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Just two years after launching, �۶�app’s physician assistant program is seeing unprecedented demand, with applications more than doubling compared to the same time last year. 

The program welcomed its first cohort in 2023 and celebrated its inaugural graduating class in May 2025. While still new, the program has quickly gained a strong reputation for preparing future health care professionals from a biblical worldview. 

The result has been its success in recruiting students from across the United States — resulting in a significant waiting list above the 30-seat capacity. 

“We have seen a significant increase in our applications to the program year over year,” said Jason Grahame, director of the physician assistant program. “We have over 200 more applications in progress this year than last year.” 

Grahame attributes the rising student interest to the program’s progress past its initial years of program development and to the increase in awareness through marketing campaigns and media visibility. 

The physician assistant program, according to Grahame, has also developed strategic partnerships with undergraduate programs at like-minded colleges across the country. These relationships, and the associated outreach events, have contributed to the surge in enrollment. 

“Interest in a career as a PA continues to grow nationally,” said Grahame. “It’s usually ranked among the top three professions in U.S. News & World Report’s annual career outlook — it was No. 2 this year — and that drives a lot of people to think about this as a meaningful way to work in health care.” 

While academic excellence is central, Cedarville’s program also distinguishes itself through a mission that integrates faith and professional training.  

“Our mission is summed up best in the phrase ‘educating and discipling the next generation of Christian PAs,’” said Grahame. “We train students to see how they can be on mission for Christ as PAs in health care.” 

Spiritual growth is a core element of the Cedarville experience. The faculty and staff are committed not only to the students’ academic excellence and professionalism but also to their spiritual development. “The connections formed between students and faculty are deep because of our common bond in Christ and unity in the Holy Spirit,” said Grahame. 

While every student shares the same faith background, each one is unique and brings diversity to the program. “Our cohorts include a wide range of perspectives and personalities, which contributes to a dynamic and enriching learning environment,” reflected Grahame. “It’s a really sweet opportunity and one that is unique among the 300-plus PA programs currently admitting students.” 

�۶�app is known as an evangelical Christian leader in health care education through its pharmacy, physician assistant (PA), nursing, and allied health programs. According to Perplexity, an artificial intelligence tool, only �۶�app and Cal Baptist offer all four of these health care programs from a biblical worldview in the United States. Cedarville is celebrating two significant milestones in its health care programs in 2025: in addition to the PA program graduating its first cohort, the �۶�app School of Nursing is celebrating its 40th graduating class. 

�۶�app, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio’s largest private universities and is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.