Westfield State University will host the first completion ceremony for the inaugural cohort of the Physician Assistant Studies (PAS) program at Scanlon Banquet Hall, 577 Western Ave, Westfield. The University launched the first public Physician Assistant Studies program in New England in January 2018. Twenty-two students will be recognized at the December 18 event at 5 pm. The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies is an intensive, 24-month program. According to Jennifer Hixon, DHSc, founding director of the PAS program, it intends to educate a diverse student body of highly skilled and culturally aware healthcare providers who will utilize a patient-centered care approach and be committed to serving the public in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and beyond.