PA program marks 25 years of excellence in physician assistant education
The year was 2000. The world had just navigated Y2K, flip phones were the latest tech trend, and movie theaters were packed for “Gladiator.” But here in South Texas, something even more lasting was taking shape -- the beginning of the physician assistant program at 51 of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
Our story began a few years earlier, in 1995, through a collaboration with the Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP) at Fort Sam Houston, a multi-branch training program serving the U.S. Armed Forces. This partnership allowed civilian students to complete portions of their education alongside military trainees and demonstrated the feasibility of establishing a civilian PA program on the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio campus. Building on that success, in April 2000 the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved a full baccalaureate curriculum. By fall 2000, the first class of 20 students began their journey in a 27-month program designed to meet the region’s growing healthcare needs.
As the program grew, so did its vision. In April 2001, approval was granted for a professional master’s degree, implemented with an entering class in fall 2003. This milestone marked a significant step that positioned the program for long-term growth and national recognition.
Since that inaugural class, our program has continued to evolve and expand. We have now graduated over 760 physician assistants who serve in every corner of Texas and across the country -- improving access to care, advancing the profession and exemplifying the mission of 51. That number will soon be more than 800, with the graduation of the 57 members of the Class of 2025 in December.
Throughout the years, we’ve grown not only in size and reputation but also in reach. In 2007, we extended our curriculum to Laredo, reaffirming our commitment to South Texas communities. After a brief pause, the program in Laredo was reestablished in 2021, welcoming a new generation of students dedicated to serving their hometowns.
From our roots in partnership with the U.S. Army to our current standing as a fully accredited, nationally ranked program within the School of Health Professions, the PA program has spent a quarter-century shaping exceptional clinicians, leaders and educators.
Here’s to 25 years of innovation, service and impact, and to the next 25 years of preparing PAs who embody excellence in every patient encounter.
— is associate chair and associate program director of the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program in the School of Health Professions.