HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall University physician assistant (PA) student Allison Farley was awarded a National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The funding will cover most of her PA education costs.

Upon graduation and licensure in 2024, Farley will practice for a minimum of two years in a “Health Professional Shortage Area,” such as rural, urban or tribal communities with limited access to care.

“I was inspired to apply for this scholarship because the NHSC mission aligns with my goals to help people in the Appalachian river valley and rural areas of West Virginia,” Allison Farley said.
“As a future practicing PA, I want to work to fill gaps that exist in primary care in underserved communities so that patients have access to health maintenance and literacy resources. I have worked in a nursing home in Monongalia County, West Virginia, and volunteered at multiple hospitals prior to PA school. I saw so many people affected by chronic conditions directly related to the social determinants of health. I am excited to use my education from Marshall University and resources from NHSC to make an impact in my home state of West Virginia.”

Marshall University’s physician assistant program is housed within the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. Twenty-five Master of Medical Science degrees were conferred on the program’s inaugural class in April 2023. Additional information about the PA program is available at https://jcesom.marshall.edu/students/physician-assistant-program/.

Media Contact: Michele McKnight,  Assistant Director of External Affairs, 304-691-1713

Date Posted: Wednesday, June 7, 2023