Arcadia’s renowned graduate health care programs shared a bit of the spotlight on Monday, March 8, as President Barack Obama included “physician assistants and therapists,” as part of the growing health care team that would be trained under proposed health care reforms.

“I know there are great programs here at Arcadia,” he said. “I was hearing about the terrific programs you have at Arcadia in the health care field. Well, you know what, we’re going to need more health care professionals of the sorts that are being trained here, and we want to help you get that training. And that’s in this bill.”

Dr. Michael Dryer noted that physician assistants (PAs) help to lower the overall cost of medical services by delivering high-quality, cost-effective primary health care in a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices and other community settings.

Arcadia University’s Physical Assistant graduate program is among the largest in the country, with more than 200 students enrolled. In addition to the Glenside, Pa., campus, Arcadia established the first PA program in Delaware several years ago.

Arcadia University also boasts a doctoral degree program in Physical Therapy ranked #7 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Arcadia’s Genetic Counseling graduate program is among the largest in the country, and the Public Health graduate program has a global focus in line with University’s international mission.

A new graduate program from Arcadia University offers dual master’s degrees in Counseling Psychology and International Peace and Conflict Resolution with an emphasis on Trauma.