Physician Assistant
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Master of Science in Physician Assistant
![South University Physician Assistant Program Overview](/-/media/images/south/video-images/_milestones_thumbnail.png?h=382&w=680&hash=ED4E736FBB5548FA0A5D24F903850C15)
The South University Master of Science in Physician Assistant program offers fundamental medical concepts and theories, provides students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to function with physician supervision, as medical professionals who will serve as valued members of the health care team as students have the opportunity to learn how to become physician assistants. Physician assistants perform medical functions that include, but are not limited to, evaluation, monitoring, diagnostics, therapeutics, counseling, and referral. The scope of the practice varies according to state laws, the medical setting, and the training of the physician assistant. In many states, physician assistants can prescribe and/or dispense medicine. The MS in Physician Assistant program is designed to provide students with effective learning opportunities that will prepare them to perform their expected competencies in an ethical, legal, safe and effective manner upon graduation.
South University Physician Assistant Program graduates are eligible to pursue national certification by sitting for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) developed by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Please see the Professional Licensure Disclosure in the South University Academic Catalog for the determinations if our program meets the professional licensure requirements in your state of residence.
South University does not guarantee third-party certification/licensure. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University. Students must pass the certification exam and obtain professional state licensure to work in their respective field.
South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University.
*South University does not promise or guarantee employment or salary amounts.
Accreditation Review Commission on Education for Physician Assistant
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the South University-Savannah Physician Assistant Program sponsored by South University. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards. Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be September 2025. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy. The program's accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at: http://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-south-university-savannah/
Admissions Requirements
Procedure for Admission to the Master in Science Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program
Entrance to the Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) program is gained through a formal application review and an interview. Application to the program is made through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). Applicants must specifically designate the South University campus(es) to which their application should be submitted within the CASPA system.
A completed application must be submitted through CASPA in order to be reviewed by any of the South University campuses. The application cycle for the January start will begin in April annually. The deadline for all application materials to be complete* in the CASPA application portal is August 1st annually.
To apply for the Master of Science in Physician Assistant degree program at South University, Savannah, individuals must:
- Complete CASPA online Applications including submission of all transcripts and GRE scores.
- Official GRE scores for the General Test (verbal, quantitative, and written essay) are required to be electronically submitted to CASPA through ETS (Educational Testing Service) using the Savannah program GRE Code: 0467. Paper copies are not accepted.
*This is the date your application became complete and was placed in the verification queue. Your complete date is the day your final required item - a transcript, reference letter, payment, or e-submitted application - posted to your CASPA account.
**Please do not send transcripts directly to South University. Transcripts should be sent to CASPA.
Individuals whose applications are deemed competitive will be invited for a required interview. Therefore, those who apply early in the admission cycle are more likely to be granted an interview than those who apply later. Each program concludes interviews for the admissions cycle upon filling all available seats. Not all qualified applicants will receive an interview.
Students who are offered a seat in the Physician Assistant program are only permitted to reserve a seat at one campus. Within 14 days of the applicant signing and submitting the acceptance form, it is the responsibility of the applicant to notify any other South University Physician Assistant program(s) of his/her intent to withdraw. Seat acceptance fees are non-transferable to other South University programs.
Note: Applicants should refer to the Physician Assistant Program policy on Acceptance Fee for more details.
Admission Criteria
Selection for the Master of Science in Physician Assistant program is highly competitive. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview or admission. Successful applicants will generally exceed the minimum criteria. The following criteria represent the minimum conditions established for students interested in applying to the South University Master of Science in Physician Assistant degree program:
- Applicants must have an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution no later than August 1st of the year they apply.
- Applicants must have an overall GPA as calculated by the CASPA service of 3.0 or greater (on a 4.0 scale) (including undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and graduate coursework).
- Applicants should have a Biology-Chemistry-Physics (BCP) science GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) as calculated by the CASPA service.
- Applicants must submit scores from the GRE general exam directly to the CASPA service using the South University PA program code 0467.
- At least three letters of reference on the CASPA application must be submitted
- At least one reference on the CASPA application must be from a physician (MD/DO), Physician Assistant, or Nurse Practitioner with whom the applicant has worked or shadowed and to whom the applicant is not related. Impressive, well- articulated, and unequivocal letters attesting to the applicant’s motivation, communication and interpersonal skills, professionalism, and future contribution towards health care are considered competitive.
Clinical Experience
Clinical experiences should provide the applicant with a knowledge of and orientation to the presentation, signs, and symptoms of a variety of ill or injured patients. Although clinical experience is not required, preference is given to applicants who have direct patient care experience (i.e., care that involves personal interaction with patients such as: physical therapist, respiratory therapist, emergency medical technician/paramedic, nurse, medical assistant or certified nursing assistant, or other similar professions). However, there is no requirement for a predetermined number of hours (or months) of health care experience to be earned by an applicant.
