MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - National Physician Assistant Week recognizes the patient-centered care PAs provide.

In West Texas, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Permian Basin's physician assistant program is working to expand access to health care in the region and beyond.

The Midland program is the only physician assistant program in West Texas and has produced more than 1,000 graduates, according to program director Abby Buterbaugh."Our mission is to prepare students to practice primary care in West Texas and beyond," Buterbaugh said.