10.4.23

Wichita State graduate becomes 200,000th board certified PA in the U.S.

Jamie Alexander ’23 was recently recognized by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) for becoming the 200,000th certified PA in the nation.

A Wichita native, Alexander pursued her education at Friends University, where she ran track and earned a bachelor’s degree in health sciences. In 2016, she volunteered with doctors and nurses at a medical clinic in Kenya.

After graduating in 2017, Alexander worked as a surgical assistant at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgical Associates. This experience gave her the determination and confidence she needed to apply to PA school. She was accepted into the Wichita State University Physician Associate program and graduated in May 2023.

“Becoming a PA has been the most challenging experience of my life thus far,” Alexander said. “However, it is quickly proving to be equally as rewarding.”

To become certified, a PA must graduate from an accredited program and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE), a multiple-choice exam administered by NCCPA that tests general medical and surgical knowledge. Upon successful completion of the rigorous exam, PAs become certified and can use the credential “PA-C.”

When told about the milestone, Alexander expressed admiration for her fellow PAs.

“What an amazing accomplishment for the profession,” Alexander said. “To think about how much sacrifice and dedication has led to this milestone is truly inspiring. I admire each and every PA who has worked for this achievement and I’m honored to be a part of it.”