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APPLY NOW – MS/MPH
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Lori Palfreyman
program director.

M.S. in Physician Assistant

Building a Strong Foundation in Sciences and Offering Hands-On Clinical Experiences

Physician Assistants are nationally certified medical professionals who practice on health care teams. PAs are state-licensed to provide patient care and can prescribe medications in all 50 states. At Rutgers, our program builds a strong educational foundation in sciences, including anatomy, physiology, microbiology, genetics, and pathology, in preparation for immersion into hands-on clinical experiences.

A virtual cadaver is helping Physician Assistant students deepen their understanding of anatomy and clinical medicine. The ability to undo mistakes, which can’t be done on a real cadaver, allows the PA students to explore without fear.

Three Degree Options for M.S. in Physician Assistant:

  • Master of Science – for those already holding a bachelor degree.
  • Articulated BA/MS or BS/MS Degree (3+3) Program – for eligible students who are enrolled at one of our partner institutions.
  • Master of Science/Master of Public Health Dual Degree – a 4-year, dual degree program for students already accepted to the PA program.

We are committed to diversity through holistic admissions process and have intensified recruitment efforts to enroll more underrepresented groups.

Our program has been working to attract candidates from different racial, ethnic, sexual, and economic backgrounds. A story in Rutgers Today highlights what brings candidates from different backgrounds to Rutgers.

  • The Physician Assistant program ranked No. 7 in the country by U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools survey in 2023.
  • The 5-year first-time pass rate of 99 percent on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) exam, which is second highest, among the U.S. News top 20 ranked schools.
  • 100 percent Ultimate Pass Rate on the PA National Certifying Examination (PANCE) from 2013 -2022.
  • The innovative curriculum delivers small group learning, simulation, and clinical elective opportunities domestically and abroad.
  • Clinical sites provided by the program are within commuting distance from the campus.
  • Most faculty are currently doctorally prepared, with the goal for all principal faculty to earn doctorates by 2025.
  • Students engage with underserved communities through the H.O.P.E. (Health Outreach Patient Experience) Clinic, working side-by-side with faculty providing primary care services.
  • Commitment to diversity through a holistic admissions process with intensified recruitment efforts to enroll students from traditionally underrepresented communities.
  • One of few PA Programs to offer both full-time and part-time options.

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Rutgers University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Rutgers University. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.

Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be September 2026. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy.

The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at:
http://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-rutgers-university/

Rutgers University PA Program ARC-PA Student Attrition Table

Data on our outstanding pass rates can be found here. We are extremely proud of our class of 2022 for achieving a 100 percent ultimate pass rate.

Where are our alumni now?
You can find our alumni working in various specialties including dermatology, cardiology, critical care, emergency medicine, family medicine, gastroenterology, hematology/oncology, internal medicine, neurology, occupational medicine, pediatrics, physical medicine/rehabilitation, various surgical sub-specialties, and more.

Many of our graduates continue to live and work in New Jersey, but we also have alumni who represent our program in various other states
including California, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Virginia.

Mission Statement:

The Rutgers University Physician Assistant Program enhances the delivery of humanistic patient care and advances the PA profession through a dynamic blend of educational programs, research, and service. Carefully crafted curricula and thoughtful mentorship of students develops collaborative, caring, and competent healthcare providers.

Vision:

The Rutgers University Physician Assistant Program aspires to be recognized as a leader in education and health care delivery, achieved through dedication to educational excellence, interprofessional collaboration, innovative practice models, and community engagement.

In order to meet our mission and achieve our vision, the Rutgers University Physician Assistant Program emphasizes the following values:

  • Excellence in teaching
  • Service to the community
  • Inclusion and diversity
  • Academic and professional integrity
  • Adaptability and responsiveness

Provide broad-based, high-quality education to graduate PAs who are well-prepared to work in a variety of settings.

The intense curriculum includes 114 credits across three years, with a full year of clinically-focused basic science preparation. Clinical rotations are offered in nine disciplines: Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Emergency Medicine, Intensive Care Medicine, Psychiatry, Ambulatory/Family Medicine, and a Medical Sub-specialty. In addition, students choose two electives.

Graduates of the Program work in all types of settings, including inpatient units, emergency departments, rural health clinics, federally qualified health centers, community health centers, freestanding surgical centers, solo physician practices, single specialty physician practices, and multi-specialty physician practices.

Goal #1: Graduates of the program will successfully pass the PANCE with a first-time pass rate above the national mean and an ultimate pass rate of 100%.

Outcome: The Class of 2022 achieved a first-time pass rate of 98% and an ultimate pass rate of 100%. The National Exam Pass Rate for 2022 was 92%.

Foster humanistic care with an emphasis on beneficence.

The Program includes a threaded humanities curriculum, including opportunities for self-reflection. Students evaluate clinical sites on their ability to develop skills in providing humanistic care.

Goal #2: Greater than 90% of clinical sites surveyed by students will provide them with the opportunity to develop their skills in delivering humanistic care.

Outcome: 95% percent of clinical sites were evaluated by the Class of 2022 as either Strongly Agree or Agree with the statement: “The clerkship provided me with an opportunity to develop my skills in providing humanistic patient care.”

Promote a culture of diversity.

