09/24/2026
Alexis Calkins, PA-C ’26 found her calling after shadowing a physician assistant and chose Alvernia for her graduate studies because of its size and values.
“I was drawn to the small cohort size, because you’re able to really get to know your classmates, she said. “That added to the sense of community.”
Alexis, who graduated among the university’s first Master of Medical Science in Physician Associate Studies cohort this summer, moved back to upstate New York to work at a dermatology practice in the area.
“Alvernia does a great job developing your clinical foundational knowledge, and they also give you a lot of hands-on experience so that you feel prepared to go into work as a PA,” she shared.
High-tech equipment like the Anatomage lab, which uses life-sized 3-D touchscreens to provide virtual cadaver dissection, enhances student experiential learning. It wasn’t just the state-of-the-art technology, labs and simulation centers at the PLEX and Post Center that Alexis was impressed by, though.
“Something that exceeded my expectations was how much the professors want you to understand the material, and how willing they are to explain any difficult concepts to you,” she said. “You’re assigned a faculty advisor whom you’re able to meet with as often as you want. And my classmates were a great source of support because we were able to really help motivate each other. I’ve definitely built a few lifelong friendships.”
Learn more about Alvernia’s PA Programs at Alvernia.edu 🔗 https://www.alvernia.edu/success-stories/new-york-native-helps-lay-foundation-physician-associate-program-alvernia
