South College earns top Physician Assistant program ranking
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 3, 2024
South College earns top Physician Assistant program ranking
South College’s Physician Assistant program in Knoxville has been ranked first in Tennessee, fourth in the Southeast region and 25th in the country by College Factual, a leading source for college data and insights. This program includes campuses in Knoxville, Tennessee, and Atlanta, Georgia.
“We’re excited to receive this ranking as an outstanding Physician Assistant program in multiple categories,” South College Chancellor Steve South said. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff and students who strive for excellence every day.”
College Factual evaluated 62 colleges in the Southeast and found that South College’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies in Knoxville/Atlanta is one of the most sought-after programs of its type nationwide for its immersive curriculum.
A South College Physician Assistant degree can be completed in 27 months, advancing graduates’ professional potential. The program includes problem-based learning and practical hands-on clinical labs, along with clinical rotations that are completed at both in- and out-patient settings and specialties.
In the last year, 84 Physician Assistant students graduated from South College in Knoxville and 79 in Atlanta, filling positions in the growing healthcare field. According to the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, nearly 170,000 physician assistants serve in clinics, hospitals and the military. Physician assistants care for patients by providing preventive care, counseling for behavioral health issues, and diagnosing and treating acute and chronic illnesses and injuries.
“This ranking validates that South College is an excellent choice for aspiring physician assistants, who want to improve lives and enter a profession that can truly take them anywhere,” South said. “In addition to our accreditations, I encourage prospective students to take this esteemed recognition into account when considering their professional futures.”
South College was founded in Knoxville in 1882 and has two campuses – Lonas Drive and Parkside Drive – in the city. The locations offer professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs in multiple areas of study, including healthcare, business, education, computer science and more. The Atlanta campus opened in 2021.
About South College
South College serves more than 12,000 students and is proud of its more than 17,000 graduates. The institution offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online. South College focuses on ensuring high standards and quality educational offerings, maintaining multiple authorizations and accreditations.
South College’s programs span diverse fields such as business, criminal justice, dental hygiene/assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, nursing, occupational therapy, paralegal studies, physical therapy, radiography, respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, pharmacy and surgical technology. The institution is dedicated to preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for the professional opportunities ahead of them. For more information, visit south.edu.
About accreditation
South College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award degrees at the doctorate, educational specialist, master’s, baccalaureate, and associate levels. South College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of South College 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 (sacscoc.org).