Expanding access: Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine launches new Master’s of Physician Assistant Studies

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine (SOM) is expanding its degree offerings to meet the health care needs of the region and nation with a new Master's of Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program.

Slated to enroll its first class in fall 2026, the program will prepare students for careers as compassionate and skilled health care clinicians who are equipped to pursue medical specialties of their choice. Upon completion of the two-year master's degree program, they will enter the health care workforce as in-demand licensed clinicians working under the supervision of physicians. The profession, first established in 1967, offers the ability to practice medicine in every specialty and setting after completing the appropriate training and certification processes.

Rowan-Virtua SOM PA students will learn in a brand-new facility that is currently under construction on the Sewell Campus. The new building will feature a state-of-the-art simulation center, a clinical skills lab and a fully equipped modern cadaver anatomy lab. In addition, they will benefit from SOM's partnership with Virtua Health, South Jersey's largest health system, as they complete clinical coursework in the region's top hospitals and facilities.

"We are thrilled to launch a much-needed physician assistant studies program at Rowan-Virtua SOM," said Dr. Richard Jermyn, dean of Rowan-Virtua SOM. "Training world class physician assistants aligns perfectly with our mission to foster innovation in medical education and improve patient care for those most in need. Physician assistants make up a vital and growing portion of health care teams throughout the country. We have developed this program to meet the needs of our region."

Students enrolled in the program will complete a two-year course of study that encompasses a rigorous classroom component, a research component and thousands of hours of clinical experience in a variety of health care settings.

Upon graduation, students will be prepared to step into a growing, and in-demand career. According to theU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for physician assistants is expected to grow by 31 percent from 2020 to 2030. This demand is currently driven by an aging population across the country and the shortage of primary care providers, especially in rural and underserved areas.

"Our clinician and patient populations are aging and that is already creating strains on access," said Dr. Joshua Coren, senior associate dean of Clinical Affairs and medical director for the new program. "With this PA program, we will directly address those strains and increase the accessibility of high-quality health care in our region."

Students who enroll in the physician assistant studies program will learn in an environment that is reflective of the contemporary health care workplace. As part of the Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences (VHC), Rowan-Virtua SOM will offer a PA program with interprofessional education opportunities to collaborate not only with Rowan-Virtua SOM medical students, but across schools with students in nursing, allied health professions, and biomedical research.

"Our physician assistant students will learn from highly-qualified faculty from Rowan-Virtua SOM and collaborate with their peers in the medical and life sciences," said Dr. David DeFilippo, found PA Program director. "They'll complete their clinical hours within health systems across the region, and they'll have enhanced clinical opportunities made possible through our direct partnership with Virtua Health."