HSC PA student launches amazing career amidst a global pandemic

By Sally Crocker and Steven BartolottaCn 1

Shannon Swickard knew she wanted to pursue a career in health care early on in her academic journey. 

That career path was an easy choice because she had a cherished role model – her grandmother, a nurse practitioner. 

Swickard earned her undergraduate degree in Nutrition and a master’s degree in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University.  

When it was time to apply to a Physician Assistant Studies (PA) program, her first interview was at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth (HSC). She knew immediately it was the place for her.  

“I really liked the program and the people were incredibly kind and friendly,” said Swickard.  “HSC was the right fit and I’m very fortunate to have graduated from the PA program where they provided me the knowledge and expertise to be successful in my career.” 

As her studies neared an end in 2020, Swickard focused on pediatrics.  

A May 2020 graduate of the PA program, Swickard knew she wanted to combine her passion for working with kids with her newly earned degree.  Despite everything shutting down around her due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she remained focused on the next phase of her career.  

Swickard landed her dream job at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., after applying to 10 different children’s hospitals across the country, she accepted her position in August of last year with a start date of November. Even though everything seemed to be falling into place, she had to navigate the logistics of a cross country move amidst a global pandemic.  

“The credentialing process moved very slowly,” she said. 

Swickard had to find a place to live online sight unseen. She had to sell all her furniture and her car as she prepared for her big move. 

“Accepting the idea of not having a car was a big decision for me because I’ve always driven everywhere,” said Swickard.  “Sometimes I still miss the freedom that comes from having my own car but public transportation has its benefits as well.” 

Upon her arrival in D.C., she immediately jumped into her new career. She spends her days working with children in the surgical unit. She also works with children during pre- and post-operative care on the clinic floor. 

“While there are definitely tough days mentally and physically, I’m so thankful for all the positivity that surrounds me in the hospital,” said Swickard.  “Everything we do is centered around the kids, and I’m blessed to be able to help them and their families through some really tough situations.”  

Recent News

Screenshot
  • Community
|May 22, 2025

From the arts to anatomy: Gwen Moores finds purpose in medicine

Gwen Moores found her calling during the pandemic. After completing an undergraduate degree in German and working abroad in German theaters and opera houses—followed by a stint in financial services in the U.S.—she felt pulled in a completely new direction: medicine. “Since I hadn’t c...
Bus By Courthouse 2
  • Our People
|May 21, 2025

Design on the move: UNTHSC wins transit award for public ad

The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth’s Office of Marketing and Communications received the Adsposure award for Best Impact in this year’s Transit Awards. This recognition underscores the power of creativity and strategic messaging in public spaces. For the p...
Adobestock 560072776 (1)
  • Community
|May 20, 2025

American Osteopathic Association, SaferCare Texas launch resources to combat workplace violence in healthcare

To address the growing threat of workplace violence in healthcare, the American Osteopathic Association and SaferCare Texas have developed a comprehensive resource guide and online course to help healthcare professionals recognize, prevent and respond to violent incidents. Workplace violence in h...
Pharmacy Research
  • Community
|May 19, 2025

UNT System Board of Regents approves fall 2026 Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences at UNTHSC

A new Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, the first degree of its kind offered in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, will tentatively be offered starting in fall 2026 at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. The new doctoral degree in UNTHSC’s College of Pharmacy was ap...