Physician Assistant Higher Education Modernization Act of 2015

Physician Assistant Higher Education Modernization Act of 2015

This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to assist qualified individuals in receiving the education and training needed to become a physician assistant.

Students enrolled in physician assistant education programs are eligible for increased scholarship opportunities, increased unsubsidized loan limits, and loan forgiveness programs for those who serve in areas of national need upon graduation.

The bill provides educational institutions with the resources to keep up with the demand for new physician assistants. The Department of Education (ED) must:

• provide Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly Black Institutions with grants to fund physician assistant studies,
• prioritize the awarding of grants for physician assistant education programs that will benefit Hispanics and low-income students, and
• provide grants to prepare certified physician assistants to become faculty members in physician assistant education programs.

In addition, ED is authorized to award grants for the improvement of technology in physician assistant education programs. ED may also create and expand physician assistant education programs at institutions in rural areas.