Assumption University Advances Healthcare Education with New Programs and National Recognition

Strategic Insights -

Assumption University has made significant strides in healthcare education, welcoming its first cohort of physician assistant students and achieving national recognition for its academic and programmatic excellence. The university's 28-month physician assistant program, which includes instructional coursework, anatomy lab training, and hands-on clinical experience, addresses a pressing shortage of healthcare providers. With the Association of American Medical Colleges projecting a shortage of up to 124,000 medical doctors by 2034, Assumption's program is poised to meet the growing demand. Additionally, the university's accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing program has been ranked the best in Massachusetts by RegisteredNursing.org, and its clinical counseling psychology program is set to receive the Award for the Outstanding Training Program from the Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Assumption University welcomed its first cohort of 40 physician assistant students to a 28-month program, addressing a growing shortage of healthcare providers.
  • The program includes instructional coursework, anatomy lab training, and hands-on clinical experience through 13 rotations with clinical site partners.
  • The Association of American Medical Colleges projects a shortage of up to 124,000 medical doctors by 2034, while the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates PA employment will increase 27% between 2023 and 2032.
  • Assumption's nursing program was ranked the best in Massachusetts by RegisteredNursing.org in 2025, while the university's clinical counseling psychology program will receive the Award for the Outstanding Training Program from the Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy.
  • The university recently graduated its first cohort of students in its accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing program, which enables students with other bachelor's degrees to earn their nursing degree in as little as 16 months.
  • Assumption's clinical counseling psychology program is the first master's program to receive the Award for the Outstanding Training Program from the Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy.
  • The University has also introduced a new certificate in healthcare leadership, empowering graduate-level students to develop essential skills as effective leaders in the healthcare industry.

Statistics:

  • Up to 124,000 medical doctors are expected to be in shortage by 2034, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.
  • PA employment is projected to increase 27% between 2023 and 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  • Assumption University has 37 majors and 49 minors available to students.
  • The university's graduate programs offer a range of options, including Master's degrees and professional credentials.

Sources:

  • PRNewswire, "Assumption University Is Advancing Educational Opportunities for Healthcare Professionals"
  • Association of American Medical Colleges, "The Complexities of Physician Supply and Demand"
  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Occupational Outlook Handbook"
  • RegisteredNursing.org, "2025 Rankings: Best Nursing Schools in Massachusetts"
  • Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy, "Award for the Outstanding Training Program"