Admissions Committee Selection Factors
Applicants for admission are considered and ranked using multiple factors. Applicants are awarded preference points based upon the following selection factors:
Academic achievement (overall GPA, BCP, GRE).
- Preference will be given to those with an overall GPA at or above 3.2.
- Preference will be given to those with a prerequisite Biology-Chemistry-Physics (BCP) GPA at or above 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale) as calculated by the CASPA service.
- No preference will be given for specific GRE scores.
Quality of letters of reference from medical providers (e.g., MD, DO, NP PA).
Clinical experience that requires direct patient care.
- Preference is given to applicants with clinical experience that requires direct patient care, such as: physical therapist, respiratory therapist, emergency medical technician (EMT)/paramedic, nurse, medical assistant (MA), or certified nursing assistant (CNA).
Personal statement/essay.
Healthcare provider mentorship/shadowing experiences.
Community service.
Interview performance.
The Admissions Committee assesses evidence of an applicant’s interpersonal skills, problem-solving ability, professionalism, motivation, academic potential, communication, knowledge of the PA profession and the health care system with an alignment to the mission and vision of the program. The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Program adheres to the South University Non-discrimination policy.
Post-Acceptance Requirements
Accepted applicants will be required to complete the following items in order to obtain approval for matriculation in January:
- Satisfactory Criminal Background and Drug Screen Report
- Health/Immunization Requirements
- Health Insurance Documentation
- Baccalaureate Diploma Verification
- American Heart Association (AHA) Approved Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
- FAFSA application (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) submission for those applying for financial aid
Applicants seeking admissions to the Physician Assistant program must abide by the College of Health Professions Background Check Policy and Substance Abuse and Screening Policy. Acceptance into a South University program or its completion does not guarantee that a student will be able to obtain subsequent licensure or certification.
All Physician Assistant program students are responsible for meeting matriculation deadlines and requirements as published within the campus-specific Enrollment Guide. There is a non-refundable $1000 acceptance fee for those applicants accepted into the Physician Assistant programs at South University, Savannah. Acceptance fees are applied towards tuition.
If you have questions in regards to the application process, please contact the Savannah Physician Assistant Program office by calling 912-201-8171 or by email at paprogram@southuniversity.edu.
Prerequisites
Prerequisite Courses
Applicants must complete all prerequisite courses listed below with a grade of C or better at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university prior to submission of his/her application. The PA program accepts prerequisite coursework completed in an online, virtual, or on-ground format from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university.
|
PREREQUISITE |
DURATION |
Required |
Anatomy and Physiology
|
2 courses (sequenced)
OR
No course substitutions are accepted for this requirement. |
General Biology |
2 courses Required:
Alternative Substitution for Biology II ONLY:
|
|
General Chemistry and Labs |
2 courses Required:
|
|
Microbiology with Lab |
1 course No course substitutions are accepted for this requirement. |
|
Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry |
1 course Lab recommended, not required. |
In general, prerequisite coursework with titles that include "Essentials of," "Survey of," or "Introductory to," unless specifically designed for science majors, are considered less competitive.
Basic science courses should be those for science majors. The General Biology and Biochemistry courses are recommended to include a lab, but it is not required.
Only courses (excluding General Biology, Biochemistry, and Organic Chemistry) with an associated lab will be given credit for fulfilling prerequisite requirements. In the event that a laboratory is not offered with a prerequisite course, applicants may request the lab requirement for that course be waived by contacting the program. Lab waivers and/or course substitutions are granted at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. Applicants requesting such should be prepared to submit supporting documents, including, but not limited to, course descriptions.
The South University Master of Science in Physician Assistant program accepts credit for Advanced Placement (AP) courses. AP courses taken and successfully completed will be counted as one course credit towards completion of the respective prerequisite subject. Grades earned in AP courses are not used in the calculation of the applicant's overall or prerequisite GPA.
The South University Master of Science in Physician Assistant program does not accept College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credit for any prerequisite requirements.
South University Master of Science in Physician Assistant programs do not accept a transfer of credits from other physician assistant programs or provide enrolled students with a waiver of credit (i.e., advanced placement) for any component of the required curricular coursework. All students must complete each course in the South University Master of Science in Physician Assistant curriculum.
Admissions Calendar
Admissions Cycle Calendar
Late April
CASPA begins accepting applications for matriculation the following year.
June - November
Admissions Interviews
August 1
Application deadline for which application must be in “Complete” status with CASPA for consideration of matriculation the following January.
January
Classes begin
Curriculum
Didactic Phase Total: 100 Credits
Clinical Phase Total: 74
The courses below are offered on an as needed basis:
No physician assistant credits from another institution may transfer into the didactic or clinical phase. Master of Science in Physician Assistant students must complete the entire 27-month program (174 credit hours) at South University.
Program Goals
Program Goals
Please click HERE for information on our Physician Assistant program and effectiveness in achieving program goals.