The student body includes diverse individuals from across the country representing various ethnic and racial groups. The Program consistently continues to focus recruitment efforts on identifying applicants from underrepresented groups.

Goal #3: The percentage of students of color will exceed the national mean for each cohort as reported by PAEA.1

  1. Physician Assistant Education Association, By the Numbers: Student Report 4: Data from the 2019 Matriculating Student and End of Program Surveys, Washington, DC: PAEA; 2020. doi: 10.17538/SR2020.0004

Outcome: The percentage of students of color for the past five cohorts is listed below and compared to the national mean:

  • Class of 2021: 47%; National Mean: 12.2%
  • Class of 2022: 42%; National Mean: 17.1%
  • Class of 2023: 39%; National Mean: data not yet available
  • Class of 2024: 44%; National Mean: data not yet available
  • Class of 2025: 56%; National Mean: data not yet available

Foster the value of service to the community and the profession

Students are required to participate in a wide range of community service activities, and many surpass the minimum requirements. Program faculty demonstrate the importance of community service and to the profession in various capacities on the local, state, and national levels.

Goal #4: Students will have completed at least 35 hours of community service by program completion.

Outcome: The Class of 2022 completed over 1600 hours of community service, ranging from 35 to 60 hours and a mean of 40 hours

The Rutgers University Physician Assistant Program is committed to the ideals of excellence in fostering an enriching learning community of students, faculty and staff from a broad spectrum of nations, cultures, and historical perspectives.  Diversity is an integral component of the human experience, and encompasses but is not limited to issues of race, ethnicity, culture, social class, national origin, gender, age, religious beliefs, and sexual orientation.  Our goal is to create a consciousness of diversity reinforced with equity and excellence through our policies and practices at the Physician Assistant Program.

Rutgers PA Program Committee on Inclusion and Diversity (CID) distributes monthly emails to members of the program to highlight various cultural celebrations and educate peers on the significance of these days. CID hosts several events throughout the year, including an annual international potluck. Other events that the program has celebrated include Lunar New Year, Black History Month, Mardi Gras, Holi, and World Hijab Day. Check out our Facebook page (Rutgers Physician Assistant Program) to see pictures from our events!

Katie Wenzel, Class of 2021: Thank you for everything over the years. I chose Rutgers because I trusted the education I would receive here. The program was difficult, as any PA program is, but I never wavered in my belief that it would prepare me well for the PANCE and more importantly for being an excellent PA. I would choose Rutgers all over again when it’s all said and done.

Natalie Amato, Class of 2008:  “The Rutgers University PA program was an amazing educational career experience for me. As a career change, the faculty embraced my prior experiences and used them to prepare me as a PA.  They truly care about each student in program & make each experience unique.  As a successful Cardiothoracic Surgery PA since graduating the Rutgers University PA program, I can attest that the rigorous curriculum instilled the notion that being thorough & organized is the key to success! I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way!”

Laine Butler, Class of 2016:  “Moving from California to New Jersey, it was important to me that I ended up at a PA school with a good reputation, successful graduates, and most importantly, welcoming and supportive faculty. And that is exactly what I’ve found here.”

 Phillip Carhart, Class of 2010:  “I am a graduate of the 2010 UMDNJ (Rutgers) PA program and I cannot recommend it enough to aspiring PAs. By the end of my three years there I felt over-prepared for the PANCE, and had an easy time passing it. The rotation sites include many top notch hospitals in New Jersey, with some of the highest educational and clinical standards (e.g. Morristown Medical Center). The reputation of the program also precedes your employment, as I was specifically scouted while still in PA school by a hospital and had a job before I graduated. The staff is excellent, and take a personal interest in your success and education, with regular advisor meetings and convenient office hours. Overall, this program more than prepared me for life as a PA, and if I ever had kids interested in being PAs I will send them here.”

Lisa Cohen, Class of 2012:  “I entered the PA program through the Rutgers BA/MS 3+3 Program – though very challenging, this was a great way to get on the fast track to an excellent PA education. I have nothing but good things to say about this program – the curriculum provided me with a great basis for an entry level job in primary care.  From day 1 the faculty are great about creating unity between classmates as well as students and faculty, fostering a supportive learning environment.”

Eric Covert, Class of 2017:  “Something we heard early on was to put our faith in the program’s experience and to “trust the process”. That was a hard pill to swallow as there are moments, in any PA program I suspect, where you feel overwhelmed. But placing faith in the hands of faculty, some who have been working in PA education for decades, meant we could trust their expertise and follow in their footsteps towards a successful career as a PA.  Being a non-traditional student who had worked for nearly 10 years prior to PA school, I had to heavily weigh the 3-year format. I ultimately chose Rutgers for its longevity and outstanding reputation. I have been most impressed by the breadth of knowledge that we have covered throughout the program. Starting from the fundamentals of A&P and biochemistry, we have progressed to complex medical management plans and running simulated codes, all with careful guidance from accomplished faculty members. Without a doubt, Rutgers PA grads will be prepared to enter the workforce with a leg up on the competition and the three-year curriculum allowed for it.”

Ashley Day, Class of 2012:  “What attracted me to the UMDNJ/Rutgers PA program was the investment that the faculty and staff made into each individual student. The program is invested in making sure students succeed on a personal and professional level. I felt everyone in the program cared about helping me become the best PA I could be.”

