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Physician Assistant Studies (PA Program), M.S.P.A.S.
Make a positive impact in health care and in your community as a Physician Assistant
As a valuable member of a health care team, you can be part of a collaborative approach to patient-centered care that enhances treatment plans and can improve outcomes.
Take the first step toward a career as a physician assistant, ranked the No. 1 best job and No. 1 Best Healthcare Job by U.S. News & World Report 2021 rankings, and pursue the best program for the job, Physician Assistant Studies.
Our 28-month, coeducational program, which enrolled its inaugural cohort in Jan. 2017, will provide you with a solid foundation and prepare you with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a changing and evolving health care environment.
Admission Process & Upcoming 2022/23 Application Cycle
Quick Links
APPLY NOW PROGRAM CURRICULUM TUITION AND FEES CONTACT US
Read the PA Studies updated Accreditation statement here.
Program Facts
VIEW CLASS 100% FIRST-TIME NCCPA PANCE PASS RATE
ACCREDITATION
Learn More
COLLAPSE ALL
PA Positions Are in High Demand
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of physician assistants is projected to grow 31 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. As demand for healthcare services grows, physician assistants will be needed to provide care to patients.
A recent report in Money Magazine listed the PA profession as the third most desirable profession in the U.S.
Data from the American Academy of Physician Assistants’ 2020 Annual Survey lists the median average annual salary in 2019 for all PAs to be approximately $111,000.
Information Sessions
Please continue to check back for information on future USJ PA Studies Program Information Sessions here.
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES (PA PROGRAM)
Program Outcomes
Graduate highly competent PA’s prepared to enter clinical practice upon graduation
Cultivate a spiritually enriched learning environment
Provide a learning atmosphere imbued with intellectual rigor
Emulate the values that result in the formation of ethical physician assistant graduates
Prepare graduates who are collaborative members of the health care team, and provide patient-centered care in an inter-professional context
Develop an atmosphere that exemplifies the highest level of professional Integrity
Foster the development of the skills required for life-long learning, scholarly inquiry, and professional development
Promote an appreciation for social responsibility that is inherent to PA practice
Model and encourage the importance and the value of service to the profession and society
Career Opportunities in: private physicians offices, clinics, hospital inpatient, emergency departments, mental health facilities, federal agencies, nursing homes, and more.
Advantages
Unique modular curriculum
Proven record for success
USJ offers the only program of its kind in the region
Students study one course at a time, mastering the subject material
The knowledge and critical thinking skills developed during the didactic curriculum will prepare students to excel during the clinical phase
The cohort model fosters a student-centered, supportive environment
A brand new 11,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility on our main campus in West Hartford, Conn.
Faculty who are experts in their field
I hope that we all leave here today with the confidence to pursue our passions and be great at what we love. As we step forth into ‘the real world,’ don’t forget to lift up the people around you whenever you can.
– Kylie Hoang M’19 Remarks on the Inaugural Physician Assistant Studies Class Graduation
PA Student Spotlight
Julia Piwowarski is a second-year student at the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) PA Program in West Hartford, Connecticut. She has served as the Student Academy Representative (SAR) of her student society, volunteers as a member of the USJ Academic Integrity Board, and is currently serving her second term on the student delegation to the AAPA House of Delegates. Her experience on the 2019-2020 delegation motivated her to remain involved and further direct her focus on issues she is most passionate about, such as diversity and inclusion, LGBTQ health, and Optimal Team Practice.
Piwowarski’s primary goals are to encourage student involvement in AAPA, advocate for diversity within the PA profession, and, most importantly, emphasize ethical, evidence-based decisions in all settings to provide exceptional care to patients and increase access to care for underserved populations. Read Julia’s full bio here.