The following are program goals for the South University, Savannah Physician Assistant program:
- The program aims to foster a culture of inclusivity and equity for students, faculty, and staff by means of education and resources.
- The program will strive to adequately prepare graduating students to achieve a first-time pass rate that exceeds the national average upon completion of the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination (PANCE).
- The program will provide opportunities for local community service and outreach that foster a commitment to reducing health disparities.
(Note: Requirements for NCCPA Certification are determined by the NCCPA and are subject to change without notification to South University. Graduation from the South University, Savannah Physician Assistant program does not guarantee certification or employment.)
PANCE Certification and Attrition
Graduates of an accredited Physician Assistant program must pass the national Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) in order to acquire state licensure to practice. This exam is developed jointly by the National Board of Medical Examiners and the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Below are the percentage pass rates for the first-time test takers of the PANCE for the past five South University Savannah, Physician Assistant Studies graduating classes.
Click the link below to view the pass rates of South University, Savannah students.
South University Savannah PANCE Pass Rates
Student Attrition
To view the South University, Savannah PA program student attrition information, please click HERE.
Tuition and Fees
Estimated Tuition for the Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) Degree
Per quarter: $10,856.00
Total tuition: $97,704.00
Required Fees for the MSPA Degree
Acceptance Fee: $1,000.00 (Non-refundable/Applied to Tuition)
Registration Fees: $225.00 ($25.00 per term)
Graduation Fee: $250.00
Textbooks: $2,610.00 ($15 per credit hour)
Technology Fee: $3,480.00 ($20 per credit hour)
Clinical Experience Fee: $9,000.00 ($1,000.00 per quarter)
Other Estimated Costs for the MSPA Degree
(South University will not charge for these costs. They are the student's responsibility.)
Professional Instruments: $1,100.00 (Approximate)
Surgical Scrubs: $100.00 (Approximate)
Laptop Computer and privacy screen: $1,500.00 (Approximate)
Background Check: $800.00 (Additional fees may apply to the base package fee contingent upon credentialing requirements of the hospital.)(Approximate)
State Association Fees: GAPA currently does not charge a fee.
American Heart Association approved Provider BLS: $100.00 (Approximate)
Estimated Total for the MSPA Degree
Tuition and Fees: $116,944.00
Tuition and fees are subject to change. The tuition for in-state and out-of-state residents is the same. Acceptance fee is non-refundable and upon acceptance is applied toward the student’s tuition. If a student decides not to attend after accepting, the fee will not be refunded.
All students are required to have a laptop computer with wireless internet access for use in the multimedia classroom. Purchase of these items is not recommended prior to acceptance into the program because of these very specific requirements.
Inclusive in Tuition, Technology, and Digital Resources
Students obtain access to the following digital platforms:
- Lecturio, Rosh Review, Up-To-Date
- AccessMedicine, AccessPharmacy, AccessAnesthesiology, Case Files Collection
- Complete Anatomy 3D4, My EKG Lab
- Butterfly Ultrasound Technology
- PANCE Board Review in person sessions and digital test bank questions
- CORE clinical logging and portfolio resources
- PAEA End of Rotation Exams, End of Curriculum Exams, PACKRAT1 and PACKRAT2
- PAVMT (PAs in Virtual Medicine and Telemedicine) up-to-date medical technology trends
- LinkedIn Learning
- Bright Space Learning Management System
- ExamSoft Testing platform
Clinical Experience fees support the recruitment of clinical sites across the nation, strengthen the quality of the learning experience, and subsidize the increasing costs of clinical sites.
Payment of Tuition and Fees
All charges are due and payable on or before the registration date for each quarter. Circumstances which prevent a student from adhering to these dates should be discussed with the financial aid office. Students attending school under grants and/or loans should confer with the financial aid office concerning payment of fees. Students attending school under the G.I. Bill may discuss payment of school fees with the Director of Financial Aid. Failure to make proper payments, unless otherwise cleared by the financial aid office, will result in dismissal from the university. Grades will not be issued, degrees granted, or academic transcripts furnished until all financial obligations have been satisfied and all university property returned. For refund policies, please see the academic catalog HERE.
Policies and procedures for student withdrawal, refunds of tuition and fees, policies that limit or prevent students from working during the program and policies and procedures for processing student grievances can be found in the South University catalog.
Student Handbook and Employment
For the South University, Savannah Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) program Student Handbook, click here. All Physician Assistant program policies apply to all students, principal faculty, and the program director regardless of location, i.e., didactic and clinical settings.
Student Employment
Due to the rigorous nature of the Physician Assistant program, employment during a student's course of training is strongly discouraged.
Employment must never interfere with academic or clinical assignments.
At no time is a South University Physician Assistant student allowed to or required to work for the South University Physician Assistant program or program clinical sites.
