Physician Assistant Studies FAQs

Admissions FAQs

How many students are admitted each year?

The Physician Assistant Studies Program admits 25 students annually.

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted through CASPA and the Kean University supplemental application.

What are the application deadlines?

Priority Deadline: January 15

Regular Deadline: March 1

Is healthcare experience required?

Yes. Applicants must complete a minimum of 500 hours of direct patient care experience.

Is PA shadowing required?

Yes. Applicants must complete at least 20 hours of PA shadowing or equivalent experience working with a PA.

Is the GRE required?

Yes. GRE scores must be submitted through CASPA.

Can I apply while completing prerequisite courses?

Yes. Applicants may have up to two outstanding prerequisite courses at the time of application. All prerequisites must be completed prior to matriculation.

Are online prerequisite courses accepted?

Please refer to the Prerequisite Coursework page for the current online/hybrid coursework policy.

Program & Curriculum FAQs

How long is the program?

The program is a full-time, cohort-based, 29-month Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program.

How many credits is the program?

The curriculum consists of 105 graduate credits.

Is the program offered online?

No. The program is delivered in person.

Can I attend part-time?

No. The program follows a full-time, lock-step curriculum.

What degree is awarded upon completion?

Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (M.S.).

Clinical Education FAQs

Do students find their own clinical rotations?

No. The PA Program coordinates all required supervised clinical practice experiences.

Can students suggest clinical sites?

Yes. Students may recommend clinical sites and preceptors for review by the Program.

Can students be paid during clinical rotations?

No. Clinical rotations are educational experiences and students may not accept compensation during required supervised clinical practice experiences.

How many clinical hours are completed?

Students complete more than 2,000 hours of supervised clinical education during the program.

Student Policies FAQs

Can I work while enrolled in the program?

Students are strongly discouraged from working due to the rigorous nature of the curriculum. Program requirements will not be modified to accommodate employment.

Can I serve as a Graduate Assistant?

Yes. Eligible students may apply for graduate assistant positions at Kean University.

What happens if I fail a course?

Academic performance is reviewed by the Student Progress Committee. Remediation and progression decisions are made in accordance with Program policies.

Where can I find the Student Handbook?

The Student Handbook is available on the Student Handbook & Policies page.

General Program FAQs

Is the program accredited?

Please refer to the Program Accreditation section of the website for the most current accreditation information.

Where is the program located?

The program is located on the Kean University campus in Union, New Jersey.

How can I contact the program?

Email: pastudies@kean.edu

Phone: 732-209-9000