Assistant Professor of Practice, Physician Assistant Program

School of Health Professions

Nicole Caniglia is a proud Arizona native with a deep love for the Sonoran Desert. Born and raised in Phoenix, she later moved to Tucson to complete her undergraduate studies at the University of Arizona. During her time as an undergraduate, she was introduced to the physician assistant profession and immediately recognized it as her true calling. She earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from A.T. Still University in 2008 and has been serving the Tucson medical community ever since.

Nicole’s clinical experience spans the full spectrum of primary care. She has practiced in a diverse range of settings, including traditional office-based clinics, senior living communities, home health care, and correctional medicine. She has a strong interest in patient and family education and finds great joy in empowering individuals to take ownership of their health and wellness goals. Nicole also plans to pursue additional training in integrative medicine and hopes to incorporate that perspective into her teaching philosophy.

Committed to supporting the next generation of healthcare providers, Nicole has served as a preceptor for PA students in both family medicine and women’s health and has hosted pre-PA students from a variety of backgrounds. She is excited to transition into academia in a full-time capacity, where she will continue to mentor and inspire future physician assistants.

Outside of medicine, Nicole enjoys spending time with her husband, Mark, and their six daughters. The Caniglia family stays active through Pima County 4-H, gymnastics, and ongoing service to their local community.