USJ PA Program Buoyed by US News & World Report Job Ranking

(West Hartford – January 14, 2021) - With “Physician Assistant” (PA) in the #1 spot on both the 100 Best Jobs and the Best Healthcare Jobs lists in U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 Best Jobs rankings, the University of Saint Joseph’s Physician Assistant Studies Class of 2023 began their studies this week positioned for great success and opportunity.

The University of Saint Joseph’s PA Studies M.S.P.A.S. program offers students the opportunity to complete their degree in 28 months, taught by expert faculty in a new 11,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility. USJ provides a unique modular curriculum with demonstrated success in providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in an evolving health care environment, which is especially essential during the COVID-19 crisis. USJ's PA Studies Classes of 2019 and 2020 have a 100% pass rate on the national certification examination for first-time exam takers.

“USJ is proud to be preparing the next generation of PAs. The USJ PA Studies Program recognizes that our graduates must be ready to meet the demands of a health care system and medical workforce under tremendous stress,” stated Tricia Marriott, PA-C, MPAS, MJ Health Law, CHC, DFAAPA, Director & Chair, PA Studies Program, School of Pharmacy and PA Studies. “This report validates our field and is great news for our students!”

According to the PA History Society, the first programs for PAs began in the 1960s, training medical corpsmen returning from Vietnam to provide care to medically underserved populations with physician supervision. Today’s PA is a critical part of any healthcare team with the license to diagnose and treat individuals for everything from primary care to a range of medical specializations. The incoming Class of 2023 consists of 45 students (39 females and eight males), 21 of whom are from Connecticut and the remaining 24 from throughout the country. All candidates were interviewed virtually, and those chosen represent diverse backgrounds with several having proficiency in multiple languages.

Factors considered in U.S. News & World Report’s rankings include hiring demand, growth potential, work-life balance, and salary. U.S. News & World Report determined that the current median annual salary for Physician Assistants is $112,160. Other careers highlighted by the rankings are also taught at USJ, including Nursing, which is offered at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

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The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) offers a wide range of coeducational undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs that combine a professional and liberal arts education with opportunities for mentored research, community service, clinical field work, and internships. Programs are taught on the University’s two campuses in West Hartford and Hartford, Connecticut; at off-campus locations throughout the state; and online. Founded in 1932 by the Sisters of Mercy, the University of Saint Joseph offers degrees with value and values. To learn more, view our website at www.usj.edu.