South College Physician Assistant program achieves 100 percent certification exam pass rate
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 14, 2025
Graduates of South College Nashville’s Physician Assistant (PA) program earned a 100 percent pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).
Out of more than 13,000 exams administered nationally in 2024, the average pass rate for all participants was 89 percent, while it was 92 percent among first-time test takers. Upon passing the exam, the PAs are issued National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) board certification, an acknowledgment of professional accomplishment for the achievement and maintenance of established levels of knowledge and clinical skills.
“Our faculty and staff strive every day to prepare our students for success as Physician Assistants,” said Jeffrey Peacock, program director for the Physician Assistant Studies program in Nashville. “The 100 percent pass rate reflects that commitment and the tremendous dedication and hard work of our students.”
South College’s Master of Health Science in Physician Assistant Studies is a sought-after program nationwide and has been ranked first in Tennessee, fourth in the Southeast region and 25th in the country by College Factual, a leading source for college data and insights.
A South College Physician Assistant degree can be completed in 27 months and includes problem-based learning and practical hands-on clinical labs that consist of in- and out-patient settings and specialties.
“First and foremost, we congratulate our PA graduates for their excellent performance on the certifying exam,” said Nick South, campus president for South College Nashville. “The pass rate also affirms our commitment to offering effective programs and equipping our students with the best opportunity for future professional success.”
South College Nashville opened its doors in 2017 and is located at 616 Marriott Drive, near Interstate 40. The campus features classrooms, laboratories and other conveniences for students and faculty, including a Barnes & Noble bookstore, and large student centers. The institution offers a variety of programs and concentrations in the areas of dental, business, healthcare, education, legal studies, technology and more.
For more information about South College Nashville, visit south.edu/location/nashville.
Across its national footprint, South College offers an array of academic programs in business, education, healthcare and other fields. The institution was founded in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1882 and now includes 10 physical campuses, online learning and competency-based education (CBE). To learn more about South College, visit south.edu.
About South College
South College serves more than 16,000 students and is proud of its more than 20,000 graduates. The institution offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online and CBE. South College focuses on ensuring high standards and quality educational offerings, maintaining multiple authorizations and accreditations.
South College’s programs span diverse fields such as business, criminal justice, dental hygiene/assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, nursing, occupational therapy, paralegal studies, physical therapy, radiography, respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, pharmacy and surgical technology. The institution is dedicated to preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for the professional opportunities ahead of them. For more information, visit south.edu.