We do Interprofessional education- At UKPA, we believe in the power of collaboration. Our interprofessional experiences foster teamwork and communication skills essential for success in today's healthcare landscape. As a member of the Big Blue Nation, students become part of a vibrant community that includes medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and all the allied health professions. Starting in the first semester, students take Anatomy with the Physical Therapy students. Then throughout the program we engage in interprofessional education through the UK Center for Interprofessional and Community Health Education. We believe this interprofessional learning environment makes our program unique.  

We are a community- The University of Kentucky is known for its unwavering support and pride.  Our faculty and staff are second to none and are fully invested in our mission and our students. With almost 50 years of training PA students we are standing on the shoulders of giants and as a UKPA student you are joining a community of over 1,800 UKPA alumni.  

We have partnerships in Appalachia and Europe- Our training is focused in part on rural health and are proud of the impact we have on increasing access to care in Kentucky. Each PA student completes at least one rotation in rural Kentucky and we believe this makes you a better clinician. At the same time, a hallmark of our program is the opportunity for students to complete international clinical rotations to gain invaluable exposure to diverse healthcare settings around the globe.

Kentucky is investing in our future- Coming in 2026, the UKPA Department will be housed in the innovative, state-of-the-art Health Education Building.  The new health sciences building will provide an inspiring environment for learning, while our innovative curriculum and teaching practices ensure students are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills. Join us in our goal to build the Kentucky health workforce of tomorrow.  

We are ranked in the Top 20 PA program- Ranked among the Top 20 programs nationwide, the University of Kentucky Physician Assistant Program offers a world-class education that prepares students to excel in their careers. We prioritize student support, offering resources and guidance every step of the way.  As a member of the College of Health Sciences and an Academic Health Center we have significant infrastructure that allows us to provide an excellent learning environment. Additionally, our distinguished faculty includes grant funded researchers, award winning educators and experienced clinicians who remain actively involved in patient care, bringing valuable insights and expertise into the classroom.

At UKPA, we are dedicated to shaping the future of healthcare through education, innovation, and compassionate patient care. Join us and embark on a journey towards a rewarding career as a physician assistant.