Mount St. Mary’s University is getting a little closer to Emmitsburg. The university is planning to start a physician assistant program in the Daughters of Charity building on South Seton Avenue in Emmitsburg.
“We are developing a premier Physician Assistant (PA) program and recognize the important responsibility of training PAs who are not only committed to delivering the highest quality of care but are also equipped to address their own well-being and pursue long flourishing careers,” Donna Klinger, Executive Director of Communications for Mount St. Mary’s University, wrote in an email.
The School of Health Professions welcomed students this school year. Besides the PA program, which is planned to open in January 2026, the school houses the graduate Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program, which is in its third year, and the Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health, which opens in November. The latter will serve area children and provide clinical hours for ABA students and experiential learning for undergraduate students.
The school uses two floors of the E-wing in the Daughters of Charity building. “In partnership with the Daughters, we are completing a full renovation of the space to create a facility that will house our PA program, a pediatric applied behavior analysis center, and support future expansion into additional healthcare education programs,” Klinger wrote.
The move also strengthens the university’s connection with Emmitsburg by bringing a portion of it into the town limits.
The goal is to have cohorts of 42 students in the school. It is well on its way to achieving that goal through virtual open houses and publicity for the program.
“We also have been fortunate to partner with numerous regional healthcare organizations who share our vision to prepare providers who will champion healthcare equity, compassion, service, and well-being,” Klinger wrote.
A grand opening for the School of Health Professions is being planned for Spring 2025.
