Program History

In January of 1975, the first class of physician assistant students entered the program which was founded by the College of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Rutgers Medical School (now known as the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School) and Rutgers University-Livingston College. The program was developed by individuals from both institutions as a result of information gathered from local physicians in NJ regarding their interest in hiring a PA. At that time PAs were not authorized to practice, but it was believed by the time the first class graduated in May of 1977, legislation would be enacted. No one knew that it would be 18 years before this would be true.

In the meantime, the School of Health Related Professions (SHRP) in Newark had opened its doors in 1976 and assumed responsibility for the PA program. However, the program remained in Piscataway because of its affiliation with the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School faculty who teach many of the first year basic science courses.

In 1978, Ruth Fixelle, a graduate of the class of that same year joined the faculty as clinical supervisor. She was the fourth faculty member to be added which included the Program Director, an Assistant Director, and one Clinical Coordinator. In 1981 she assumed the role of Program Director.

Under the leadership of Ruth Fixelle and Jill Reichman, who joined the faculty in 1981, improvements in the program began. These included the expansion of Histology and Cell Biology and Neuroanatomy to full semesters and the addition of other courses including Nutrition, Health Maintenance and Human Development, ECG Interpretation, Biochemistry, Problem Based Learning, Case Based Learning, and Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

Years went by and class after class of PAs were educated and then exported to other states where PA practice was legal. Finally, in 1992 after years of heavy lobbying by the program faculty and other members of the New Jersey State Society of Physician Assistants, legistation was passed allowing for PA practice in New Jersey. Based on this fact and the growing popularity and demand for PAs, UMDNJ decided to increase the class size. A new building was constructed on the grounds of Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and the program moved to its new home in January of 1993. In order to educate a larger class, the number of faculty was increased. Applications rose to an all-time high of approximately 900.

In 1996, the program converted to a Masters level with the degree conferred by UMDNJ-SHRP. Prior to that point, students were awarded a Bachelors degree from Rutgers University and a Certificate of Completion from UMDNJ. The decision to convert was based on a number of factors. The education being provided was already at a graduate level with students in a B.S. program sitting side by side with medical students expected to perform at the same level. Additionally, over 75% of the students already had a bachelor's degree and were ineligible for financial aid if they had utilized this resource as an undergraduate.

The first articulated BA/MS Program was founded with Rutgers University in 1996. This program was instituted to provide students an alternate way of entering the profession and earning a Bachelors and Masters Degree in six (6) years. The first individuals to complete this articulated program graduated in May, 1999. Today, the Program also has articulated BA/MS Programs with several other colleges and universities in New Jersey. Applicants interested in more information on the BA/MS Program should contact the PA Program for details.

The Program also offers a dual MS/MPH degree. This offering allows students to complete their PA Masters degree along with an MPH from the UMDNJ School of Public Health. Applicants interested in more information on the MS/MPH should contact the PA Program for details.

Over the years student enrollment in the Program has grown. Today, total enrollment is over one hundred students, with 13 faculty (including two part-time) and a staff of four. The program continues to revise and update its curriculum to meet the demands of the profession. Recent enhancements include such things as requiring students to devote a portion of their time to community service and, with the addition of the Masters projects to the curriculum, numerous student papers have been published in professional journals. Despite the fact that its graduates are some of the best trained PAs in the nation, the faculty of the program believe it is important to constantly assess the education provided and find ways to improve.