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Seton Hall University
physician assistant at seton hall
Graduate
Master of Science (M.S.)

Physician Assistant

Physician assistants (PA's) practice with doctors across all medical disciplines. You'll find them in nearly any specialty you can think of: surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, emergency medicine and psychiatry. PA is also a career on the rise: Every year for the last decade, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted a 30 percent growth in the field. 

Our students are well-prepared to enter this rewarding profession - Seton Hall graduates who sit for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) consistently pass. As a graduate of the Master of Science in Physician Assistant program, you'll be ready for a rewarding medical career — and ready to excel in any area you choose to pursue. With a curriculum that runs for 33 months, our graduates are known in the field for having more clinical experience than graduates of other institutions.

In 2022, graduates from the Department of Physician Assistant achieved a 100% first-time board pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). This was the third straight year that each PA program graduate passed their exam on the first attempt. Graduates report that they are employed or are presently involved in residency programs to obtain additional training.

Seton Hall University's MS in Physician Assistant program is known for its high average passing scores on the PANCE board exam, surpassing some of the top MSPA schools in the country. The program offers a broad selection of elective courses, more than most physician assistant programs, providing a tailored and comprehensive physician assistant education. One of the key advantages of this program is its extensive clinical network, which allows for elective rotations in specialized practices. This unique feature enhances the practical training many physician assistants seek. This longer-than-average program is ideal for students who desire a thorough understanding of the field.

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Image of the US News and World Report Badge that says Best Grad Schools- Physician Assistant 2023-2024

BY THE NUMBERS

  • 52 Weeks of Clinical Experiences
  • 100 % PANCE Pass Rate for 3 straight years
  • 30 % Projected Job Growth Rate
  • 100+ Clinical Affiliations
Students By the Numbers PA
Shontelle Berfet

“As a PA student, I attended a national conference and worked with medical professionals from many disciplines to create an oral health outreach program for senior citizens. Through this hands-on experience, I enhanced my clinical, interpersonal and administrative skills.”

Shontelle Berfet, M.S. ’15, PA-C
Physician Assistant at Complete Care, Scotch Plains, N.J.

Curriculum

The Seton Hall Master of Science in Physician Assistant curriculum centers on extensive clinical experience. It also emphasizes research competence, basic sciences knowledge and physical examination skills. In many of our classes, traditional lectures fuse with online coursework and problem-based learning to ensure that everything you study is directly applicable. You'll learn from practicing physician assistants, physicians and instructors with doctoral training in a variety of medical areas. Our students work with patients from their first semester onward, eventually completing at least 52 weeks of core and elective rotations. 

Admission Requirements

The Master of Science in Physician Assistant program is rigorous, and the admissions process is extremely selective. In reviewing applications, the admissions committee considers academic performance, GRE scores, healthcare experience and letters of recommendation.

Deadlines:

  • December 1 is the deadline for application to the Master of Science in Physician Assistant program.
  • Applications are accepted online beginning June 1.

Program Faculty

Our full-time faculty are licensed PAs who draw upon their diverse clinical backgrounds to help our students develop professionally. The program also has a medical director who is a practicing M.D. and two full-time directors of clinical education. Many of our faculty are accomplished scholars who have published research, lectured at national conferences and served in leadership positions within the PA profession. Ultimately, our primary goal is the close and careful instruction and mentorship of our students.

Meet all of our Physician Assistant Faculty »

Chris Hanifin posing
Christopher Hanifin
Department Chair and Assistant Professor
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Jurga Marshall posing
Jurga Marshall
Associate Professor
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Michelle McWeeney posing
Michelle McWeeney
Assistant Professor
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Abby Saunders posing
Abby Saunders
Assistant Professor
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Learn the Art and Science of Caring

In response to society's rapidly changing healthcare needs, the School of Health and Medical Sciences combines the expertise of Seton Hall University with the resources of affiliate healthcare sites to provide exemplary academic and clinical training in graduate-level health sciences and health administration. The school's emphasis on interprofessional education prepares healthcare leaders of tomorrow to focus on patient-centered care and to make a difference in patients' lives and their communities.

Contact Us

  • Patrick McDermott, M.A.
  • Assistant Dean for Graduate Enrollment and Student Affairs
  • School of Health and Medical Sciences
  • [email protected]
  • (973) 275-2062

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