Department of Physician Assistant Studies
and Practice
Rutgers Physician Assistant program ranked No. 3 in the country by U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools
Welcome to the Department of Physician Assistant Studies and Practice. As Chair of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies and Practice, I am honored to lead a team of nationally recognized faculty, staff, and students dedicated to advancing the PA profession. Our department is committed to excellence in education, research, and community engagement, and I hope this site provides you with valuable insight into our programs and initiatives.
Established with the mission of improving community health by expanding access to care, our department has a long-standing legacy of training highly skilled physician assistants through our Master of Science Physician Assistant Program. In 2025, we proudly celebrate 50 years of excellence in PA education, with our nationally ranked program preparing graduates for impactful careers across the U.S. and beyond.
A cornerstone of our commitment to service is the Health Outreach Practice Experience (HOPE) Clinic, founded in 2021. This faculty-led, student-run initiative provides care for uninsured patients, managing conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. HOPE reflects our mission to not only educate future PAs but also to make a meaningful difference in our local communities.
We also support PA professionals through continuing education, offering a long-standing in-person and live online course designed to help PAs prepare for certification exams. For over a decade, participants have found this course to be an invaluable resource in their professional development.
Additionally, our faculty engage in cutting-edge research on topics including the PA workforce, clinical care, healthcare access for underserved populations, and innovations in medical education.
I appreciate your interest in our department. If I can be of assistance, please feel free to reach out.
Dr. Matthew A. McQuillan, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA
Chair, Department of Physician Assistant Studies and Practice
Department Chair
Matthew McQuillan
matthew.mcquillan@shp.rutgers.edu
PA Program Address:
675 Hoes Lane West, 6th Floor
Piscataway NJ 08854
Graduate Programs
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