Physician Assistant at South University
South University is committed to creating career opportunities for our students, so we provide the relevant coursework for you to meet your career goals in a position as a Physician Assistant as well as the ethical and legal competencies and effective communication skills that are integral for this profession. In addition, we instill the value of continued education in our students so you can continue to create more opportunities for success in your career.
Mission and Vision
Physician Assistant Program
Mission Statement
The mission of the South University Physician Assistant (MSPA) is to educate a diverse student population and prepare graduates to practice the art and science of medicine while providing high-quality, equitable, and inclusive patient-centered healthcare.
Vision Statement
The South University Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) degree program strives to provide an educational environment that empowers students to practice evidence-based, patient-centered medical care. With an emphasis on increasing access to care, reducing health disparities, and engaging in community outreach, we aim to provide inclusive educational experiences for students, faculty, and staff. As future clinical leaders, the program’s focus is to graduate physician assistants who will promote cultural humility and patient advocacy.
Technical Standards
In order to ensure that patients receive the best medical care possible, the faculty of the South University Physician Assistant program has identified certain skills and professional behaviors that are essential for successful progression of physician assistant students in the program. A student must possess skills and behaviors at a level of capability to perform a variety of duties required of a physician assistant as a health care professional.
Students with disabilities who can perform these skills and successfully execute professional behavior either unassisted, with dependable use of assistive devices, or by employing other reasonable accommodations are eligible to apply for enrollment in the program. Minimum performance standards include critical thinking, communication skills, observation skills, motor skills, and interpersonal abilities. Interested parties may contact the Physician Assistant program office for additional information about South University performance standards. These skills and behaviors include, but are not limited to;
Critical Thinking: A student must possess the intellectual, ethical, physical and emotional capabilities required to undertake the full curriculum and to achieve the levels of competence required by the faculty. The ability to solve problems, a skill that is critical to the practice of medicine, requires the intellectual abilities of measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis and synthesis. Students must be able to perform demonstrations and experiments in the basic sciences.
Communication Skills: A student should also be able to speak, to hear, and to observe patients in order to elicit information, describe changes in mood, activity and posture, and to perceive nonverbal communications. The student must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written forms.
Observation Skills: The student must be able to observe a patient accurately, both at a distance and in close proximity. This ability requires the functional use of vision and somatic sensation.
Motor Skills: A student should have sufficient motor function to elicit information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion and other diagnostic techniques. A student should be able to execute movements reasonably required to move from area to area, maneuver in small spaces, calibrate and use large and small equipment, position and move patients, and provide patients with general care and emergency treatment.
Interpersonal Abilities: A student for the Physician Assistant program must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his or her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities required for the diagnosis and care of patients and the development of professionalism through mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients, families, and colleagues.
Faculty
Physician Assistant Program at Savannah
Jonie Fawley, MPAS, PA-C
Program Director and Assistant Professor
Ms. Fawley is an Ohio native. She received a Bachelor of Science in Education from The Ohio State University, Physician Assistant (PA) Certification from Kettering College of Medical Arts, and a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from The University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Medicine.
Ms. Fawley has 16 years of experience as a practicing physician assistant in the fields of family medicine, geriatrics, and neurology. Prior to arriving at South University, she served as adjunct faculty, Wright State University School of Medicine, Family Medicine Department and Assistant Professor, Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, PA Program.
Ms. Fawley is a member of the Pi Alpha National Honor Society for Physician Assistants, Physician Assistant Education Association, American Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants. She received the 2018 GAPA Faculty Achievement Award and the 2019 GAPA Faculty of the Year Award. She completed the Woodruff Health Educators Academy’s Fellowship in Educational Scholarship at Emory University in 2020.
Her teaching and research interests include active learning and critical thinking in medical education. She enjoys traveling, hiking and riding her Vespa or Can Am Spyder.
Ray Rudolph, M.D., MPH, FACS
Medical Director and Assistant Professor
Raised in Houston, Texas, Dr. Rudolph served in the Army completing his studies as a licensed practical nurse at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. He worked as a chief line medic in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969 where he received the Bronze Star for valor. After eight years as an LPN, he entered the Physician Assistant Program at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, graduating in 1976. His first assignment as a Physician Assistant brought him to South Dakota to serve the Sioux Nation at Lower Brule for four years. Dr. Rudolph then had the opportunity to attend the University of South Dakota, where he earned both his undergraduate and medical degrees. He completed his surgical residency training at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia where he joined the faculty upon graduation in 1991. Dr. Rudolph received his master’s degree in public health from Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah in 2004.
In 2001, he and Dr. Paula DeNitto established the Center for Breast Care, the first practice in the region dedicated exclusively to care of the women with breast problems. He was nominated for the Association of Medical Colleges Humanism in Medicine Award in 2008, received the Alumni Achievement Award, Baylor College of Medicine, Physician Assistant Program in 2009, was named Surgical Oncologist of the Year 2010, National Black Leadership Initiative on Cancer; Savannah Coalition, and earned the Cancer Liaison Physician Outstanding Performance Award 2009 from the American College of Surgeons, Commission on Cancer.
