South University Austin to Graduate First-Ever Cohort of Master of Science in Physician Assistant Students

AUSTIN, Texas, March 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- South University (SU) celebrates tomorrow, March 29, a significant milestone with the graduation ceremony for the first cohort of Master of Science in Physician Assistant students at SU Austin's Round Rock campus. SU Austin is the first accredited Master's in Physician Assistant program in the area and is the fifth such program established by SU, joining sister programs at the university's campuses in Richmond, Virginia; Tampa and West Palm Beach, Florida; and Savannah, Georgia.

The ceremony will honor 35 students who have completed the 27-month program, which consists of 15 months of didactic training followed by 12 months of hands-on bedside instruction during clinical rotations. Program graduates have received training in at least seven medical specialties, including family medicine, internal medicine, behavioral medicine, emergency medicine, pediatrics, surgery, and women's health.

"This inaugural graduation represents a pivotal moment not just for South University Austin, but for healthcare access across our region. As the first accredited Physician Assistant Studies program in the Austin metro area, we're honored to lead the way in training the next generation of healthcare providers who will serve our growing communities," said Victor Lopez, Assistant Director of Clinical Education at SU Austin.

The program, which drew from a competitive pool of over 2,000 applicants, is designed to shape the 35 graduates into skilled healthcare professionals.

"The aging demographics across Texas, combined with the remarkable population growth we have seen in recent years, has significantly increased the demand for health care workers," Lopez said. "Our clinical programs have been designed to equip students with the skills and compassion to make an immediate impact in our healthcare system."

South University established its Austin campus in Round Rock, at 1220 W. Louis Henna Blvd., in 2011, offering programs at the associate, bachelor's, and master's degree levels.

SU Austin Master of Science in Physician Assistant graduation will be hosted at the Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel & Conference Center at 1101 Woodlawn Ave.

About South University

South University, founded in 1899, has grown from a single location in Savannah, Georgia, to serving over 10,000 students across 11 ground campuses and online curricula. The university offers a wide range of programs, from associate to doctoral levels, focusing on fields such as healthcare, business, and technology.

Programs, credential levels, technology, and scheduling options vary by school and are subject to change. Not all programs are available to residents of all U.S. states. Administrative office: South University, 709 Mall Boulevard, Savannah, GA 31406-4805 © 2025 South University. All rights reserved.

South University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. South University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of South University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).

The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the South University, Austin Physician Assistant Program sponsored by South University, Austin. Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program's ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation-Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.

Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class. The program's accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at http://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-south-university-austin/ 

Media Contact:
Juliette Haas
[email protected]

SOURCE South University