OBU Announces Hanson as Director of the New Physician Associate Studies Program

September 18, 2024

OBU is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Christina Hanson as director of the new Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies program, currently in development.

This hire marks a significant milestone as OBU expands its graduate healthcare offerings. Accreditation is pending for the MS-PAS program, expected to begin classes in early 2027, along with the Doctor of Occupational Therapy, expected to launch in January 2026; the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, slated to begin in fall 2026; and the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, scheduled to begin in fall 2027. Each program requires both programmatic and Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accreditation.

Hanson, who began her duties on June 1, brings extensive experience to the role, having helped develop two PA programs at faith-based institutions. She is passionate about integrating faith with medical education. Before her work in PA education, she practiced as a PA in family medicine, orthopedic surgery and urgent care. She currently resides in Hugo, Minnesota, with her husband and three children.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Hanson to the OBU team as our new PA program director,” said Dr. Micah Meek, associate dean for online, nontraditional, and graduate education. “Dr. Hanson has extensive experience in directing PA programs, which will position her well to help design and build a program that meets student needs and industry expectations. Additionally, she had previously served in a faith-based institution, so she knows the importance of integrating the Christian worldview into curriculum and how to lead her team to help students live all of life all for Jesus."

Hanson expressed excitement about joining OBU’s growing graduate health science programs.

"OBU is addressing critical needs for students, healthcare systems, and our communities by offering hybrid medical education that is grounded in solid biblical principles,” she said. “We will have the opportunity to serve students around the country, preparing them to care for their local communities and increase access to medical care."

The healthcare industry faces many challenges in filling critical positions due to a shortage of graduates. Employment of physician associates is projected to grow 27% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with approximately 12,200 new openings for PAs each year over the next decade.

OBU’s MS-PAS program is an entry-level degree that prepares students for careers as PAs, where they will examine, diagnose and treat patients in collaboration with a medical doctor. PAs typically work in hospitals, medical offices, nursing facilities, retail clinics, correctional institutions and more.

“At OBU, we are focused on providing well-equipped, faith-forward professionals to meet the needs of our communities,” said OBU President Heath A. Thomas, Ph.D. “With these degrees in particular, we will be able to help our communities meet severe healthcare needs and address employee shortages we are experiencing in Oklahoma and throughout the nation.”

The program will be delivered using a hybrid education model, making it highly accessible to aspiring healthcare professionals in Oklahoma and across the nation. Courses will be primarily online, with in-person components delivered at the OBU campus through hands-on lab immersion experiences. The program will also include clinical and capstone requirements. This hybrid model is career-focused, facilitating a seamless transition into clinical practice and post-professional education programs.

“The accelerated hybrid model in graduate healthcare helps students reach their professional goals more quickly while training them with excellence in the field,” said Dr. Larinee Dennis, co-provost and dean of business, health, science and education. “OBU is excited to pursue this option for tomorrow's future shapers in the allied health industry.”

OBU’s PA program has applied for Accreditation - Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). The program anticipates matriculating its first class in January 2027, pending achieving Accreditation - Provisional status at the September 2026 ARC-PA meeting.

Accreditation - Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding accreditation-provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.

The PA program is one of four new graduate health science programs, including the Doctor of Occupational Therapy, expected to launch in January 2026; the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, slated to begin in fall 2026; and the Doctor of Physical Therapy, expected to launch in fall 2027. Pending accreditation, these programs are poised to address critical shortages in healthcare professions, meeting the evolving needs of communities across Oklahoma and beyond.