SLIPPERY ROCK — The Slippery Rock University council of trustees on Friday took two major steps toward bringing a new master of science in physician assistant studies degree to the university.

First, the council unanimously agreed to forward the program plan to the State System of Higher Education board of governors. And the council also began steps to possibly buy a nearby facility to serve as the program’s headquarters.

The council wants to open negotiations to buy the now-closed Har-Mer Elementary School in Harrisville, part of the Slippery Rock School District, for use as the physician assistant training facility.

The school was closed in June 2013 due to consolidation and declining enrollment in the district.

If approved by the board of governors, SRU’s physician assistant (PA) program would be the second in the 14-university system. Lock Haven University currently has the only state system program.

Teresa Preston, who joined the SRU faculty last February tasked with establishing the program, said there is a growing need for physician assistants across Pennsylvania and the nation and that she expected SRU’s program to attract a high volume of applications for the program’s opening 52-student group. Students would be required to earn 116 credits before graduation. Students would spend the first year in academic and observation studies, while the second year would focus on hands-on learning at clinical sites.

Preston said potential clinical sites are already being contacted.

University trustee Mary Jo White, who is a former state senator, called the program “wonderful for Slippery Rock University. I want to commend all of the faculty who have put so much time into planning for this exciting program.”

Trustee Jeff Smith, said, “It will be huge benefit for the region. It is the ‘hottest’ master’s degree in the country and it will be here at SRU.”

Plans for the program include a pre-track program available to SRU students majoring in biology, psychology or exercise science, allowing students to take three years of undergraduate work, then enter the program for the additional two-years of training.

A pre-track program for SRU students majoring in chemistry, therapeutic recreation, athletic training and public health also will be offered. The program would allow students to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree.

Those graduating from SRU and other universities with degrees in all of the areas of study are also expected to apply for the program.

As part of the purchase negotiations for the elementary school, a complete engineering study of the building and its potential remodeling costs would be undertaken.

The single-story, 33,060-square-foot-building is located on 4.8 acres and is about 7 miles from the main campus.