Nazareth University hosts media tour of its new facilities for newly-launched physician assistant and existing nursing programs

Rochester, NY (08/26/2025) — The first cohort of physician assistants is now enrolling in Nazareth University's new 24-month master's program that begins in January 2026, and the new cohort of nurses starting as freshmen this fall was among the most competitive group of applicants in school history. Nazareth is inviting the media to tour its newly renovated facilities for those two programs.

Nazareth's new physician assistant program is one of the few hybrid programs in the U.S. - blending online and on-campus learning to offer accessibility for students.

Both the PAs and nurses will be in high demand upon graduation as the shortage of healthcare providers continues.

The major renovations were made possible by a $1.5 million grant awarded from New York State's Higher Education Capital Matching Grant Program, along with a portion of the major gift Nazareth received from Rochester philanthropist Tom Golisano in September 2024.

The renovation includes:

• A new high-fidelity interprofessional simulation center to allow students to engage in realistic patient care scenarios to sharpen their clinical decision-making skills.
• State-of-the-art manikins and wearable simulation technology will provide advanced experience for PA and nursing students.
• New spaces include clinical examination rooms, a simulated operating room, and offices for physician assistant faculty and staff.

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 28, 11 a.m. to noon

WHERE: Nazareth University, Smyth Hall, Floors 2 & 3 (Please tell Chief PR Officer Julie Long if you are attending and she will meet you and bring you in the building)

MEDIA: invited to campus to take a tour and get video of the new simulation center

Interviews available with:

• Cathy Rasmussen, dean of the College of Interprofessional Health and Human Services
• Maureen Finney, provost and physician assistant
• Bonnie Walden, chair in nursing