He has done volunteer medical work in Ecuador in the area of tuberculosis and has shared breast surgical techniques in China. Dr. Rudolph is an assistant professor of surgery at both the Georgia Regents University (Medical College of Georgia) and Mercer University School of Medicine. Before becoming the Medical Director of the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Program at South University, he acted as a clinical assistant professor of surgery in the program since 2005. Although Dr. Rudolph retired from the active practice of surgery in late 2014, he remains a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Breast Surgery.
He is married to Barbara, a nurse practitioner and wife of 40 years and has two children and four grandchildren.
John J. Burns, III, MMSc, PA-C
Assistant Program Director and Associate Professor
Mr. Burns is a native of Savannah Georgia. He has been a member of the South University Master of Science in Physician Assistant (PA) Program faculty since 2001. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in Health Promotion and Behavior, from the University of Georgia. He is a 1997 graduate of the Emory University Physician Assistant Program. Upon graduation, he began his clinical career in Family Medicine at Fayette Medical Clinic in Fayetteville, Georgia. In 1999, he returned to his hometown of Savannah and began clinical practice in Endocrinology. In 2001, he joined the faculty of South University as the Associate Clinical Coordinator. He has also served as the program’s Academic Coordinator and Associate Director. In 2009, he assumed the role of Program Director.
His academic/teaching interests include PA admissions, medical communication, endocrinology, ophthalmology and physical assessment. His clinical interests include endocrinology, specifically Type 1 diabetes, and thyroid disorders.
He is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, Georgia Association of Physician Assistants, and the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA). He currently serves as Lead Faculty for the PAEA Admissions PANDO Workshop. He previously served as a committee member for the CASPA Advisory Committee.
He lives in Savannah with his wife and their two children. His hobbies include reading, gardening, and golf.
Liza Bashambu, MSPA, PA-C
Director of Didactic Education and Assistant Professor
Mrs. Bashambu is a native of northeast Ohio. She began her career in the medical field in 2010 as a Respiratory Therapist, gaining experience in neonatal and pediatric critical care. Prior to matriculation at South University, Mrs. Bashambu obtained a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care from Boise State University. She is a 2018 graduate of South University Savannah’s Physician Assistant Program and holds a Master of Science in Physician Assistant. She worked in Allergy/Immunology prior to returning to her alma mater as a faculty member.
Mrs. Bashambu is passionate about education and takes an interest in program admissions, pulmonology, arterial blood gas analysis, allergy/immunology, and behavioral medicine. She facilitates standardized patient events for the students each quarter, is the chair of the South University Physician Assistant Program Admissions Committee and serves on the Physician Assistant Education Association Exam Development Board for the Family Medicine and Internal Medicine End of Rotation Examinations.
She lives in Savannah with her husband and two children.
Mallory Capps, MSPA, PA-C
Director of Clinical Education and Assistant Professor
Mrs. Capps is a native of Wheeling, West Virginia. She completed an accelerated program at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, completing her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in five years. She began her medical career working in Urgent Care in her hometown before moving to Savannah, Georgia in 2018. Mrs. Capps continued to work in Urgent Care as a front-line worker through the COVID-19 pandemic. After six years of clinical practice, she joined the faculty at South University in July 2023. She is passionate about teaching women's health, medical decision making, and procedural skills.
Mrs. Capps is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and Georgia Association for Physician Assistants. She currently lives in Richmond Hill, Georgia with her husband and son. Her husband is also a Physician Assistant. She enjoys gardening, attending church, and spoiling her golden retriever, Ollie.
Chair of Admissions and Assistant Professor
Briana Evans is a native of Savannah, Georgia. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University with a BS in Exercise Science. She earned a Masters in Medical Science from the Physician Assistant Program at Nova Southeastern University in Jacksonville, Florida where she finished with Highest Honors. She began her medical career in 2020 working in outpatient internal medicine where she enjoys the variety of patients and wide range of care, she is able to provide. Briana has always had a passion for teaching and enjoyed precepting students during her time in the clinic. She joined South University’s PA program as full-time faculty in 2023 and continues to see patients in clinic once a week. Her clinical interests include preventative medicine, women’s health, endocrinology, geriatrics, physical exam technique and procedures.
Briana is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and Georgia Association for Physician Assistants. She is happy to be living back in her hometown, close to family. She is married to her high school sweetheart, and they have one son. She enjoys exercising, reading, and spending time with family.