Student Academy of AAPA – Interview
PA students have the option to choose elective rotations during their clinical year. HOD Student Delegate and Advocacy & Policy Committee member Julia Piwowarski shares her experience during her Interventional Radiology rotation: “I was lucky enough to have my elective clinical rotation in Interventional Radiology. It was not my top choice, but after having the experience, I think it is a specialty that many students should consider when choosing an elective rotation for multiple reasons. PA autonomy and the privileges to perform certain procedures vary from state to state and institution to institution, but the majority of PAs in Interventional Radiology have the autonomy to do impressive procedures, with an attending physician nearby to consult if needed. I had hands-on learning with ultrasound-guided, computed-tomography-guided, and fluoroscopy-guided procedures, gaining exposure to interpreting images during and after. Under supervision, I gained experience performing thoracentesis, paracentesis, lumbar puncture, bone marrow biopsies, chest tube placement, and many other procedures, all guided by an imaging modality. It is recommended that you have a few years of experience in general surgery prior to applying for a job in IR (with good reason), but taking part in an IR rotation as a PA student not only aided me in understanding procedures better but also showed me the continuous growth in the PA profession.”
Outreach and Service
The PA Program had an impressive response to our 2021 Adopt-A-Family through the Salvation Army of Greater Hartford. As a faculty and staff we gathered gifts for one, four-person family, and the class of 2023 gathered gifts for one, six-person family.
We had huge piles of gifts in the front of the PA Studies office and in the conference room and believe we got everything the families requested and more. A full trunk (see attached picture) of gifts were delivered to the Salvation Army by PA faculty & staff and the Salvation Army had to load four carts to take in all of the gifts!
The PA Program is looking forward to continue helping families on an annual basis!
November 2021- PA student, Valerie Fitton, would like to thank everyone for their generosity in supporting the “Purse Drive” for Mercy Shelter. Valerie donated over 60 purses, toiletries, and cosmetics to a local women’s shelter. Well done Valerie and to everyone who donated !
November 2020- USJ PA students, Caroline Seeberg and Brooke Soderberg, class of 2022, help those in need by organizing a Thanksgiving Food Drive for the West Hartford food pantry.
Donated food and goods were delivered by the PA Studies students to the United Way of West Central Connecticut for the Joy of Sharing Thanksgiving Food Drive! Thanks to the contributions from everyone at USJ and in the PA Program four large boxes of food and goods were donated for the holiday season.
For PA Week 2019 our 2021 students and five faculty members traveled to the TODAY Show in New York City for “PAs on the Plaza.” Each year on the first Monday of PA Week students from numerous PA programs descend on the TODAY Show. Check out some of our students helping with some filming for the show!
PA students volunteered for a second consecutive year with the Hartford County Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Light The Night Walk held at Bushnell Park in 2019. Funds raised to provide funding for research to find blood cancer cures and to ensure access to treatments for all blood cancer patients. In bringing light to the darkness of cancer through research and cures, hundreds of people at Bushnell Park carried lanterns to honor, celebrate or remember their friends and families who have been touched by cancer.
The PA Studies Program has collaborated with the Adopt-a-Park Program through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, to establish a long-term partnership with USJ PA students to care for, clean up and maintain a local state park. The Park and Recreation supervisor and volunteer manager are very excited to work with this dedicated group of students and program faculty and staff to take control of this project in order to help maintain Penwood State Park in Bloomfield, Conn. Students, faculty, and staff worked together recently cutting brush, pruning, raking, and clearing drainage ditches and culverts. The group looks forward to continuing their work to maintain the natural beauty of the park for all nature lovers to enjoy.
USJ PA students continued to volunteer with the Miracle League of CT in the Baseball Buddy, Adaptive Tumbling, and Adaptive Dance Programs. Students also participated again this year in helping to create an accessible neighborhood with local groups on the Miracle League Field in West Hartford for the Trick or Treat Halloween Event. More than 300 children with physical and or cognitive challenges along with their siblings enjoyed the Trick or Treat experience in a safe, accessible, and fun atmosphere.
Throughout PA Week, our students conducted a Pen & Pencil Fundraiser for the Right-to-Write Organization who provides new and used pens and pencils to children in developing countries where owning pens and pencils is a luxury. Basic instruments like pens and pencils help the children to succeed when pursuing an education. This year USJ PA students collected over 500 pens and pencils, and these items are being sent to Haiti where they will be distributed to children.
Other events throughout PA Week included “Wear your Favorite Scrubs Day,” students who wished to dress down in scrubs, donated money for their end of didactic year banquet. The week ended with a pizza party and cake lunch.
