Augsburg has long led Minnesota in what was formerly known as physician assistant studies, having established the first PA program and the first PA doctoral degree in the state. Now, the PA program has a new name and departmental home: the Physician Associate Program, part of a newly created Department of Physician Associate Medicine.
The name change aligns Augsburg’s programs with the professional title adopted nationally by the PA profession—a shift that aims to more accurately reflect PAs’ scope of practice, credentials, and role in delivering high-quality health care. The change will ensure consistency with professional standards and accreditation, while positioning Augsburg to support broader efforts across the state to modernize PA terminology in legislation and public understanding.
“The transition from “assistant” to “associate” reflects the modern role of PAs as collaborative, highly trained medical professionals who practice medicine as part of health care teams,” said Associate Professor Vanessa Bester, director of Augsburg’s School of Health. “This change reflects Augsburg’s ongoing commitment to leadership and innovation in health professions education.”
The change also brings together Augsburg’s Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies and Doctor of Medical Science degrees into a combined department. The Doctor of Medical Science program, launched in Fall 2025, advances practicing PAs’ leadership expertise in education, research, and health care administration.
