Twenty-seven full-time students within the Physician Assistant Studies Program at The University of Texas--Pan American were anonymously surveyed to determine their levels of stress while enrolled in their first semester. The majority of respondents reported that their stress levels at this point in the program tell within the moderate to considerable range. Most indicated that their stress was induced by the academic demands of the program and their financial obligations. In an attempt to manage their stress, the majority of those surveyed indicated they employed passive techniques. (Contains 1 figure and 5 tables.)