In 2017, Patterson joined Lipscomb University as founding faculty, assistant professor, and admissions director for its physician assistant program. Appointed in 2020 as founding director of MTSU's program amid the COVID-19 pandemic, she navigated state approvals, accreditation, and clinical preceptor recruitment with the aid of medical director Dr. William “Dunk” Eastham. Under her leadership, the program secured a cadaver lab, two Anatomage interactive digital cadaver tables, high-fidelity mannequins, specialized task trainers, and—first in the nation—point-of-care ultrasound devices for every student from day one, enhancing their readiness for high-demand fields like emergency and critical care medicine. As Co-PI on a $350,000 Tennessee Department of Health grant for the NHSN Validation Project, she advances healthcare research. Patterson's influence extends through leadership roles: president of the Tennessee Academy of Physician Assistants, chair of the Tennessee Board of Physician Assistants (governor-appointed 2018), Tennessee delegate to the National PA Compact Commission, and delegate to the AAPA House of Delegates. She served as TAPA secretary (2005-2009) and vice president, earning Physician Assistant of the Year in 2022 and induction into the TAPA Hall of Fame in 2026. Her service includes a 2001 medical mission to Kenya and fundraising for Special Kids Race, while raising eight children.