WESTFIELD – Westfield State University has hired educator, administrator, and practicing physician assistant Jennifer Hixon, D.H.Sc., PA-C, to develop a new Master of Science in Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program.
Hixon’s appointment is the first step in Westfield State’s establishment of a proposed Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, which, if approved, will be the first and only public graduate PA program in New England. Experts in the health care field project significant shortages of primary care providers, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment for physician assistants will grow by 38 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than average[1]. Forbes.com named it the most promising job of 2015[2].
Hixon is widely-known in western Massachusetts as the founding program director of the Bay Path University Physician Assistant Program where she was responsible for developing all aspects of the program including curriculum development, facilities management, and faculty recruitment, key elements required for the successful completion of the American Review Commission-PA (ARC-PA) Provisional Accreditation Process.
“Establishing a public PA program is a personal passion and I am eager to begin developing the roadmap at Westfield State that will provide a comprehensive yet affordable pathway for students,” said Hixon. “The program outline has unique goals and I envision our future students able to take advantage of employment opportunities both here in western Massachusetts and across the country.”
A priority strategy for Westfield State’s PA program will be to attract a diverse pool of students and the program will place a significant emphasis on intercultural awareness and diversity. Additionally, Hixon is focused on creating a personalized learning experience for the estimated 20 students expected to enroll in the entering class.
“Our intent is to keep this program small so we can provide individualized instruction and ensure program excellence,” said Hixon.
Physician Assistant Studies will complement existing and planned undergraduate and post-baccalaureate health sciences programming at the university. Enrollment for the two-year program will begin pending provisional accreditation from ARC with laboratory classes housed in the university’s new Science Center, which is scheduled to open in August 2016.
“It is of paramount importance that Westfield State creates solutions that serve and sustain the institution as well as respond to important regional needs, such as providing qualified health care professionals to serve western Massachusetts citizens,” said Elizabeth H. Preston, president, Westfield State University. “We are extremely fortunate to launch the graduate PA program with Dr. Hixon whose deep experience in the field and commitment to public higher education will uniquely position Westfield State to prepare students for a growing profession.”
A physician assistant is a healthcare professional who is nationally certified and state-licensed, practicing medicine on teams with physicians and other providers. PAs can take medical histories, conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, develop treatment plans, write prescriptions, assist in surgery and make rounds in hospitals and nursing homes (AAPA, 2014).
Previously, Hixon was Dean of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences School of Physician Assistant Studies and the program director for the Springfield College Physician Assistant Program. She was also a site visitor for the ARC-PA.
As a practitioner Hixon served as physician assistant of sports medicine and orthopedic surgery for the United States Field Hockey Olympic Team. At the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, Korea, Hixon was responsible for the medical welfare of the athletes of the team, coordinating care with the team physician, and creating conditioning programs.
Hixon serves on the governance committee of the Physician Assistant Educators Association and is a founding board member of the KEVS Foundation, which aims to educate and help prevent Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in children and young adults.
Hixon holds a B.S. in physician assistant studies from Hahnemann University, an M.S. in industrial/organizational psychology from Springfield College, and a doctorate of health science from Nova Southeastern University.
