our anatomy lab is the use of VHD, a software where Sectra tables are used for virtual dissection. This allows us to isolate certain aspects of the human body and there is additional software to view and scroll through different radiologic films. Our exam rooms are equipped with an exam table, sink, and all the standard equipment you find in a traditional medical practice setting. The exam rooms are particularly helpful for OSCEs, OSLERs, and labs where we are able to practice clinical skills and patient assessment. Our large lab room is equipped with exam tables, models, and multiple task trainers used for practicing clinical skills such as heart and lung sounds. The large lab is also equipped with microscopes, phlebotomy and blood gas training arms as well as EKG machines and wall mounted diagnostic sets.