Gabi DiMarco, Class of 2018:  “I chose Rutgers PA program because I felt confident that the strong background in science and medicine, exposure to reputable hospitals and excellent medical facilities and extended length of clinical rotations would best train me to treat patients and be a competent PA. However, it was not only the medical training, but the investment of the program and faculty in the personal development and enlightenment of their students that solidified my desire to go to Rutgers, so that I could be the most educated, well-rounded and empathetic PA that I can be.”

Brianne Flynn. Class of 2017:  “There were many things I liked about the Rutgers PA program. Ultimately I decided to come here because in the ER I worked closely with PAs who graduated from this program and I quickly saw that they stood out from the others. All the PAs I worked with were intelligent and skillful. But the ones from Rutgers were generally more thorough, more confident, and had incredible bedside manner. I knew I wanted to be like them.”

Frank Giannelli, Class of 2013:  “The Rutgers PA program was the best decision I could have made in preparation of my career. The outstanding faculty in addition to the additional rotation time allowed in a 3 year program, provided invaluable teaching experiences in numerous medical specialties as well as a culturally diverse patient population.”

Brian Gutknecht, Class of 2000:  “I chose this program based on reputation and it certainly met expectations. The program made great use of all 3 years. It’s impossible to prepare someone for everything to come upon graduation but I definitely got a firm base to stand on. Fifteen years later, I couldn’t be happier or love my profession more!”

Melissa Hernandez, Class of 2010:  “When choosing a PA program I not only wanted a great program on the top schools list; I wanted excellent teachers who were knowledgeable and approachable. By choosing UMDNJ/Rutgers I got everything I wanted and more.  The didactic portion was rigorous yet attainable. During my clinical rotations I felt confident in all aspects of patient care.  As a graduate of the program I know I have been well prepared for my career. In fact, when employers inquire about the university I attended they immediately make it known that they would gladly hire a UMDNJ/Rutgers graduate without reservation.”

Paul Hogue, Class of 2013:  “A fantastic and thorough program that will make you feel as though you completed med school, and then some. After proctoring many medical and PA students from a number of different schools at my job, I’m pleasantly shocked at how much more prepared and knowledgeable Rutgers students are.  Supportive and approachable faculty that make the school feel like family. You’ll quickly feel a bond with your classmates both in and out of the classroom – we really were a tight knit crew.  Three year program not only allowed for some welcome vacation time, but also allowed the program to create a denser and more thorough curriculum that undoubtedly prepared us well for both the PANCE and our careers.  I highly recommend the Rutgers PA Program!”

Joey Leveille, Class of 2015:  “When I graduated and moved back to Minnesota, I realized that this program gave me more than just a great education. The faculty/staff at Rutgers Physician Assistant Program make the program experience very personable. I graduated with lifelong friends. And faculty/staff made me feel as though I was a part of a family rather than just another student at a PA program.”

Noelle Mullanaphy, Class of 2018:  “I [recently] went to FOCUS clinic. As soon as I called my patient in from the waiting room, instinct took over; I knew how to act and what to say, and everything felt just right. That evening was a wonderful boost to my confidence and it reminded me why I was [in] this program.  One of the great things about having a 3-year PA program is the ability to incorporate humanity courses into the curriculum. Last semester we had a professionalism course where we learned more about the career, its past and future. This semester we’re looking at medical ethics and human development/health maintenance. This is beneficial for my growth.”

Kwame Obeng, Class of 2013:  “I chose Rutgers PA program because of their curriculum and the duration of the program. As a family man I needed a program that can offer me enough time to prepare for my dream career and the Rutgers PA program provided me just that. It was the best decision I ever made.  To provide the best healthcare to our fast pace changing society requires getting the best training and for me I couldn’t think of any other program other than the Rutgers Physician Assistant Program. Their curriculum and outstanding faculty prepares you very well to have that confident and the knowledge that you need as a midlevel Practitioner.”

Carla Pardee, Class of 2016:  “Every hospital where I completed a clinical rotation had a unique specialty for which it was nationally/world renowned. From learning burn care at the state’s designated burn center, to being in the same OR as world famous cardiothoracic surgeons, each clinical experience provided me with priceless, unique learning opportunities that I can carry into my career.”

Beatrice Underlings, Class of 2018:  “For me, the main trigger was that the Rutgers PA program offered means to fulfill the prerequisites online via its partnering with the University of New England.  I was a full-time working mom when I decided to take up PA studies and would not have been able to make this  career change if I would have had to attend regular classes (most, if not all other PA programs require you do just that!). The quality of the distant learning courses offered by the University of New England was excellent.  I was also impressed by the impeccable follow-up of your admission staff – especially Rebecca. No matter what questions I had, she was always quick to respond and knowledgeable – truly outstanding and exceptional!”

Rolling admissions up to Sept. 1.

Admission to the PA program is extremely competitive, with over 1,400 applications for 50 seats. Our admissions committee thoroughly reviews each application and chooses the most competitive applicants for an interview.

Rutgers PA program is excited to offer prospective applicants a tool to use while preparing to apply to various PA programs. Please click here to access our PA Program Comparison Worksheet. This will help you organize your notes regarding different admissions requirements for each school.

