Bethel University was founded in 1842 in McLemoresville, Tennessee as Bethel Seminary. In 1850 it became Bethel College. And in 2009 it officially changed its name to Bethel University.
The university is comprised of three colleges such as the following: the College of Liberal Arts, College of Professional Studies and College of Graduate Studies.

Bethel University creates opportunities forstudents to develop to their highest potential as whole persons - intellectually, spiritually, socially, and physically, in a Christian environment. Bethel University's Physician Assistant program's creates opportunities for the members of the learning community interested in health care to ultimately graduate as competent, caring healthcare professionals who practice within an ethical framework grounded in Christian principles.

Bachelors and Masters degrees are available through Bethel University. The school also maintains a center in Nashville known as the "Success Program," aimed at the non-traditional student.

Accreditation
The Bethel University Physician Assistant program was awarded provisional accreditation through ARC-PA.

Admissions
The interview process will begin as soon as eligible applications are received from CASPA. To apply freshman should have the following:  1) completed CASPA application; 2) completed PA Program application and fee received; 3) a bachelor's degree from an accredited university; 4) official transcripts from all universities attended; 4) three letters of recommendation: Two (2) of them must be from a PA, MD, DO, or FNP. One (1) letter can be from a university professor or advisor. The University doesn't accept letters of recommendation from family members.  5) Non-native speakers of English: Achieved TOEFL IBT scores of at least 87 with the minimum section requirements of: Reading: 21, Speaking: 26, Listening: 20, and Writing: 20.

Financial Aid
Bethel University participates in the following Federal and State Aid programs:   Federal Pell Grant , Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) , Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) , National Science and Mathematic Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART) , Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA) , Tennessee Educational Lottery Scholarships (TELS) , Other Tennessee Scholarships , Federal Stafford Loan Program , Federal Parent Plus Loan Program , Federal Perkins Loan Program , Federal Grad Plus Loan Program , Federal College Work-study Program , Vocational Rehabilitation Grants.