Marcy King, MSPA, PA-C
Assistant Director of Didactic Education and Assistant Professor
Mrs. King is a native of Southern Illinois. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences with a Minor in Chemistry from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale in 2012. She began her medical career working in Hematology/Oncology in Southern Illinois before moving to Savannah, GA in 2014. She then graduated South University’s, Savannah(location)’s Physician Assistant (PA) Program in 2016 and earned a Master of Science in Physician Assistant. Her graduation honors included the Academic Achievement Award. After graduation, her clinical career began at an Internal Medicine private practice in the Savannah area where she practiced for 6.5 years. While practicing in Internal Medicine, she precepted multiple PA students and enjoyed taking part in their education. She subsequently joined the faculty at South University in March of 2022.
Mrs. King is a member of the Physician Assistant Education Association. Her clinical interests include many subtypes of Internal Medicine, as well as women’s health and physical diagnosis. She currently lives in Savannah, GA with her husband and young daughter. Her hobbies include boating, traveling, and cooking.
Nartaka H. Harden (Walls), MPH
Assistant Director of Clinical Education, Instructor
Mrs. Harden is a native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. An Army veteran, she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration from Saint Leo University. She worked as a medical assistant in various private practice settings throughout Savannah, GA to include family medicine, internal medicine, neurology, and hematology/oncology.
Mrs. Harden joined South University in 2017 as the Clinical Coordinator. In 2020, she earned a Master Degree of Public Health with Honors at South University, Savannah, GA. In 2022, she was promoted to Clinical Manager of College of Health Professions where she worked with several programs assisting with site development, training clinical team members, and contract support. In 2024, she returned back to the Physician Assistant Program- Savannah Campus as the Assistant Director of Clinical Education.
She is passionate about education. She enjoys teaching and working directly with students as they progress through the PA program. She has received numerous accolades and recognition for her dedication and commitment to students and the clinical program.
Mrs. Harden lives in Savannah with family and two dogs. She enjoys cooking and traveling with her family.
John Balser, DMsc, PA-C
Assistant Professor, Principal Faculty
Mr. Balser has lived in the Savannah area since 2000, but is well traveled throughout the United States. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Oklahoma, after completing the United States Army Physician Assistant Program in 1990. He has also earned a Master of Physician Assistant (PA) Studies in Orthopedic Surgery from the University of Nebraska, a Master of Strategic Studies from the Army War College and a Doctorate of Medical Science with an emphasis in PA Education from the University of Lynchburg.
Mr. Balser is a 40-year Army veteran and retired at nearby Fort Stewart in 2021. During his Army career, he worked in Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Orthopedics, General Surgery, and EENT Surgery, both state-side and during multiple operational deployments. He joined the South University, Savannah, PA Program in 2021.
Mr. Balser lives in Richmond Hill, with his wife of 38 years, and their dog. His children currently live in Richmond, Virginia and Gaithersburg, Maryland, and are an eclectic blend of Arts and Science, which makes for great conversations at dinner.
Dawn O'Brien, MSPA, PA-C
Assistant Professor, Principal Faculty
Dawn graduated with honors from South University’s PA Program in 2018. She received her BA in English Literature from the University of Georgia in 2005. Originally from Atlanta, Dawn met her husband in Savannah during PA school. She fell in love with him and with Savannah and decided to stay on here as a "local” herself after graduation!
Dawn has been employed as PA at Southern Urgent Care on Whitemarsh Island since 2018, where she enjoys the variety of patients seen in Urgent Care, as well as the small practice environment. Dawn is also involved in the care of military reservists and performs disability evaluations for Veterans through the VA. She feels very fortunate for the opportunity to serve this patient population.
Outside of work, Dawn enjoys hiking, yoga, reading, spending time in her garden, being on or around the water in any capacity, and unwinding with her 4 dogs, family, and friends.
Jeffrey Morgan, DMSc, PA-C
Assistant Professor, Principal Faculty
Dr. Morgan is a native of West Virginia. He has lived in the Savannah are since 2000; however, journeyed throughout the United States. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marshall University and graduated from the Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP) receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska in 2000. In 2022, he earned a Masters of Physician Assistant Studies degree from University of Nebraska. Moreover, he completed a Doctorate of Medical Science with emphasis in Urgent Care and PA Education certificate from the University of Lynchburg. Finally, he has an Advanced Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (ABHRT) Certification from The Academy for Preventive and Innovative Medicine by Worldlink Medical.
Dr. Morgan is over a 23-year Army veteran and retired from Fort Rucker in 2017. Over his Army career, he worked in Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Aviation Medicine, Aeromedical Evacuation, and as an Instructor for Aviation Medicine programs, both stateside and during numerous operational deployments. He joined the South University, Savannah, PA Program in 2023.
Dr. Morgan resides in Pooler. He has one working professional son. His interests are “learning anything new,” evidenced based medicine, motorcycle riding, and exploring different cuisines.