There are two routes into the Physician Assistant program:

  • Students who have earned a baccalaureate degree prior to matriculation and who have completed prerequisite courses are admitted directly into the Master’s program. The majority of our applicants apply with a bachelor’s degree either completed or in progress. Competitive applicants will have earned their bachelor’s degree and completed prerequisite coursework at a regionally-accredited institution. Click here to determine if your school has accreditation from a regional accrediting body: (select ‘Regional Accrediting Organization’ under Accreditor Type in the search)
  • There is an accelerated 3+3 option for students who are already enrolled in one of our matriculated institutions. Please see the Articulated BA/MS or BS/MS Degree (3+3) Program section for more information.

Screening Committee Considerations

When initially screening applications, the committee looks for evidence of:

  • Ability to handle a rigorous science course load (previous coursework and GPA)
  • Prior healthcare experience
  • Familiarity with the PA profession (PA shadowing)
  • A commitment to community service

GPA

Applicants with an overall or science (including math) GPA of less than 3.2 must submit a letter of explanation in the designated upload area of the CASPA portal surrounding the circumstances of their academic performance if they want to be considered for further review.

Diversity

Diversity and inclusion are key foundational elements of the Rutgers School of Health Professions Physician Assistant Program. In our goal to enhance the student body, we define diversity broadly. Diversity may include, but is not limited to, gender, ethnicity, race, culture, national origin, sexual orientation, or other personal or professional characteristics that are underrepresented in our Physician Assistant Program and the PA profession.

In order to meet the needs of our diverse patient population, there is special emphasis on the recruitment of:

  • Traditionally underrepresented minorities in medicine and health professions
  • Those who speak a foreign language (especially Spanish)
  • Applicants who come from economically and/or environmentally disadvantaged backgrounds
  • Veterans of the US Military
  • Acknowledging that diversity is a fluid and evolving concept, we will continually strive to be inclusive of individuals and groups in the broadest possible manner.

Interviews

Applicant interviews are conducted from June through December. The interview will serve to identify qualities such as:

  • Communication skills and general interpersonal skills
  • Maturity and motivation
  • Understanding of the PA role and how it fits into the applicant’s career goals

Once the interview process is complete and the class is selected, some applicants may be offered a place on our waiting list.

Application Process

We are no longer accepting new applications for Fall 2024 entry. The 2024-2025 admissions cycle, for Fall 2025 entry, will open in April
2024 on CASPA: https://caspa.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login.

  • Applications for Fall 2025 entry must be complete and verified by CASPA by September 1st, 2024. As per the CASPA website, it is suggested that applicants complete their application in CASPA 6-8 weeks prior to the program’s deadline to ensure that they meet the September 1st deadline. Please use the CASPA Quick Start Guide for more information regarding complete versus verified applications.
  • A complete application includes three letters of recommendation, all supporting materials (including all post-secondary transcripts), and a $50 supplemental fee. Once the application is marked complete by CASPA, it must be verified by CASPA prior to the application being sent to the PA Program for review. The program does not make exceptions for applications completed, but not verified by the deadline; applicants are encouraged to submit their application based on CASPA’s guidelines.

Please note that the $50 supplemental application fee is non-refundable.

Prerequisite Coursework

Applicants are required to complete all prerequisite coursework and earn a letter grade of C or better by the end of the spring semester prior to their start of the program. It is preferable that applicants complete all the required prerequisites prior to applying to the program; however, applicants with incomplete prerequisites may apply. Competitive applicants will not have more than two outstanding science prerequisite courses at the time of application submission.  Applicants with outstanding prerequisites must state how they will satisfy the prerequisites by the end of the spring semester prior to the start of the program.

We accept CLEP credit for our General Psychology (CLEP course: Introductory Psychology) and English Composition (CLEP course: College
Composition). Applicants must earn a score of 50 or higher for credit.

Please click here to view our guidelines for prerequisite coursework.

Course Prerequisites for the 2024-2025 Admissions Cycle:

  • General Psychology (3 credits)
  • English Composition (3 credits)
  • Statistics (Preferably Applied Statistics or Biostatistics from the Psychology, Biology or Math Depts.) (3 credits)
  • Human Anatomy (3-4 credits)*^
  • Physiology (3-4 credits)*^
  • Microbiology (3-4 credits)
  • Biochemistry (3 credits)
  • Additional upper-level biology coursework (6-8 credits)

* Applicants may either take Human Anatomy and Physiology as two separate subjects or take a two-semester sequence of Anatomy & Physiology I and Anatomy & Physiology II.

Please click here for additional examples of courses that may fulfill our additional upper-level biology requirement.

If an applicant has not taken any coursework within the previous 10 years, refresher courses, specifically in the biological sciences, are recommended. When considering which courses to choose, we suggest the following: genetics, microbiology, immunology, cell biology, and biochemistry.

Essay

A well written, grammatically correct essay is expected.  The personal narrative is the applicant’s opportunity to share background information that is not readily evident in other sections of the CASPA application.  Individuals are encouraged to discuss any of the following that might apply:

  • Motivation to become a PA
  • Unique life experiences
  • Success in overcoming adversity
  • Leadership roles
  • Positive attributes they bring to the PA program and ultimately the PA profession

Letters of Recommendation

Three Recommendation Forms must be completed through CASPA.  Applicants should seek recommendations from individuals who are thoroughly familiar with their academic ability, their work ethic and professionalism, and their general characteristics.  Examples may be an instructor, a previous employer or volunteer supervisor, a community leader, etc.  Many of our more highly competitive applicants have recommendations by healthcare providers such as physicians and PAs.