Physician Assistant Studies Program Admissions
Learn more about the USJ PA Studies program and requirements for the upcoming 2022/2023 application cycle. For additional information, please email pastudiesprogram@usj.edu.
The CASPA 2022-2023 application cycle is anticipated to open in April 2022.
For information regarding CASPA and COVID-19 updates and FAQs, please go here.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Completion of the following items are required of all students who wish to apply to the USJ PA Studies Program: CASPA application
Including 3 professional letters of recommendation
USJ CASPA Supplemental Application
Payment of $50 supplemental application fee – Click here to complete payment
Documentation of a minimum of 250 hours in any combination of the following areas, within the last 5 years:
Volunteer work
Clinical research
Paid or volunteer patient care experience
Health care provider shadowing
Experience Verification Form
Prerequisites
Please note the following Pass/Fail grade policy instituted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In recognition of the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the USJ PA Studies Program will accept Pass/Fail grades to meet pre-requisite requirements for courses taken in the Spring 2020 and Summer 2020 semesters. This decision will be re-evaluated to determine if the policy will be extended into the 2022-2023 application cycle.
In situations where students are given the option by their institution to select traditional letter grades or Pass/Fail grading options, selecting traditional letter grades provides the Admissions Committee with the most complete opportunity to assess an applicant’s academic ability.
The USJ PA Studies Program reserves the right to not accept Pass/Fail grades from institutions whose grade policies would allow a “Pass” grade to be issued for a course with an earned grade lower than “C”, in keeping with published admission guidelines.
Please note that admission to the PA Studies Program is competitive. Meeting the requirements noted below does not guarantee an interview or admission.
Applicants must have completed the following prerequisite courses:
Coursework Semester Credit Hours
Biology with Lab 8
Chemistry with Lab 8
Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab 8
Organic Chemistry with Lab or Biochemistry no lab 4 Organic /3 Biochemistry
Microbiology 3
Statistics 3
Psychology 3
For Each of the Above Courses:
Grade of “C” or better
AP Scores of 4 or 5 will be counted for completion of a course, but will not be factored into GPA calculations
Completed at a regionally accredited US institution
Cumulative prerequisite 3.0 GPA at the time of application
Students with no more than 2 outstanding prerequisite course requirements are eligible to apply
All coursework must be satisfactorily completed by December, 2022 (TBD) of the year preceding enrollment
All coursework must have been completed within 7 years of enrollment (Waivers may be granted after faculty consideration, on a case by case basis.)
Comparative Anatomy will not be accepted toward the Human Anatomy & Physiology pre-requisite requirement.
Mammalian Anatomy is usually accepted toward the Human Anatomy & Physiology pre-requisite requirement. Applicants who are concerned their Mammalian Anatomy course may not meet the requirement, are asked to submit a syllabus to pastudiesprogram@usj.edu. The course will be reviewed and a response sent at that time.
Course Waiver Request Form
Additional Requirements
Baccalaureate degree (no preferred major) completed by December, 2022 (TBD) of the year preceding enrollment
Cumulative overall 3.0 GPA at the time of application as noted in the “CASPA Overall GPA” calculation. This calculation considers all college-level coursework ever completed. Applicants with international coursework, please see International Applicants section. Ability to meet Program Technical Standards with or without reasonable accommodation as described by the ADA Ability to successfully pass a criminal background check and urine drug screen, if admitted Review of the program immunization and health requirements required before application Applicant Scoring Component Points Overall Cumulative GPA 10 Pre-Requisites GPA 10 CASPA Application Review 30 Interviews 30
Group Activity* 15
Essay* 5
Total 100
International Applicants
All applicants who have earned a degree from a non-US institution must meet all of the above admission requirements including a cumulative overall 3.0 GPA at the time of application. This calculation considers all college-level coursework ever completed and will be manually calculated by the USJ PA Studies Program using foreign transcripts for applicants with international transcripts.
