Physician Assistant Studies

Program Director and Department Chair

Carrie Walker, M.P.A.S., M.S., PA-C

Contact

860.231.5420 or pastudiesprogram@usj.edu

Accreditation

The Physician Assistant Studies Program at University of Saint Joseph has received Accreditation-Provisional  status from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant. 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.

Membership

Physician Assistant Education Association

Mission 

The Physician Assistant Studies program will 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.

Program Goals

The USJ Physician Assistant Studies Program strives to achieve the following goals:

1. Graduate highly competent PA’s prepared to enter clinical practice upon graduation

2. Cultivate a spiritually enriched learning environment

3. Provide a learning atmosphere imbued with intellectual rigor

4. Emulate the values that result in the formation of ethical physician assistant graduates

5. Prepare graduates who are collaborative members of the health care team, and provide patient-centered care in an inter-professional context

6. Develop an atmosphere that exemplifies the highest level of professional Integrity

7. Foster the development of the skills required for life-long learning, scholarly inquiry and

professional development

8. Promote an appreciation for social responsibility that is inherent to PA practice

9. Model and encourage the importance and the value of service to the profession and society

Degree Offered

 Physician Assistant Studies, M.S.P.A.S. , Master of Science