Patient Contact Experience:

Patient contact experience is required. The program has not established a minimum number of hours of health care experience, but the most competitive applicants will be able to document experience working directly with patients. Examples of the types of experiences that are recommended include, but are not limited to, medical assistants, nursing assistants/aides, nurses, EMTs, patient care technicians, physical therapy assistants, and hospice volunteers.

PA Shadowing

it is important that applicants spend time with PAs to ensure a sufficient understanding of the PA role in the delivery of healthcare. Therefore, applicants to the PA Program must be able to demonstrate familiarity with the PA profession through direct experience, which is best done through shadowing.

There are no minimum-hour requirements for healthcare experience, patient care experience, PA shadowing, or volunteer work. The objective of accruing hours is not necessarily to obtain specific skills, but rather to ensure the applicant has had adequate exposure to healthcare, patients, and the role of the PA. When the Admissions Committee considers volunteer work, we seek applicants who have shown consistent commitment to serving the community. To get an idea of the number of hours accrued by the most competitive applicants, please refer to the FAQ section to view the data from one of our recent matriculated classes.

Domestic Students who Studied Abroad

Please see the following guidelines for applicants who attend(ed) a U.S. institution, and studied abroad for one or more semesters:

The following situations do not require a foreign transcript evaluation:

  • The transcript student’s home institution includes the grades and credits from each course taken during the semester abroad.
  • The student took fewer than 3 non-prerequisite science courses while studying abroad.

Foreign transcript evaluations are required if one or both circumstances are met:

  • The student took a science prerequisite course while studying abroad.
  • The student took 2 or more semesters abroad.

The following circumstance is handled on a case-by-case basis:

  • The student took 3 or more non-prerequisite science courses while studying abroad.

International Students:

Rutgers PA program accepts the TOEFL iBT Test. TOEFL Essentials will not be acceptable in the 2023-2024 admissions cycle.

Please click here to view the PA program’s TOEFL Policy.

All foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an evaluation agency and submitted to Rutgers University PA Program in support of your application. Applicants may use any agency that is recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (hyperlink: https://www.naces.org/members). World Education Services, Inc. is recommended.

In addition the the criteria listed in the Admissions for those with a Baccalaureate Degree (above), applicants must also complete the criteria below for the MS/MPH. The program allows students to complete both their graduate Physician Assistant studies and Master of Public Health degree in four years (including summers).

  • Students must apply to both programs separately and gain admission to both programs.
  • Applicants should contact the MPH program to determine if they are required to submit GRE scores with their application.
  • Students accepted into this dual-degree track would attend the Physician Assistant program part-time for two years, while attending the MPH program part-time.
  • Students may begin this program in the summer prior to beginning the Physician Assistant program or in the first fall semester.
  • During the third and fourth years, students attend the Physician Assistant program full-time and complete their fieldwork for the MS and MPH. There are multiple concentrations available for MPH students to choose from. Please contact the School of Public Health for more information.
  • In addition to applying to CASPA, you must also apply to the School of Public Health through the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS)

Undergraduates in partner schools have an opportunity to enter the PA Program prior to earning a Bachelor’s degree. Designed as “3+3” program, the first three years are spent as an undergraduate at a partner school, and the last three years are spent in graduate school in the PA Program. Use the Complete 3+3 Application and Letter of Recommendation form to apply. Follow the instructions on the Complete Application and apply by June 1st of each year.

Admissions information

  • Students may apply in April of their second undergraduate year
  • Competitive applicants will be invited for interviews. The interview will determine the applicant’s emotional and intellectual maturity, ability to communicate, and potential to achieve career satisfaction.
  • Applications must be received by June 1, and final notices of acceptance will be made by August 1.
  • Acceptance will be guaranteed at the end of the third year if the applicant maintains a 3.2 GPA, is successful in the interview process, and meets all requirements for the undergraduate degree before the beginning of the fourth year (first professional year).

Attention Rutgers-SAS 3+3 applicants: As per the Degree Tracking Sheet on the 3+3 application, you are required to obtain a signature from your 3+3 Advisor from the Health Professions Office. Therefore, you should contact the Health Professions Office to schedule a meeting with Dr. Elizabeth Vogel
to discuss the application process: hpo@dls.rutgers.edu.

Applicants are required to complete all prerequisite coursework and earn a letter grade of C or better by the end of the spring semester prior to their start of the program.

We accept CLEP credit for our General Psychology (CLEP course: Introductory Psychology) and English Composition (CLEP course: College
Composition). Applicants must earn a score of 50 or higher for credit.

Please click here to view our guidelines for prerequisite coursework.