They must also submit proof of the following:
A course-by-course foreign transcript and degree evaluation
Official TOEFL scores, from within the last 2 years, with a score of at least 100 (internet based)
Preference
The USJ PA Studies Program currently extends preference in the form of a guaranteed interview to any student who meets all application requirements and has earned a degree from and completed 60 credits or more of their college study at USJ. No points will be added to the applicant’s file scoring. In the event a preferential candidate is not granted admission, they will not be offered preference in subsequent application cycles.
The USJ PA Studies Program will utilize a rolling admissions process. As such, there is a competitive advantage to submission of verified application as early as possible in the application cycle.
Advanced Placement
The USJ PA Studies Program does not grant advance placement/standing within the program curriculum based upon previous coursework or educational/work experience.
Technical Standards
Applicants to the USJ PA Studies Program will be required to acknowledge that they have read the technical standards prior to submitting their application.
University of Saint Joseph PA Program Mission Statement
The mission of the University of Saint Joseph Physician Assistant Studies Program is to foster the development of engaged learners into well qualified Physician Assistants. Intellectual rigor in a spiritually enriched environment will cultivate competent, ethical members of the health care team who demonstrate the highest level of integrity and a commitment to life-long learning. Graduates will exemplify a sense of social responsibility through service to the community and their profession.
PA PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
Accredited Status: Provisional Accreditation
Campus Location: West Hartford, CT
Degrees Offered: Masters
Class Start Month: January
Class Duration: 28 months
Class Capacity: 45 students
Decision Criteria: Matched to mission academic ability and understanding role of physician assistant, personal interview, personal statement
Seat Deposit: $1,500
International Students: Accepted
TOEFL: Required
TUITION
Resident tuition: $111,457
Nonresident tuition: $111,457
PANCE PASS RATE
First-time PANCE pass rate: 100%
Five year first-time PANCE pass rate: 100%
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Caspa Participant: Yes
Application Deadline: October
Supplemental Application: Required
CASPA Deadline Type: Verified
Fee: $50
GPA
Overall GPA: 3.0
Science GPA: 3.0
Prerequisite GPA: Minimum grade of C required for all prerequisites
Prerequisite completion: must be completed within 7 year(s)
EXPERIENCE
Healthcare Experience Hours: 250 Hours
SHADOWING
PA Shadowing Recommended
EVALUATIONS
Three recommendation letters required (view program website for evaluator requirements)
GRE
GRE Not Required
CASPer
CASPer Not Required
For more information on CASPer click here
PA-CAT
PA-CAT Not Required
For more information on PA-CAT click here
PAEA Program Directory
PAEA PA Program Directory Link
Program Highlights
A 27-month graduate program with 12 months of classroom training including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, clinical medicine, genetics, diagnostic lab, EKG, physical exam and clinical skills.
Clinical rotations in family medicine, internal medicine, general surgery, women’s health, pediatrics, emergency medicine, orthopedics and behavioral health, along with two student selected elective rotations. Following the clinical phase, students complete a comprehensive summative evaluation.
On campus Simulation Lab featuring Simulation IQ with audiovisual recording capability and embedded electronic health record.
Advanced Anatomy Lab including AnatomageTM virtual anatomy program to supplement cadaver specimens.
Graduates receive a Masters degree in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) and are eligible to take the PA National Certification Exam (PANCE).
MSJ PA Program Student Attrition
Graduated Classes
Class of
2020 Class of
2021 Class of
2022 Class of
2023
Maximum entering class size (as approved by ARC-PA) 32 32 32 32
Entering class size 32 32 24 24
Graduates 30 31
- Attrition rate 6.25% 0.00% 0.00% 4.17%
**Graduation rate 93.75% 96.88%
*Attrition rate calculation: Number of students who attritted from cohort divided by the entering class
size.
**Graduation rate: Number of cohort graduates divided by the entering class size.
Comments:
The Class of 2021 graduated in May with one student on a medical leave with an anticipated December 2021 graduation.
There has been No Attrition from the Class of 2022 cohort to date.
One student from the Class of 2023, in good academic standing, opted to leave the program at the end of the first semester.
Program Facilities
Click below to view a virtual tour of the PA Skills Lab, PA Exam Room, and other areas of the MSJ PA Program learning experience.
