Marywood University’s 2017 Physician Assistant Graduates Earn 100 Percent Pass Rate on National Exam

Marywood University’s 2017 Physician Assistant Graduates Earn 100 Percent Pass Rate on National Exam

SCRANTON, PA (January 26, 2018)—Marywood University’s Physician Assistant graduates from the Class of 2017 earned a 100 percent first-time pass rate on their national exam. Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE), the national certifying examination given to graduating physician assistants, must be passed in order to be eligible for licensure in all 50 states.

The Class of 2017 had a 100 percent pass rate; the national average last year was 97 percent. The Physician Assistant Program at Marywood University first admitted students in 1998. Physician Assistants are licensed medical professionals who work under the supervision of licensed physicians.

For additional information about the Physician Assistant Program at Maywood University, please visit www.marywood.edu/pa-program/, or call (570) 348-6298.

Pictured are the 2017 Physician Assistant graduates and administrators at the PA Pinning Ceremony, which is held to commemorate students’ achievements. Physician Assistant pins and certificates were given to the graduates as a symbol of their hard work, dedication, and determination.

First Row:

Alicia Edwards, Greenfield Twp., Pa.; Kimberly Vogan, Hanover, Pa.; Catherine Notchick, Dunmore, Pa.; Cassandra Nuzzarello, Webster, N.Y.; Carlie Craven, Taylor, Pa.; Whitney Butler, Newaygo, Mich.; and Sr. Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., president of Marywood University.

Second Row:

Justine Samanas, MPAS, PA-C, clinical director; Zeena Attia, Newtown, Pa.; Andrea Chamberlain, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Melissa Kaminski, Hanover, Pa.; Amanda Kilgus, Watsontown, Pa.; Casey VanFleet, Scranton, Pa.; Cassandra Erdman, Halifax, Pa.; Alissa Dongilli, Waterford, Va.; Renae Keiper, Scranton, Pa.; Emily Ketz, Peckville, Pa.; and Bianca Noel, Cheltenham, Pa.

Third Row:

Jessica Frawley, MPAS, PA-C, clinical coordinator; Rachel DeStefano, Altonna, Pa.; Noel Bricker, Seven Valleys, Pa.; Valerie Golembeski, State College, Pa.; Taylor Schroeder, Kaukauna, Wis.; Sierra Bellenzeni, Old Forge, Pa.; Katie Shager, Conklin, N.Y.; Jessica Wadeson, Hancock, N.Y.; Danielle Higgins, Mickleton, N.J.; Michele Myszka, Grand Rapids, Mich.; Amy Kester, Bethlehem, Pa.; Molly Feeney, Lisle, N.Y.; and Jessica Nalepka, Stroudsburg, Pa.

Fourth Row:

Lori Swanchak, Ph.D., PA-C, PA program director; Davis Young, LeRaysville, Pa.; Alex Latham, Sylvania, Ohio; Paul Hashagen, West Grove, Pa.; Tyler Longstreet, Clarks Summit, Pa.; Keaton Bennett, Factoryville, Pa.; Kyle Viola, Ridgefield Park, N.J.; Andrew Andrle, Gibsonia, Pa.; George Ritz, Mountain Top, Pa.; Kam Mueller, Denver, Pa.; Adam Yngelmo, Asbury, N.J.; and Abigail Davis, MPAS, PA-C, PA academic director.