The Shenandoah University Physician Assistant (PA) program is a graduate entry-level professional course of study that prepares graduates for primary-care practice with emphasis on service to medically underserved populations and the team approach to the delivery of healthcare. The Public Health certificate is an interdisciplinary graduate certificate in public health that provides coursework opportunities for students to obtain broad knowledge and basic skills in public health. The certificate is affiliated with the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree and consists of core foundational courses and an introductory course in population health. In this certificate program, students gain a foundation in the core principles of public health, including epidemiology, health policy and administration, health behavior and health communication, and leadership and ethics.

This dual degree program offers students an opportunity to earn a Public Health Certificate in conjunction with training in the Physician Assistant (PA) Program. The purpose of the dual Physician Assistant/Public Health Certificate Program is to graduate highly qualified health professionals who have obtained competencies necessary to succeed in the rapidly evolving health system. The dual program prepares students to enter a wide-range of PA and public health positions that address today’s most challenging population health care issues.