On Monday, Franklin Pierce University officially launched its hybrid master of physician assistant studies (MPAS) program at the school’s newest academic center in Round Rock, Texas. The university also recently completed the buildout of the physical space, tailoring the center to meet the specific news of its faculty, staff, and students ahead of the program’s first Immersion Week in August.

“The official start of our hybrid MPAS program in Texas is a pivotal element of our strategic plan, Pierce@60, and underscores our unwavering commitment to innovation in teaching and learning,” stated college President Kim Mooney. “This program exemplifies Franklin Pierce University's flexible and forward-thinking approach to graduate allied health education, aiming to equip students with the comprehensive education necessary to navigate the complexities of today’s health care workforce needs.”

Monday also marks the beginning of studies for the program’s inaugural 48-person cohort, joining a university that encompasses one campus and four academic centers across three states. The program follows the university’s hybrid model in Goodyear, Ariz., combining immersive on-site experiences and clinical placements with online instruction. Located in the Austin suburb of Round Rock, students will travel to the center for a series of immersion weeks throughout their course of study.

“As we mark the beginning of the hybrid MPAS program in Texas, we are reminded of the crucial role that innovation and collaboration play in achieving academic excellence,” stated Catherine M. Paden, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “This program is not just about addressing the pressing shortage of health care professionals; it's about affirming our commitment to influencing the future of health care in underserved areas and beyond.”

In addition to the new program in Texas, the University offers MPAS programs in Goodyear, Ariz., and Lebanon, as well as doctor of physical therapy (DPT) programs in both Goodyear and Lebanon and programs in Manchester.