When Destiny W. joined her father on a mission trip to St. Andrews Island at 10 years old, she knew she wanted to pursue a career in healthcare.
“We were doing outreach and I could see the people had health care needs, but I didn’t have the knowledge to supply it,” she shared. “I wanted to help people, and I realized the best way to do that was through the lens of healthcare.”
Destiny also grew up inspired by her mother, an obstetrics and gynecology surgical technician. Hearing her fascinating stories influenced Destiny to explore her own path in healthcare, leading her to that of a physician assistant.
“What really gravitated me towards the PA profession was that I wasn’t limited to one specialty,” she said. “I’ll be able to switch specialties throughout my career, prescribe medication, create a treatment plan, and work on a healthcare team.”
As part of the first cohort of students in the West Coast University-Texas Master of Physician Assistant program, Destiny’s goal is to help others by providing quality and affordable healthcare, and by making an impact on patients’ lives.
“My purpose is still doing missionary work. I think it is very important for PAs to build that bridge between healthcare and underserved communities,” she shared. “PAs make a huge impact on the healthcare profession, and I want to do my part by being a great provider. I want to build a great rapport with my future patients and improve their quality of life as much as possible. I want to truly serve my community.”
Now well into her program, Destiny’s advice to future WCU-Texas MPA students is to “stay on top of your studies, stay organized, do assignments two days before they’re due, be adaptable, make lifelong friends, but also maintain balance life.”
“Don’t forget to laugh and enjoy the process,” she said. “I know you’re in school but it’s good to have a balance and live life while getting your education.”
The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the West Coast University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by West Coast University. 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. Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class. The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-west-coast-university/ To become a certified PA (PA-C), one must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). In addition, students must obtain state medical board registration/licensure. The licensure requirements will vary from state to state. A PA may not begin working as a Physician Assistant in most states until he/she has successfully passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) AND has been licensed/ registered by the state in which they practice. There may be exceptions for certain state licensures or for federal employment, such as the military and Veterans Administration. Failure to complete all necessary steps may constitute practicing medicine without a medical license. Upon graduation, students are responsible for ensuring they obtain all required licenses and certifications. West Coast University is not responsible for registration or licensing; the student is solely responsible for all such requirements and verifying proper authorizations to practice medicine have been obtained.
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.