Melissa Jensen in University Point

Jensen, Melissa

Title: Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies

College: College of Science, Mathematics, and Health

Department: Department of Health Sciences

Phone: 304-384-5391

Room: Wooddell G12

Jensen, Melissa

Biography

I have been a PA since 2010. Clinically, I worked in a small rural Primary Care clinic from 2010 to 2019 before transitioning to my current role at a multispecialty practice from 2019 to the present. I enjoy the opportunity to provide both Nephrology and Cardiology care to patients in the outpatient and inpatient settings.

In 2012, I began working as an adjunct instructor at Mountain State University’s PA Program. I briefly took a full-time role for that program in 2013 before transitioning to the University of Charleston PA program, where I worked as full-time faculty for 12 years. In 2025, I transitioned to a faculty role with Concord University’s PA program. Over the course of my career in academia, I have worked in a variety of positions including adjunct instructor, principal faculty, director of clinical education, and associate program director.

I enjoy being involved with public health organizations and have filled committee chair or board of director positions for multiple entities, including the West Virginia Association of Physician Assistants for several years and the West Virginia Immunization Network. My special interests include PA and public health advocacy, preventative healthcare, health education, and rural Appalachian healthcare. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, reading, church outreach programs, tabletop board games, and spending time with my wonderful husband and three children.

Education

  • Bachelor of Medical Science from Mountain State University – 2010
  • Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Mountain State University – 2010

Research

Publications:

Jensen, M., & Ruane, P. (2021). Rural Health Care. In Physician Assistant: A Guide to
Clinical Practice (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.

Professional Presentations:

West Virginia Medical Group Management Association – Charleston WV
MARCH 2025
Ethics Workshop: Applying Medical Ethics to Real-World Scenarios.

WVAPA Spring CME Conference – Daniels WV
MARCH 2025
Just Beet It: Addressing Nutrition in Rural Populations.

West Virginia Hospital Association – Wheeling WV
DECEMBER 2024
Ethics Workshop: Applying Medical Ethics to Real-World Scenarios.

West Virginia Rural Health Conference – Wheeling WV
NOVEMBER 2023
Just Beet It: Addressing Nutrition in Rural Populations.

ACA 2022 Annual Summit – Pigeon Forge TN
SEPTEMBER 2022
Gamification in the Classroom.

WVAPA Spring CME Conference – Fayetteville WV
FEBRUARY 2022
Recognizing Common Breast Disorders.

West Virginia Rural Health Conference – Huntington WV
OCTOBER 2019
Breaking the Silence: Domestic Violence in Rural Populations.

WVAPA Spring CME Conference – Fayetteville WV
APRIL 2019
Workshop: Motivational Interviewing to Reduce Vaccine Hesitancy.

West Virginia Rural Health Conference – Pipestem WV
OCTOBER 2018
Recognizing Barriers to Rural Health.

West Virginia Immunization Summit – Charleston WV
JUNE 2018
Someone You Love: The HPV Epidemic. A Curriculum for Preventing Cancer.

WVAPA Spring CME Conference – Davis WV
MARCH 2018
You are the Key to HPV Cancer Prevention.
Treatment Options for Unipolar Depression.

Update on Immunization-Related Issues in State Legislatures – Webinar
JUNE 2017
West Virginia Legislative Update.

WVAPA Spring CME Conference – White Sulfur Springs WV
FEBRUARY 2017
Management of Major Menopausal Symptoms.

WVAPA Spring CME Conference – Morgantown WV
MARCH 2016
Management of Major Menopausal Symptoms.

WVAPA Spring CME Conference – White Sulfur Springs WV
FEBRUARY 2015
Women’s Health Maintenance: An Update on Guidelines and Recommendations.