Physician assistant students advocate at Nebraska State Capitol

OMAHA, Neb. – Future physician assistants (PAs) studying at College of Saint Mary (CSM) are gaining the skills necessary to advocate for their profession and patients. 

Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) students attended the Nebraska Academy of PAs (NAPA) Hill Day at the Nebraska State Capitol to learn about advocacy. 

“The College emphasizes the development of strong, ethical healthcare providers who not only deliver high-quality patient care, but also contribute to the broader healthcare landscape,” said Risa Zimmerman, associate program director of the PA program and president-elect of the Nebraska Academy of PAs. “By instilling advocacy skills in PA students, the program prepares them to be proactive, engaged professionals who can influence healthcare policy and improve patient outcomes, particularly in underserved and rural communities.” 

Students, practicing PAs and NAPA board members met with legislators to promote the PA profession and to educate them on how important PAs are in the care of their constituents.  

“It was a great learning experience for both the senators and students. I was able to learn how to advocate for my profession and the senators were able to learn about PAs and their impact on healthcare in Nebraska. It’s beneficial to understand just how much medicine and legislation go hand in hand,” said Jena Mitchell, a PA student. 

Students also met with lobbyists to discuss legislation that will impact PAs and their patients. 

“It was very powerful seeing so many PAs and PA students come together to advocate for our profession and our patients. I feel proud to be entering such a community driven profession and cannot wait to be more active with advocacy in the future,” said PA student Gabriella Hillman. 

Advocacy empowers future PAs to address legislative and regulatory barriers, work towards optimal scope of practice, and educate the public and other healthcare professionals about the value of PAs. 

Before the visit, students reviewed legislation and completed an assignment so that they were prepared to speak to senators about how those bills could impact the practice of PAs. 

“Advocacy is a crucial skill for PA students because it ensures the continued growth, recognition and advancement of the PA profession,” Zimmerman said. “By learning how to advocate, students can help shape policies that impact PA practice, improve access to care and strengthen the profession's role within the healthcare system.” 

The MSPAS program at CSM prepares graduates to be skilled and compassionate physician assistants with hands-on lab activities, diverse clinical experiences and research. 

At CSM, students have access to a PA classroom, six patient exam rooms, simulation equipment and an anatomy lab for gross anatomy. PA complete 12 clinical rotations in various medical specialties and complete a clinical research project focused on evidence-based practice that can be applied to their future career.