PA Program class of 2025 achieves perfect first-time PANCE pass rate
The Physician Assistant (PA) Program at Penn State College of Medicine class of 2025 has achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) for first-time test takers, significantly exceeding the national first-time pass rate of 91 percent.
Administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, the PANCE evaluates the medical knowledge, clinical reasoning and professional competencies required for entry-level physician assistant practice. Achieving a perfect first-time pass rate places the class of 2025 among the highest-performing PA cohorts nationally.
“This milestone reflects the academic rigor of our program and the dedication of our students, faculty and staff,” said Larissa Whitney, DBA, MHS, PA-C, assistant dean and director of the PA Program. “Our graduates are exceptionally well prepared for certification and for delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.”
The class of 2025’s performance builds on a longstanding record of excellence. Penn State College of Medicine’s PA Program maintains a 99 percent all-time PANCE pass rate, consistently outperforming national averages and demonstrating sustained success in preparing graduates for clinical practice.
Graduates of the class of 2025 apply for state licensure as physician assistants, and many have already begun their careers across primary and specialty care settings, helping meet critical workforce needs in Pennsylvania and beyond.
The PA Program at Penn State College of Medicine is a 24-month, full-time graduate program that integrates rigorous didactic education with immersive clinical training. The program prepares graduates to deliver evidence-based, team-oriented care across a wide range of medical specialties.
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