Jan McCaleb, DPAS, PA-C
Assistant Professor
Jan McCaleb, DPAS, PA-C has been a practicing PA for 25 years and is a graduate of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. She entered the workforce at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital as a Health Professional Scholarship Program recipient shortly after graduation in 1997. She took progressively more complex roles, first as a hospitalist on a Spinal Cord Injury unit, where she learned the art of team-based interdisciplinary care, then moved into Home Based Primary Care where she became the sole provider for 290 homebound veterans leading a team of 12 under the direction of the Chief of Geriatrics in Dallas, Texas. She later moved to Montana to begin working in progressively more complex administrative and leadership roles, moving her career ultimately to the Orlando VA Medical Center to become the Director of the Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) Program. She developed a team of more than 50 employees taking care of over 300 veterans across six counties. During that time, she was trained as a facilitator for the “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” and completed the VA “High Performance Development Model for Leaders in the 21st Century Program” to become a VA senior executive. She left the VA after 22 years to leave a legacy for her profession by joining the faculty of Duquesne University as an Assistant Professor teaching Health Policy, Ethics and Law, Introduction to the PA Profession, and developing a Telemedicine course as a subject matter expert. Dr. McCaleb recently completed her Doctor of Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Pittsburgh. She is honored to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to South University.
Fun Facts: Dr. McCaleb also holds a degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Florida, still paints and draws, and has become very fond of playing the Native American Flute. She has twin daughters who attend the University of Florida and a son who is currently in the Marine Corps.
Holly Martyn, M-PAS, PA- C
Assistant Professor, Principal Faculty
Holly Martyn, M-PAS, PA-C is a native of Dayton, Ohio and graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago where she received her bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences. She then pursued a master’s degree of Physician Assistant Studies at Chatham University in Pittsburgh.
Holly has worked as a PA for over 20 years. She started her career as a pediatric transplant PA at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and then eventually moved into pediatric emergency and primary care medicine. She has also worked extensively in adult emergency medicine.
Holly’s clinical interests include multiple pediatric subspecialties including transplant and emergency medicine, though pediatric primary care holds dear to her heart.
Amusing note: Holly has a degree in Acting and Musical theatre from Mountview Theatre School in London, England. In her spare time, she enjoys cycling, traveling and improv theater.
Garrett Rogers
Assistant Professor, Principal Faculty
Garrett Rogers is a native of Savannah, Georgia. He earned his BS in Biology from Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Georgia. As an undergrad, he became a nationally registered EMT and began working in the ER setting before starting the Physician Assistant Program at South University, Savannah Campus. During his time in the program, he served as class president and as a student ambassador. He was also presented with the Student Leadership Award upon graduation. After graduation, he began a career in Emergency Medicine. He continues to practice in emergency medicine where he helps patients at the region’s only Level 1 Trauma Center and at a rural, critical access hospital ER.
Mr. Rogers’ clinical interests include procedures, radiology interpretation, and medical decision making. He is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants, and the Society of Emergency Medicine PAs. In his spare time, he enjoys playing piano and guitar, golfing, and enjoying all Savannah has to offer.
Catherine A. Whiddon, CMA
Program Coordinator
Ms. Whiddon was born and raised in Bridgewater, NJ before moving to Dover, DE then Wahiawa, HI before coming to Hinesville, Georgia. While in Hinesville, she followed in her grandmother’s footsteps and became an Emergency Medical Technician-Intermediate, graduating from Savannah Technical College in the first graduating class from the Liberty Campus.
Ms. Whiddon then worked as an EMT-I with MedLift Ambulance in Savannah, Georgia until its closing due to the merging of St Joseph Hospital with Candler Hospital. Ms. Whiddon worked with the former owner and became Co-Owner/ Operator of MedLift Transport which was a non-emergency transport company contracted with Hospice Savannah.
Ms. Whiddon then attended South University, (location)’s Associate of Science in Medical Assisting Degree Program, graduating class of 2013 working as a Medical Assistant for more than 9 years.
Ms. Whiddon resides in Port Wentworth, Georgia and has two daughters. Hobbies include home improvement projects, history, learning and anything medical.
Simone Baker
Clinical Coordinator
Ms. Simone Baker is a native of Savannah, Georgia. At an early age, she became passionate about the medical field. She started her studies with a goal to become a nurse like her mother, but transitioned her interests into administration. In 2013 she completed her Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration at Saint Leo University. Prior to, throughout college, and after she acquired administrative and clinical experience, working at a local hospital and a few physician practices.
Ms. Baker acquired most of her clinical working experience in Mental Health Research in which she thoroughly enjoyed. During her time in research, she became interested in adult education and the work required to create and validate programs. She returned to school and obtained her Master’s degree in Adult Education and Community Leadership. After completing her graduate studies, Ms. Baker held positions in the local government and educational sectors. She joined the South University Physician Assistant Program in 2023 as the Clinical Coordinator.
Trish Dillon
Graduate Program Coordinator
Trish Dillon is a native of Oakland, California. She later moved to Montana and obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Art from the University of Montana. She is currently working on completing her Master’s in Art History from Academy of Art University. She has 16 years of experience in youth and college preparatory services, as spent six years working for Montana Technological University’s TRIO programs.