Course Prerequisites for the 2024-2025 Admissions Cycle:

  • General Psychology (3 credits)
  • English Composition (3 credits)
  • Statistics (Preferably Applied Statistics or Biostatistics from the Psychology, Biology or Math Depts.) (3 credits)
  • Human Anatomy (3-4 credits)*^
  • Physiology (3-4 credits)*^
  • Microbiology (3-4 credits)
  • Biochemistry (3 credits)
  • Additional upper-level biology coursework (6-8 credits)

* Applicants may either take Human Anatomy and Physiology as two separate subjects or take a two-semester sequence of Anatomy &
Physiology I and Anatomy & Physiology II.

^Rutgers New Brunswick School of Arts & Sciences 3+3 applicants only: As per the PA program’s agreement with Rutgers-NB SAS,  01:119:116 General Biology II will fulfill the Physiology requirement if the applicant takes a separate Human Anatomy course.

Essay

A well written, grammatically correct essay is expected. The personal narrative is the applicant’s opportunity to share background information that is not readily evident in other sections of the CASPA application. Individuals are encouraged to discuss any of the following that might apply:

  • Motivation to become a PA
  • Unique life experiences
  • Success in overcoming adversity
  • Leadership roles
  • Positive attributes they bring to the PA program and ultimately the PA profession

Test Scores

If you have taken the SAT or ACT, please provide an official score report.

Patient Contact Experience:

Patient contact experience is required. The program has not established a minimum number of hours of health care experience, but the most competitive applicants will be able to document experience working directly with patients. Examples of the types of experiences that are recommended include, but are not limited to, medical assistants, nursing assistants/aides, nurses, EMTs, patient care technicians, physical therapy assistants, and hospice volunteers.

PA Shadowing

It is important that applicants spend time with PAs to ensure a sufficient understanding of the PA role in the delivery of healthcare. Therefore, applicants to the PA Program must be able to demonstrate familiarity with the PA profession through direct experience, which is best done through shadowing.

There are no minimum-hour requirements for healthcare experience, patient care experience, PA shadowing, or volunteer work. The objective of accruing hours is not necessarily to obtain specific skills, but rather to ensure the applicant has had adequate exposure to healthcare, patients, and the role of the PA. When the Admissions Committee considers volunteer work, we seek applicants who have shown a consistent commitment to serving the community. To get an idea of the number of hours accrued by the most competitive applicants, please refer to the FAQ section to view the data from one of our recent matriculated classes.

Program Partner Update:

Rutgers Physician Assistant program will continue to accept 3+3 applications from the following institutions: Rutgers University SAS-NB and New Jersey Institute of Technology. Rutgers University SAS-NB should contact the Health Professions Office for more information.

For Tuition and Fees, please see the Graduate Tuition and Fees.
(Scroll down to 2023-2024 Rutgers Health Tuition and Fee Rates and click on School of Health Professions)

Save the Date!

Our next virtual information session is scheduled for
Tuesday, March 26, 2024 
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. 

Register Now

View Our Upcoming Virtual Information Sessions 

We believe our 33-month didactic and clinical curriculum prepares students to be highly functioning physician assistants. The first three semesters of the program focus on basic science and clinical science courses, such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, genetics and pathology, while the final three semesters provide students with extensive clinical experiences in areas such as ambulatory care, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, emergency care and medical sub-specialties.

Elective rotations in the final semester allows students to choose from a wide variety of disciplines such as cardiology, infectious disease, dermatology, or gastroenterology.

Students are closely supervised by licensed physicians, PAs, and other health care providers.  Classes are during the day on the Busch campus in Piscataway. The majority of clinical rotations take place in New Jersey and New York.

Curriculum for M.S. Physician Assistant

Curriculum for part-Time M.S. Physician Assistant

Curriculum for MSPA and Masters in Public Health

Alumni: please ensure that we have your updated contact information by submitting the form below.

We schedule two Information Sessions per year and we participate in the PAEA Virtual Fair.  We highly encourage prospective students to attend one of these sessions.  We will post the dates of our events on our website as soon as we determine them.  We provide campus tours to applicants during the interview session.

We ask prospective applicants to thoroughly review the program website and the FAQs, which will answer most of the commonly asked questions. If you still have specific questions after the website review, you may call the program 732 235-4445 and make an appointment to speak to a member of the faculty prior to applying to the program.

We typically receive 1,200-1,400 applications and interview up to 300 applicants for 50 seats each year.

Rutgers PA program uses semester hours. Courses that were completed in quarter hours are converted to semester hours. The conversion ratio is 1.0 quarter hour = 0.667 semester hours. For example, a 4.5 quarter credit course is equivalent to 3 semester hours. Click here to learn more.

If you are a 3+3 student at one of our affiliated undergraduate programs and have taken the SAT/ACT, you are required to submit the scores with your application.  If you are applying to the program with a Bachelor’s degree (most common route of entry), you do not  need to submit SAT/ACT scores.

The PA program does not require GREs. However, if GRE scores are reported in the CASPA application, the Admissions Committee will consider them in their holistic evaluation of the application.

If you are applying to joint Master of Science/Master of Public Health (MS/MPH) option, GRE scores may be required for the Public Health application. Scores must be submitted with your MPH application to the Rutgers University School of Public Health.

Anyone is welcome to apply to the PA Program. The application process and required coursework within the program is the same for all applicants, regardless of prior academic or work experience. There is no advanced standing for foreign medical graduates.

