Krystene Helgeson | Physicians Assistant Doctoral Program | Presbyterian College | Clinton SCKrystene Helgeson

PA Student
Class of 2021

Hometown: Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich.

 

Krystene graduated from the University of South Carolina in Columbia in 2018. She earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and graduated cum laude, with Leadership Distinction in Professional and Civic Engagement.

As an undergraduate, she was involved in the Tau Sigma National Honors Society,  worked full-time as a kitchen designer, and worked part-time as a retail associate and medical scribe in the emergency department of Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill, S.C.

Krystene continued work after graduation and also volunteered in the NICU at Atrium Northeast in Concord, N.C. She completed shadowing hours at OrthoCarolina, as well.

During her undergraduate career, Krystene volunteered for the American Red Cross as a social media coordinator, assisted in building a home in Charlotte, N.C., with Habitat for Humanity, and volunteered with two 5k races in Columbia, S.C.

“There is something special about a higher education program that has a faith-based foundation,” she said about PC’s PA program.

“Reading about the beliefs and goals of Presbyterian College online helped me apply, but touring the campus, meeting the faculty, and speaking about faith and medicine combined was humbling and the real magnetic factor for me choosing their PA Program.”

Krystene says she also admires the “well thought-out process” of creating the program — from reaching out to different established programs to the overwhelming amount of support from each staff member.

“This program is designed for our success,” she said.

Krystene is married to her middle school sweetheart, who will be “holding down the fort” at their home in Concord, N.C., with their two dogs during her time in the PA program. Other family members live in Grosse Pointe, Michigan and Lancaster, S.C.

Krystene loves to camp, especially in areas where she can kayak or discover waterfalls. She also enjoys spending time with her friends and her goddaughter.