Ray McMullen, MMSc, PA-C, practiced in Lewiston and in the prison system. The program is currently searching for another educator to join the faculty. The state system of higher education formulated a plan to have public schools develop PA and nurse practitioner programs. The result was that Lock Haven started its PA program, and at least one state college began an NP program. Lock Haven was a good place for a PA program since PAs had been practicing in the general area since 1978.
All students have laptops and utilize predominantly online textbook resources.
Soon all of the program's curriculum materials will be available on the Web. Training PAs to use the Internet will help them when they practice in remote areas, Eisenhauer hopes. That might lessen the isolation clinicians in remote areas often feel and encourage them to stay there, he says. And it doesn't take long to adjust to the technology. After a few months, they love it.