Partnership in Education / Physician Assistant Program / University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

A Partnership in Education

PA Studies group photo in front of the Health Science Center The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, in partnership with the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation of La Crosse and the Mayo School of Health Science of Rochester, Minnesota, established this physician assistant educational program in 1995. The program's initial Bachelor of Science program enrolled eight classes that have completed classes at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, at Gundersen Lutheran in La Crosse, and at the Mayo School of Health Sciences, Rochester, Minnesota. Most graduates are now employed in WI, MN, and IA.

In June of 2004 the program enrolled its first class in the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program. Students take classes on the campuses of all three partner institutions. Program instructors include renowned clinicians and scientists, along with dedicated faculty PAs. Clinical
rotation sites include primarily Gundersen Lutheran, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Health System practices in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. Together the partnership holds program accreditation from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

The Physician Assistant Program Mission and Vision Statements

PA Eric Garland doing neurological exam The Mission and Vision statements for the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse – Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation – Mayo Foundation PA Program are

Mission Statement:
The mission of our program is to educate highly competent and compassionate physician assistants who excel in meeting the healthcare needs of the regions served by the partner institutions.

Vision Statement:
We will continue to be a nationally recognized program by:
  • Selecting students with the academic background, interpersonal skills and maturity necessary to be outstanding physician assistants
  • Educating students who will excel in improving the health and wellness of patients through the supervised practice of medicine
  • Developing students who are grounded in professional ethics and cultural sensitivity with research skills to improve patient care.

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