A record number of students from Methodist University’s Physician Assistant Studies program earned a National Health Service Corp scholarship.

The National Health Service Corp Scholarship Program awards full-tuition scholarships to students across the nation pursuing primary care health professions training. In return, the students commit to a minimum of three years of full-time service in a health professional shortage area.

Among the class of 2022, 2023 and 2024 cohorts, a record-setting 20 students from Methodist University’s PA program earned an NHSC scholarship and have committed to serving in an underserved community following graduation. Just four MU students have earned the NHSC scholarship in the past, so this is a notable increase.

“For more than 25 years, our program has recognized the health disparities associated with the Southeastern parts of North Carolina and have taken strides to expose our students to these underserved communities through didactic and clinical training,” said Jennifer Mish, the PA program’s director of admissions and alumni development, in a press release. “The dedication to participating in the NHSC program is fulfilling and noble. Without knowing, graduates working in underserved communities have and will become an important part of educating the community on healthy lifestyles while being able to relate to their patients.”

In 2021, the Department of Health and Human Services increased the amount of funding for the NHSC program, resulting in the drastic uptick of MU scholarship recipients.

“Attending PA school, at any university, is a financial sacrifice, which in return comes with the burden of a high student loan debt,” Mish added. “As a result, some graduates may find work in specialties with higher-paying salaries, rather than primary care areas that tend to be lower paying, so they are able to pay off their debt. This program allows our students to consider primary care work without the worry of debt.”

Leyia Oxendine, who will graduate in 2023 as an NHSC recipient, hopes to return to her hometown in Robeson County.

“My home county has multiple facilities that meet the requirements by the NHSC because my area is so vastly underserved,” said Oxendine in a press release. “It’s always been my goal to be able to return to my community and serve ‘my people.’”