HPU’s Physician Assistant Students Meet Employers on Campus

High Point University’s Department of Physician Assistant Studies hosted a job fair for students on May 18. Students connected with and spoke to medical groups who are looking to hire health care providers.

There were 19 recruiters representing different medical groups from the Triad, Raleigh and Durham, including Novant Health, Atrium Health, Duke Health, U.S. Coast Guard, Navy, Army, WakeMed and more.

“This is a great opportunity, especially for new graduates to learn more about the opportunities in the physician assistant profession,” said Melissa Ricker, PA fellowship director with Atrium Health. “I think the facilities that these HPU students are training in are topnotch. This event is also a chance to broaden their horizons and meet their future employer.”

HPU students from the physician assistant studies program networked with the medical groups in attendance. Students say this opportunity to meet face-to-face with employers is invaluable.

“Having this opportunity at HPU is a blessing to have so many medical groups come to speak with us,” said Stephanie Rice, a second-year student in the program. “What drew me to HPU was the family nature of the physician assistant studies program. HPU has made me feel welcomed, and the program is something that I’ve been able to enjoy during my time here.”

The job fair is one of the many opportunities HPU provides to help students prepare for the world as it will be.

“The job fair provides a resource for our PA students to discover and network with potential employers who are hiring and interested in their skill set,” said Dr. Varnell McDonald-Fletcher, assistant professor of physician assistant studies. “The job fair provides the opportunity to explore a variety of medical specialties and disciplines upon graduation. These facilities and providers advance physician assistant students toward becoming excellent PAs after program completion.”

The university also hosts other career fairs throughout the academic year, including two Career and Internship Expos, and additional job fairs focused on specific majors like education and sales.