Ms. Dillon, an Army veteran worked as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle System Maintainer with the 1-163rd Infantry Regiment, both state side and during an operational deployment in the middle east. She joined the South University PA program in 2023.
Ms. Dillon lives in Savannah Georgia with a lot of art and baking supplies as she has mastered the art of baking cheesecake.
Lloyd McCray
Graduate Program Coordinator
Lloyd McCray is a native of West Palm Beach, Florida. He moved to Savannah and obtained his Bachelor’s in History from Savannah State University. In 2012, Mr. McCray received his Master’s in Academic Advising/Counseling at Kansas State University. He has 16 years of experience in Academic Advising and Higher Ed. Prior to his academic advising role, he was a high school history teacher, behavior interventionist, and head basketball coach.
Mr. McCray has a passion for mentoring and advising. He has led numerous mentoring programs for youth, teens, and college students. His passion is mentoring, teaching, and advising tomorrow’s future leaders. Mr. McCray utilizes his mentorship through teaching and instructing Karate.
Mr. McCray resides in Savannah, Georgia, with his wife and children. His hobbies are competing and teaching Karate, mentoring youth and young adults, and spending time with family.
Clinical Rotations
12 months
Physician Assistant Clinical Rotations
The clinical phase is 12 months in length. Eight five-week clinical rotations are conducted at a variety of clinical sites. Students will gain clinical exposure in the following disciplines: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Pediatrics, Women's Health, Behavioral Medicine, Emergency Medicine and the Clinical Elective.
Clinical sites are recruited by the Program’s Clinical Department and personnel from the Area Health Education Center (AHEC). Sites offer the students the wide variety of clinical experiences for that specific clinical rotation (course) and service delivery system. Students are not required to supply their own clinical sites or preceptors for clinical rotations. Sites for rotations will be determined by the department. Alternate rotation sites may be provided by the student to the Clinical Department personnel. Clinical Department personnel will evaluate sites suggested by students for viability as a clinical rotation site. In order to qualify for rotations outside of South University sites, or in student suggested sites, a student must demonstrate successful academic, clinical, and professional progress in the program.
The South University Physician Assistant program immunization policy is aligned with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Healthcare Personnel Vaccination Recommendations for health professionals. After acceptance into the program, but before registration can be successfully completed, all students must complete the South University Health Requirements. Be aware that additional immunizations may be required by some clinical training sites and are the students’ responsibility. If students choose not to be vaccinated, they will not be allowed to rotate at clinical sites that require immunizations unless expressly permitted in writing to the program by the appropriate personnel at that site. If any of the core (required) rotations cannot be completed because the student voluntarily chose not to be vaccinated as required by the clinical rotation site, the student will not be eligible for graduation from the Physician Assistant program. In addition, if the number of clinical sites available to students who have not been vaccinated does not meet graduation requirements, those students will not be eligible for graduation from the Physician Assistant program.
Physicians, physician assistants, and other health care providers serve as preceptors for clinical students in direct patient care, providing the opportunity for the student to perfect technical and procedural skills, and to become competent in communication, physical diagnosis, succinct recording and reporting, problem assessment, and development of a logical approach to further studies and therapy.
Our students rotate in busy clinics, private physician offices, teaching hospitals, large institutions, and military hospitals and clinics. Rotations exist both in small towns and metropolitan cities. Our students are offered a wide variety of experiences and locations for their clinical rotations that are designed to round out the application of knowledge and skills to actual patient care.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
(Graduate Competencies)
The following are the program learning outcomes (Graduate Competencies) for the South University Physician Assistant program.
Prior to graduation from the program, students will:
• PLO-1. Integrate behavioral, social, and medical knowledge established from the evolving biomedical and clinical sciences in recognizing, evaluating, and managing patient disease states across the lifespan during acute, chronic, preventative, and emergent encounters.
• PLO-2. Demonstrate the interpersonal and communication skills required to sustain effective, multi-directional information exchange within a diverse population of patients, their caregivers, and members of the healthcare team.
• PLO-3. Demonstrate the ability to elicit an accurate patient history, perform an appropriate physical examination, and perform appropriate clinical procedures using essential clinical and technical skills to provide quality patient care.
• PLO-4. Collaborate effectively as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team through clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills to formulate a logical differential diagnosis, select and interpret appropriate diagnostic studies, and synthesize a comprehensive, patient-centered management plan for the promotion of wellness and disease prevention.
• PLO-5. Demonstrate the ability to interpret and integrate an evidence-based approach to clinical and professional practice through clinical reasoning, problem- solving, and decision-making processes to improve patient care practices.
• PLO-6. Demonstrate professionalism through personal behaviors, sensitivity, and accountability essential to patients, society, and the profession.
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