Applicants with a science and/or overall GPA of less than 3.2 must submit a letter of explanation in the designated upload area of the CASPA portal surrounding the circumstances of their academic performance if they want to be considered for further review.

If your GPA is just above our minimum GPA requirement, then we encourage but do not require you to share the circumstances that surround your academic history.  This is an opportunity to provide the Admissions Committee with additional information about your candidacy.

Students from other programs are welcome to apply but are required to follow the admissions process in the same way as all other students.

Transfer credits from domestic, graduate courses are determined on a case-by-case basis. Students must provide documentation of courses taken to ensure equivalency to the courses that the Rutgers PA Program provides.  We do not consider these requests until after the applicant has received an admissions offer.

No.  While many of the applicants are New Jersey residents, we seek the most competitive applicants from throughout the United States.

Yes, applicants can use AP credit to fulfill the following prerequisite requirements if they received credit from their undergraduate institution for their AP exams: General Psychology, English Composition, and  Statistics.

We accept prerequisite courses that are pass/fail. If your school provides an option, it is strongly preferable for applicants to take courses with a grade so that the Admissions Committee has more information to better determine the level of preparation which the applicant has in those subjects. If an applicant chooses to take pass/fail courses or the applicant’s college had deemed it mandatory during the Spring 2020 semester, we recommend that the applicant provide a brief statement to explain those circumstances.

Application Process

Applications for Fall 2024 entry must be complete and verified by CASPA by September 1st, 2023.

As per the CASPA website, it is suggested that applicants complete their application in CASPA 6-8 weeks prior to the program’s deadline to ensure that they meet the September 1st deadline. Please use the CASPA Quick Start Guide for more information regarding complete versus verified applications.

A complete application includes three letters of recommendation, all supporting materials (including all post-secondary transcripts), and a $50 supplemental fee. Once the application is marked complete by CASPA, it must be verified by CASPA prior to the application being sent to the PA Program for review.

The program does not make exceptions for applications completed, but not verified by the deadline; applicants are encouraged to submit their application based on CASPA’s guidelines.

Preparation for Applying to PA School

There is no one “thing.” We practice holistic admissions, which means that we look at all aspects of the application that demonstrate that the applicant is well-rounded.  We do our best to consider an applicant’s capability to thrive academically.  In addition, we assess how his/her background and professional goals align with our program’s mission and core values.  The most competitive applicants have a high GPA, strong science background, quality patient care experience, and evidence of serving their community, ideally in a leadership capacity.

We accept applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences, provided they demonstrate strong science course work and meet our other requirements.  We have students who enrolled in the program directly from their undergraduate studies but we also have students who are on their second and even third career.

Yes, we consider every applicant who meets our minimum requirements.  When reviewing the academic preparation section of the application, the Admissions Committee considers the number and rigor of science courses the applicant took and the grades the applicant earned in those courses.

While enrolled in the didactic part of the PA Program curriculum, matriculated students take a minimum of 18 credits of graduate level science each semester. Therefore, the most competitive applicants have an academic history of achieving high grades while taking several upper level classes at the same time. The Admissions Committee suggests that prospective students take more than one science class at a time to prepare for the academic rigor of the program.

Yes. But our most competitive applicants have taken most/all of their science coursework at an accredited 4-year university.

We accept the grade of a C.  While retaking the course will improve your GPA, what you demonstrate is that you can achieve a high grade by taking the course twice. Another option is to take other upper level science courses and perform well to show the admissions committee that you can achieve a good grade in upper level science courses on the first try.

There are no minimum-hour requirements for these categories. The objective of accruing hours is not necessarily to obtain specific skills, but rather to ensure the applicant has had adequate exposure to healthcare, patients, and the role of the PA. When the Admissions Committee considers volunteer work, we seek applicants who have shown consistent commitment to serving the community.

To get an idea of the number of hours accrued by the most competitive applicants, please view the table below for data of a recent class of matriculated students. Note that the quantity of hours is evaluated with the quality of hours, and that these components are just part of the application which undergoes a holistic evaluation process.

Class of 2020

  Health Related Experience Patient Care Experience Shadowing Experience Volunteer
Minimum 54 40 8 8
Maximum 12,928 4,170 2,480 5,520
Median 576 972 93.5 306

The program requires patient care hours to ensure that the applicant is familiar with what it is like to care for patients.  The Admissions Committee considers direct hands-on experience to be more desirable; for example, an EMT is more hands-on exposure than a transport volunteer.

It depends on the tasks that the scribe performed.  The Admissions Committee would not consider scribing to be direct patient care if the scribe is simply transcribing the history that another provider elicited.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to fully explain their role for each health care experience so that the Admissions Committee can make an informed assessment.

It is important that applicants demonstrate an understanding of the PA role. This can be accomplished either by working alongside a PA in a clinical setting or via shadowing. Ideally, shadowing of PAs in various specialties would provide the applicant with a breadth of experiences. The Admissions Committee also considers the applicant’s background in relation to the PAs that he/she shadows.  For example, if the applicant’s patient care hours are as a physical therapy aide, he/she would be a stronger applicant if he/she shadowed a PA who works in a field other than orthopedics.

