The mission of the Physician Assistant Studies department is to provide students with engaging experiences that facilitate lifelong learning, enhance diverse perspectives, emphasize primary care and collaborative practice, and foster a spirit of service with a commitment to continuously improve the health of our communities.
Sacred Heart University's Physician Assistant Department offers a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) that prepares individuals to practice medicine in collaboration with a licensed physician, in compliance with the PA Profession Competencies described and accepted by the profession. In addition, full-time incoming freshmen who know they want to pursue their MSPAS may apply to the BS/MSPAS dual degree program. This path ensures qualified candidates’ placement in the MSPAS program upon completion of their undergraduate studies.
The SHU MSPAS program is designed to prepare future professionals to work as generalist PAs. MSPAS graduates will be educated to provide compassionate, respectful, high-quality healthcare, and have proficiency in the competencies as described by the profession PA Competencies. After completing the program and successfully passing the PA National Certification Exam, graduates of the SHU MSPAS program will qualify to work in any of the 50 states as a certified PA (PA-C). The PA-C must then apply for and obtain state licensure in the state they wish to work.
U.S. News & World Report Ranks PA as one of the Best Jobs in 2023
Three generations of SHU PA students: Kiana Pham, ’19; Raquel Torrez, ’20; Pamela Jackson, ’18; Jennie Shar, ’19; and Jake Bernotas, ’20
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Sacred Heart University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by the Sacred Heart 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remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards.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 March 2031. 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.
