Kean University Physician Assistant Studies Program

Background

Kean University's Department of Physician Assistant Studies offers a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, designed to prepare students for comprehensive medical practice across various healthcare settings. The program emphasizes evidence-based, holistic healthcare, aiming to equip graduates with the skills necessary to improve patient outcomes and access to care. The physician assistant (PA) profession is experiencing significant growth, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 31% increase through 2028.

Program Overview

The 29-month, 105-credit-hour program is full-time and cohort-based, integrating rigorous didactic instruction with extensive clinical training. The curriculum includes courses in medical and behavioral sciences, ethics, and over 2,000 hours of clinical rotations across disciplines such as emergency medicine, pediatrics, and psychiatry. Graduates are prepared to provide patient-centered care and effectively utilize the latest medical technologies.

Accreditation Status

As of March 2024, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) placed Kean University's Physician Assistant Studies Program on Accreditation-Probation status until its next review in March 2026. Probation is a temporary status indicating that the program must address specific compliance issues to meet accreditation standards.

Admission Requirements

Prospective students must meet the following criteria:

Educational Background: A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

Academic Performance: Minimum cumulative and prerequisite GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Healthcare Experience: At least 250 hours, including a minimum of 20 hours shadowing a certified PA.

Standardized Testing: GRE scores approaching the 40th percentile in each section.

Recommendations: Three letters, including one from a course professor and one from a PA-C.

Additional Materials: Professional resume or CV, personal interview, and a $75 supplemental application fee.

Applications are submitted through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA), with deadlines on January 15 (priority) and April 1 (regular).

Market Insights and Dynamics

The PA profession in New Jersey is robust, with approximately 4,660 PAs employed in 2024, earning an average salary of $131,070, which is 4.43% above the national average. Employment in this field grew by 66% between 2018 and 2022, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a further 27% increase between 2022 and 2032.

Competitor Analysis

New Jersey hosts several accredited PA programs, including those at Monmouth University, Rutgers University, and Seton Hall University. These programs offer comprehensive curricula and have established reputations in the field. For instance, Monmouth University's PA program has achieved a 5-year first-time test taker average PANCE pass rate of 92%.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

To enhance its market position, Kean University's PA program could focus on addressing the accreditation probation status by implementing corrective measures to meet ARC-PA standards. Additionally, strengthening partnerships with healthcare facilities for clinical rotations, investing in faculty development, and enhancing student support services could improve program outcomes and attract a diverse applicant pool.