One of the core values of the Rutgers PA Program is selflessly giving back to the community.  The most competitive applicants are those who demonstrate consistent involvement within their community, not only for their own accumulation of medical experience, but rather for the good of their community.  Volunteering after disaster relief, tutoring special needs children, assisting in a house of worship, having a leadership role in a sorority, organizing a fundraiser for battered women, and donating time at a homeless shelter or a food bank are all examples of serving the community.

We do accept coursework completed more than 10 years ago but there are a few reasons why it is recommended to update your knowledge with more recent information. First, recent coursework demonstrates an applicant’s current aptitude to excel in rigorous science courses which is particularly helpful for those applicants whose past GPA and performance do not reflect their highest academic potential. Second, scientific information changes over time. Enrolling in courses that are more current helps to prepare applicants for the rigorous basic science year where baseline knowledge is expected upon entry into the program. When considering which courses to choose, we suggest the following: genetics, microbiology, immunology, cell biology, and biochemistry.

We will accept online prerequisite coursework that is from a regionally-accredited institution. Please click here to check your school’s accreditation status:  (select ‘Regional Accrediting Organizations’ under ‘Accreditor Type’).

Declined Applicants

We wish that we could take every qualified applicant but unfortunately, with only 50 seats and up to 1,500 applications each year, we cannot accept everyone who meets our requirements. Here are a few suggestions to consider:

  • Complete our Applicant Self-Assessment Questionnaire.
  • Review the GPA, patient care, PA shadowing, and volunteerism information about our accepted class (in Preparing to Apply section above).
  • To improve your GPA, consider taking upper level science courses, preferably at a 4-year university.
  • Consider the quantity, quality, and variation of your hands-on patient care experience.
  • Consider doing more to serve your community if you have limited non-medical volunteerism.
  • Consider applying to more PA programs for the next admissions cycle to increase your chance of being accepted to one.
  • If you choose to reapply to our program for the next admissions cycle:
    • Reflect on the Applicant Self-Assessment Questionnaire.
    • Update your application including your essay, new letters of recommendation, etc.
    • Make it clear to the Admissions Committee what you have done to improve your application from the prior year.
    • Review our website again. We reserve the right to change our admissions criteria from year to year.

Financial Aid and Tuition

Rutgers School of Health Professions (SHP) awards several scholarships. By completing the SHP Online General Scholarship Application, applicants are considered for each of the scholarships which they are deemed eligible for. Some scholarships may require an additional personal statement (i.e. SHP Alumni Association Military/Veteran Appreciation scholarship and the PA Judith Yannariello scholarship). Click here to learn more about scholarship opportunities within SHP. There are also external scholarships available including, but not limited to: PA Foundation Scholarships (through AAPA), National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program, Indian Health Service Scholarship Program and scholarships through the armed services. As students approach graduation, there are loan redemption/loan forgiveness programs available through the NHSC and Primary Care Loan Redemption Programs. Many scholarships are based on financial need and it is highly recommended that applicants complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please contact Rutgers Office of Financial Aid for more information: (732) 235-4689

Please click here.  Please note: Students pay for a maximum of 18 credits/semester.

Students who are interested in applying for resident status can find the policy and application here.

Program and Curriculum

The class size is 50.

It is important for our applicants to understand that the Rutgers PA Program does not spread out a typical 24-27 month PA curriculum over 33 months.  We have a very rigorous curriculum. Our program offers extensive basic science coursework over the first year, which we believe prepares our graduates well for clinical practice. Other reasons for a robust 33-month program include longer rotations for some specialties and vacation time during both the didactic and clinical phases.

Most classes are for only physician assistant students, provided by doctorally-prepared scientists and clinical experts (physicians, PAs, etc.) in their medical specialty. In addition, students participate in interprofessional education groups including medical students, and students from nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, and other health professions.

Students do not complete a thesis. They are required to prepare an evidence-based medical literature review on a topic of interest.

Students are required to have a minimum 3.0 GPA at 75% completion of the program.

Due to the demanding nature of the program, we strongly discourage full-time students from maintaining employment.

Students can attend the program on a part-time basis for the first two years, and then they must become full-time students for the following two years.  Students can work while they are enrolled in the program part-time, however, it is important to note that classes are offered during typical work-day hours and schedules vary from semester to semester.

Student Resources

Our program offers academic tutoring, cognitive skills instruction, and confidential behavioral health counseling at no cost to the student.  Upon the start of the program, we match first-year students with second-year students, who serve as peer mentors.

Please click here to learn more about campus housing.  We send incoming students a housing questionnaire and redistribute the information that we receive from the questionnaire to our students, so that they can network and find housing together if they are interested in doing so.

Please click here to learn more about disability services at School of Health Professions or call: 973-972-5396

Other Policies and Procedures

Yes, participation is required in many off-campus activities. In addition, many of our clinical sites are not accessible by public transportation. All students must have reliable personal transportation.

The Physician Assistant Program is located at 675 Hoes Lane West, 6th Floor, Piscataway NJ 08854. Please contact us by phone: (732) 235-4445 or email: pa-info@shp.rutgers.edu.

State Authorization and Professional Licensure Disclosure:

The Rutgers School of Health Professions MS Physician Assistant meets the professional licensing requirements of the following states:  AL, AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY, PR

Updated: February 28, 2022

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To learn more, email Lori Palfreyman, program director.