About Us

Program Mission

The mission of the UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies program is to educate and prepare compassionate, culturally competent, and highly skilled Physician Assistants who are dedicated to providing high-quality primary and specialty care in rural and underserved areas. Through comprehensive training, community collaboration, and a commitment to lifelong learning, our graduates will improve healthcare access and outcomes in East Texas, addressing the critical shortage of advanced practice providers while enhancing the well-being of the region's residents.

Program Vision

The UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies program envisions a future where all residents in East Texas, regardless of geographical or socioeconomic barriers, have access to timely, comprehensive, and culturally competent healthcare. By producing exceptional healthcare providers who are leaders in both clinical excellence and community engagement, the program aims to improve the health outcomes of the region, reduce disparities, and contribute to a stronger healthcare system.

A letter from the Program Director

Dear Future Physician Assistant Student,

Thank you for your interest in the University of Texas at Tyler Physician Assistant Studies program.

There is a saying I have always believed: "We are one choice away from the rest of our lives." Choosing to become a physician assistant is one of those defining decisions. It is a commitment to lifelong learning, compassionate patient care, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Every exceptional physician assistant began with a single decision—the decision to pursue a career dedicated to improving the lives of others. Our role, here at UT Tyler, is to provide you with an educational experience that not only challenges you, supports your growth, but prepares you with the knowledge, skills, judgment, and character to serve your patients and communities with excellence.

Our program is starting during an exciting period of growth for both the UT Tyler School of Medicine and the East Texas community. As our region continues to grow, so does the need for compassionate, highly skilled clinicians who are committed to improving the health of the communities they serve.

Our curriculum has been intentionally designed to prepare you for the future of medicine. Through hands-on learning, simulation, anatomy, clinical reasoning, and meaningful clinical experiences, you will develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to become an exceptional physician assistant. Just as importantly, you will be mentored by faculty who are invested in your success—not only as a student, but as a future healthcare professional.

What makes UT Tyler different is our commitment to the community. We believe learning happens best in an environment where students are known, supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow. Here, you will become a part of a community of faculty, classmates, clinicians, and healthcare partners who share a common purpose: improving the health of East Texas.

Our culture is guided by the values we call EPICS—Excellence, Perseverance, Integrity, Community & Creativity, and Service. These values define how we learn, how we lead, and how we care for others. We strive for excellence, persevere through challenges, act with integrity, strengthen our communities through creativity and innovation, and dedicate ourselves to serving others. We seek applicants who share these values and are committed to making a meaningful impact on the lives of their patients and communities.

If you're looking for a program where relationships matter, innovation is encouraged, service is expected, and your education extends beyond the classroom, I encourage you to consider joining us.

Remember, you are one choice away from the rest of your life. We hope that choice leads you to UT Tyler, where you will prepare to become a compassionate, skilled, and service-oriented physician assistant while joining a community committed to improving the health of East Texans.

I look forward to learning about your journey and hope to welcome you to our community.

Sincerely,

Seth R. Holland, DSc, MPAS, PA-C
Program Director
The University of Texas at Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program