PA-Skills-Lab-Poster-Image.JPG
Program Mission and Vision
Program Mission and Vision Statements
MISSION
The specific mission of the Physician Assistant program is to educate outstanding, compassionate clinicians, fully prepared to deliver high quality, accessible health care, demonstrating commitment to life-long learning and ethical practice.
VISION
The Mount St. Joseph University Physician Assistant program graduates will be recognized for their leadership and for the quality of health care they provide, exemplifying professionalism, empathy and an attitude of service to others.
Accreditation
Accreditation Information
The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the Mount St. Joseph University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Mount St. Joseph University.
Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation-Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.
Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class.
The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website: Mount St. Joseph University Accreditation History
Program Competencies
Program Required Competencies
Professional Licensure Information
Professional Licensure Information
Mount St. Joseph University’s Physician Assistant Program has Accreditation-Provisional status from the ARC-PA. Successful completion of the PA program, whether delivered face to face or via virtual platform, satisfies the academic requirements for initial licensure in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Requirements for licensure/certification as a Physician Assistant vary from state to state. For students who wish to practice in a state other than Ohio, please contact the program director or faculty advisor to discuss additional requirements in that state.
A chart describing initial PA licensure requirements in each state and the District of Columbia is available here, and a directory of state medical licensure boards here.
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Graduate Admission Counselor Directory
Visit here to meet our team of graduate admission counselors
Life in Cincinnati
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Graduate Degree Employment Survey Data [PDF} (543 KB)
2018 Statistics about employment rates of those who earned a graduate degree at the Mount, and their places of employment.
2021-2022 Graduate Rate Sheet
View a complete listing of tuition, fees, and other costs associated with graduate study at the University.
Program Requirements
Physician Assistant Curriculum, Program and Admission Requirements
Program Requirements
Hours: 109
First Year
PAS 500 PA Profession: Evolving Issues in Medicine and Ethics (2)
PAS 505 Medical Interview and Physical Examination with Lab (3)
PAS 505A Medical Interview and Physical Examination (LAB) (0)
PAS 510 Evidence Based Medicine and Population Health (2)
PAS 530 Pharmacology I (3)
PAS 535 Principles of Medicine I (4)
PAS 540 Patient Assessment I with LAB (3)
PAS 540A Patient Assessment I (LAB) (0)
PAS 545 Clinical Skills in Medicine I with LAB (2)
PAS 545A Clinical Skills in Medicine I (LAB) (0)
PAS 550 Clinical Approach to Behavioral Health (2)
PAS 555 Pharmacology II (3)
PAS 560 Principles of Medicine II (6)
PAS 565 Clinical Decision Making (2)
PAS 570 Patient Assessment II with LAB (3)
PAS 570A Patient Assessment II (LAB) (0)
PAS 575 Clinical Skills in Medicine II with LAB (2)
PAS 575A Clinical Skills in Medicine II (LAB) (0)
PAS 580 Nutrition and Preventive Medicine Across the Life Span (2)
BIO 515 Human Anatomy for Physician Assistants with LAB (5)
BIO 515A Human Anatomy for Physician Assistants (LAB) (0)
BIO 520 Genetics and Disease Screening (3)
BIO 525 Medical Physiology for Physician Assistants (3)
Second Year
PAS 600 Family Medicine I (5)
PAS 610 Internal Medicine (5)
PAS 620 Emergency Medicine (5)
PAS 630 General Surgery (5)
PAS 640 Pediatrics (5)
PAS 650 Behavioral Health (5)
PAS 660 Women’s Health (5)
PAS 670 Orthopedics (5)
PAS 708 Elective Clinical Experience- Special Populations (5)
Third Year
PAS 700 Elective Clinical Experience I (5)
PAS 705 Elective Clinical Experience II (5)
PAS 710 Summative Evaluation (4)
Academic Progression
Progression to graduation with a Masters degree in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) requires the student successfully complete all first year didactic courses and subsequent clinical rotations with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and necessitates completion of the summative evaluation, where the student must successfully demonstrate competence in professionalism, medical knowledge, clinical skills, patient assessment and critical thinking. Students must complete all didactic courses in the sequence offered, and their clinical rotations within three months of the scheduled graduation date unless they have been granted deceleration.
