Health and Human Services News

PAS students are high achievers

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To add another success to the list at McQueary College of Health and Human Services, the Missouri State Physician Assistant Studies (PAS) Class of 2022 has exceeded expectations, yet again.  

Students achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). This is above the 2022 national first-time pass rate of 92%.  

“Congratulations to the Class of 2022! Their hard work and dedication paid off,” said Dr. Roberto Canales, PAS department head.  

“Our deepest thanks go to the PAS department faculty, staff and clinical preceptors who helped guide students throughout their PAS training.” 

Learn more about the physician assistant studies department

Restructuring: Conversations with the dean

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The MCHHS departments are in for some major restructuring in the coming years – but what does that mean for students and faculty?

Dean of the McQueary College of Health and Human Services, Dr. Mark Smith, explains why restructuring is a good thing and why changes moving forward are needed.

“We must get people into areas where we can grow our community as a whole,” Smith said. “I firmly believe that by the end of this two-year plan we’re going to look different. One way or another we’re going to be better equipped to prepare students moving forward.” 

“Organizational change and improvement don’t happen by doing nothing and not talking about it. My door is always open for anyone with comments, questions, or concerns about this next chapter.” 

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

Faculty fan-favorites

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Emery Bryant, instructor in the department of kinesiology, and James Keaton, clinical assistant professor in the School of Anesthesia are two fun members of our expansive MCHHS faculty.  

Let’s get to know them better! 

What’s been the funniest or craziest thing to happen in your classroom?  

Bryant: A baby mouse wandered into class in the middle of yoga and startled us all—not the most relaxing session! 

Keaton: In the middle of a demonstration one of my students yelled, “bingo”.  The class had collected several sayings of mine and created “Keatonism Bingo”.  It was funny to see how intently the students were waiting for my reaction. I LOVED it! We all had a great laugh. 

Where are you from?   

Bryant: Liberty, Missouri. 

Keaton: I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and grew up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. 

Where did you go to school for your undergraduate and graduate degrees? 

Bryant: I went to Missouri State for my undergraduate degree, can I get a bear up?! 

Keaton: I attended the University of Central Arkansas (Go Bears!) for my undergraduate degree, Missouri State University (Go Bears!) for my masters and Texas Wesleyan University (Go Rams!) for my Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP). 

What’s your favorite part about working here?  

Bryant: The friendly and supportive environment. 

Keaton: I enjoy the student interactions in our simulation lab. It’s incredibly rewarding to see a student’s progression from novice anesthesia provider to confident practitioner! 

Dig deep into the department of kinesiology 

Do you have a favorite class to teach?  

Bryant: Yoga, of course! 

Keaton: Pharmacology of Anesthesia (ANE 745) is my favorite class. Nurse Anesthesiologists (CRNAs) manipulate a patient’s physiology with many mediations with varying mechanisms of action. In ANE 745 I get to teach students how to apply physiology and pharmacology to clinical practice. It’s a fun intersection of science, technology, critical thinking and skill. 

Learn more about the School of Anesthesia 

Accomplishing a huge feat

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For the first time in Missouri State history, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students earned a first-time 100% pass rate on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). 

This is a high honor, as only six out of 249 accredited DPT programs have this distinction. 

Additionally, the 2022 graduates scored higher than the national mean scale score in all nine content areas of the NPTE. 

MSU physical therapy department head Dr. Jeanne Cook said, “We’re extremely proud of our students, graduates and alumni, and their commitment to providing the best care possible for their future patients.” 

Learn more about the Doctor of Physical Therapy program