Program Overview

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Accreditation Status

The University of New Haven Physician Associate Program has applied for Accreditation - Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). The University of New Haven Physician Associate Program anticipates matriculating its first class in August 2026, pending achieving Accreditation - Provisional status at the April 2026 ARC-PA meeting.

Mission

The mission of the University of New Haven Physician Associate Program is to prepare master’s level physician associates to be highly skilled members of interprofessional healthcare teams. The program is committed to developing clinicians who will provide compassionate and patient-centered healthcare across the lifespan to people of all ethnicities, cultures, or identifiers that may be interpreted as different from the majority. The program places special emphasis on providing a strong primary care foundational knowledge that will train our students to be life-long learners and prepare them to enter a broad range of medical practice settings.

Program Goals

• Graduate students who are prepared to enter the Physician Associate profession as a new graduate.
• Foster Professionalism Within a Student Supportive Learning Environment
• Develop students to become Patient-Centered physician associates.

Graduate Competencies

Upon Completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

Medical Knowledge (MK)

• MK. 1. Apply comprehensive biomedical, clinical, behavioral, and social science knowledge to inform patient diagnosis and treatment.
• MK. 2. Utilize current clinical guidelines and scientific evidence to support clinical reasoning and decision-making.
• MK. 3. Critically appraise emerging medical literature and integrate new evidence into clinical practice to enhance patient care.
• MK. 4. Recognize the influence of behavioral, psychosocial, and environmental factors on health and incorporate these considerations into patient assessment and treatment.

Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving (CRPS)

• CRPS. 1. Apply clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills to analyze patient data, identify key issues, synthesize information, and develop effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
• CRPS. 2. Evaluate diagnostic test results critically and integrate findings to refine diagnoses and adjust management plans effectively.

Clinical Skills (CS)

• CS. 1. Obtain accurate patient histories and perform physical examinations, applying appropriate techniques tailored to the clinical context.
• CS. 2. Develop prioritized differential diagnoses by integrating clinical data, patient history, and physical exam findings.
• CS. 3. Formulate evidence-based, patient-centered management plans addressing acute, chronic, emergent, and preventive care.
• CS. 4. Accurately and comprehensively document patient histories, physical exam findings, diagnostic impressions, and management plans in a clear, organized, and professional manner consistent with legal and institutional standards.

Technical/Procedural Skills (TPS)

• TPS. 1. Perform common diagnostic and therapeutic procedures safely and competently, adhering to sterile techniques and best practice guidelines.
• TPS. 2. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of clinical instruments and procedural protocols during simulated and real patient care.
• TPS. 3. Document procedural indications, findings, and outcomes consistent with professional and legal standards.

Interpersonal Skills (IS)

• IS. 1. Communicate effectively, compassionately, and respectfully with patients, families, and healthcare team members across populations.
• IS. 2. Engage collaboratively within interprofessional teams, contributing to patient-centered care and shared decision-making.
• IS. 3. Exhibit humility and responsiveness in patient interactions to promote patient-centered healthcare delivery.

Professional Behaviors (PB)

• PB. 1. Demonstrate integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct consistent with professional standards in all academic and clinical activities.
• PB. 2. Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with relevant legal, regulatory, and institutional policies governing PA practice.
• PB. 3. Engage in reflective practice, accept constructive feedback, and commit to lifelong learning and professional development.

Program Directors

Rhonda Feldman, MHS, PA-C

Yanice Méndez-Fernández, Ph.D., MPH

Rebecca Jeffery, MMSc, PA-C

Megan Elizabeth Smith, M.D., M.S.

Stephen Lee, DBH, PA-C

Tuition & Fees

Total program costs including tuition and fees for the cohort starting August 2025 (Class of 2027) are $119,366.

Cost Breakdowns for Program Year

The curriculum is 24 months, 98 Credits total at $1,092 per credit based on tuition. The total cost for the program for the 2025 cohort is $119,366.

Year 1 (Didactic Phase): Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters
Year 2 (Clinical Phase): Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters

Billed Cost of Program

| Year 1 | Year 2
---|---|---
Tuition | $61,152 | $45,864
Lab Fees | $6,000 | $6,000
General & Technical Fees | $175 | $175
Total Tuition & Fees Per Year |$67,327 |$52,039
Total Billed Program Cost | $119,366

Direct Cost of Attendance*

| Year 1 | Year 2
---|---|---
Student Accident Insurance | $50 | $50
Background Check | $75 | $75
Preclinical Drug Screen | | $50
Total Direct Costs by Year |$125 |$175
Total Direct Cost of Attendance | $300

Indirect Costs+

| Year 1 | Year 2
---|---|---
Books and Supplies | $200 | $75
Equipment | $1,250 |
Clinical Site Travel | | Varies^

Program Curriculum

See the curriculum for classes by semester:
Program Curriculum

Also, see full list of courses and learning outcomes in the Academic Catalog.

PANCE Results

PANCE report data will be provided after the first cohort has graduated.

Program's Success At Meeting Goals

Program will publish data-based analysis of the program's performance in meeting goals here, when available.

Student Attrition

Program will provide attrition data here after the first cohort graduates.