About the
Physician Assistant Studies Program

Our mission is:
To improve health and quality of life for the people of Texas, and provide an exemplary graduate-level education for physician assistant students, particularly those choosing to work in primary care and underserved clinical settings.

The Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program is located on the friendly campus of the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) in the cultural district of Fort Worth, TX. The PA program opened in 1997 and is housed within the School of Health Professions. 

As a state-supported program, we take special interest in helping to meet the healthcare needs of Texas residents, especially those in medically underserved areas. Our faculty strives to create a learning environment that is both current and practical. As a student, you will have many opportunities to learn the art and science of treating human health and disease. Students find the PA curriculum challenging, but also rewarding.

The curriculum itself is divided into pre-clinical and clinical phases. In the pre-clinical phase, most of the instruction takes place in the classroom, and is provided by expert faculty and scientists. During clinical experiences, PA students are assigned to clinics/hospitals throughout Texas where they work directly with physicians and PA preceptors. Faculty members will encourage and assist you as you develop the foundations for your future success as a PA.

We also believe that learning in a health science center environment promotes mutual respect and understanding between members of the health-related professions. At UNTHSC, you will learn and interact with students from other health professions, including osteopathic physicians, physical therapists, public health specialists, future researchers and scientists.

The PA Studies Program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission for Physician Assistant Education. Graduates receive a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree on completion of all requirements.

We encourage applications from students who represent the ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic groups that they wish to serve later as practitioners.If you are thinking about applying to the PA program, keep in mind that we usually receive more applications than there are seats available, so attention to details is essential for enhancing your chances of selection. You can find more information about prerequisites and other application requirements under the Admissions Information link. Don’t overlook the information in the “Frequently Asked Questions” section under Admissions.

Please don't hesitate to use the “Contact Information” link if you need more information.

Hank Lemke, DHSc, PA-C?

Chairman, Department of Physician Assistant Studies

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR

Henry “Hank” Lemke, DHSc, PA-C, is the Founding Director of the UNTHSC Physician Assistant Studies program. He completed his PA education through the U.S. Air Force in 1982 and was awarded the Bachelor of Science as Physician Associate from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City. He was later commissioned and retired from the Air Force in 1996. In 1995, he received a Master of Medical Science degree from St. Francis College and in 2012, he was awarded a Doctor of Health Science degree from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Lemke has been PI for two HRSA PA Training Grants and has served on the editorial review panel of The Journal on Physician Assistant Education. He is also a past-president for the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants and the Society of Air Force Physician Assistants. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. In addition, Dr. Lemke has served as a Commissioner for the Accreditation Review Commission for Physician Assistant Education since 2007. 

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