Philippi, W.Va. – The 36 members of the Physician Assistant Programs 2017 graduating class achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination.

“The 100% first-time pass rate supports Alderson Broaddus’ ability to produce quality physician assistants,” said Thomas Moore, Dean of the College of Medical Sciences. “It reflects the dedication of the faculty who have worked tirelessly over the past several years to redesign teaching and assessment methods based on identified areas of need.”

The Alderson Broaddus Physician Assistant Program has improved its pass rate each year since 2013.

“This also reflects the high quality of our students and preparedness of our graduates to enter clinical practice,” said Moore. The physician assistants graduating from AB are among the best in the state, and their medical knowledge and clinical skills will carry over into communities across the nation.”

The 36 students that passed the certification exam also marked 100% retention for the School of Physician Assistant Studies.

“Thomas and the faculty have worked tirelessly to constantly improve curriculum, admission and progression standards, and measure student learning outcomes; this has paid off in immense ways to benefit our graduates and their life goal of becoming certified as physician assistants,” said Dr. Joan Propst Provost / Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. “I am proud of the accomplishments of our graduates and faculty; this is a commendable milestone in our program.  We will continue to work hard to honor our tradition of providing excellence in PA education.”

Philippi, W.Va. – Alderson Broaddus University became the first and only institution of higher education in the state of West Virginia to offer student loan assistance to all members of the incoming class with the announcement of the AB Advantage.

The AB Advantage helps graduates with modest incomes repay their student loans after graduation. It is applicable to federal, private, and Parent PLUS loans.

“We know that student loan debt is a concern for students in the region and around the country,” said Vice President for Enrollment Management Dr. Eric Shor. “The AB Advantage is a way for us to be responsive to our students needs and continue to show the value of an Alderson Broaddus education.”

All members of the incoming class will be offered the AB Advantage at no cost to the student. Upon graduation from Alderson Broaddus, graduates making less than $40,000 a year will qualify for reimbursement of their student loans until they make $40,000 a year or the loan balance is repaid.

“The assistance that the AB Advantage provides is substantial,” said Shor. “For many graduates, it is the help they need to work in entry jobs as they start their careers.”

For more information on the AB Advantage visit ab.edu/ab-advantage-2.