Program Mission, Goals, and Outcomes

Mission

To graduate collaborative clinicians who will serve the healthcare needs of a global community with intelligence, compassion, and integrity.

Goals

The program has four primary goals specifically designed to achieve our mission of educating competent and caring physician assistants.

1. Recruit and retain a student body which demonstrates academic excellence.
2. Provide a comprehensive academic program that fosters the development of the knowledge and skills necessary for entry level practice as competent, collaborative clinicians.
3. Promote opportunities for physician assistant students to develop cultural sensitivity, professionalism and a dedication to service.
4. Support faculty in their professional development, leadership, and service to students, patients and the profession.

Goal 1

Recruit and retain a student body which demonstrates academic excellence.

Outcomes for Goal 1:

• Mean GPA Class of 2025 at completion of the didactic phase of the program: 3.51 
• Mean GPA Class of 2024 at the time of graduation: 3.63 
• Mean GPA Class of 2024 at completion of the didactic phase of the program: 3.55 
• Mean GPA Class of 2023 at completion of the didactic phase of the Program: 3.40
• Mean GPA Class of 2022 at the time of graduation: 3.56
• Mean GPA Class of 2022 at completion of the didactic phase of the Program: 3.45
• Mean GPA Class of 2021 at the time of graduation: 3.65
• Mean GPA Class of 2021 at completion of the didactic phase of the Program: 3.61

Program Attrition: The program has an overall attrition rate of 3.3%.

Please note that the attrition rates include students who did not complete the program due to dismissal or withdraw and students who decelerated to a subsequent cohort.

*Attrition rate calculation: Number of students who attritted from cohort divided by the entering class size.
**Graduation rate: Number of cohort graduates divided by the entering class size.

Goal 2

Provide a comprehensive academic program that fosters the development of the knowledge and skills necessary for entry level practice as competent, collaborative clinicians.

Outcomes for Goal #2:

• The Salus University Physician Assistant Program is a comprehensive Master of Medical Science degree program which requires successful completion of 109 credits (61 credits didactic phase, 48 credits clinical phase).
• Class of 2025 PACKRAT 1 Performance:

• Class of 2024 PACKRAT 2 Performance:

• Class of 2024 PACKRAT 1 Performance:

• Class of 2023 PACKRAT 2 Performance:

• Class of 2023 PACKRAT 1 Performance:
  

• Class of 2022 PACKRAT 2 Performance:

• Class of 2022 PACKRAT 1 Performance:
  

• Class of 2021 PACKRAT 2 Performance:
  

• Class of 2021 PACKRAT 1 Performance:
  

• Class of 2024 End of Rotation (EOR) exam performance compared to national performance:

• Class of 2023 End of Rotation (EOR) exam performance compared to national performance:

• Class of 2022 End of Rotation (EOR) exam performance compared to national performance:
  
• Class of 2021 End of Rotation (EOR) exam performance compared to national performance:
  
• PANCE Performance (PDF)
• 100% of students (Class of 2021, Class of 2022, Class of 2023 and Class of 2024) met program-defined skill competencies as outlined in their Clinical Passports, an assessment logging tool.
• 100% of students (Class of 2021, Class of 2022, Class of 2023 and Class of 2024) successfully met all requirements of their summative assessments.
• Clinical preceptors rated the Class of 2024 (99.9%), Class of 2023 (99.9%), Class of 2022 (99.9%), and the Class of 2021 (99.8%) in the following assessment areas related to collaboration as part of the healthcare team. (Survey: Interpersonal interactions with healthcare professionals - Maintains appropriate personal/professional boundaries with all members of the healthcare team; active member of the team; works well with others; appreciates the contribution made by each member of the healthcare team). (Scoring Scale: 100%=excellent, 90%=good, 80%=average, 70%=fair, 60%=poor)

Goal 3

Promote opportunities for physician assistant students to develop cultural sensitivity, professionalism and a dedication to service.

Outcomes for Goal #3:

Cultural sensitivity:

• 100% of all Salus University physician assistant students complete cultural humility instruction provided by the University during orientation, and in the PAS-5009 Community Health and PAS-5901 Transition to Practice courses. Additionally, students receive instruction about how to support the needs of vulnerable populations in the PAS-5009 Community Health and PAS-5003 Behavioral Science courses.
• Students participate in two workshops during the didactic phase of the Program conducted at the Barnes Foundation developing the skills of observation, interpretation, empathy and recognizing bias. 
• Clinical preceptors rated students’ respect for patients’ culture for the Class of 2024 as 99.0%, Class of 2023 as 99.2%, Class of 2022 as 98.8%, and the Class of 2021 as 97.9%.
  (Survey: Interpersonal Interaction with Patients – Approach to patient is
  appropriate, establishing good rapport; demonstrates respect for patient’s culture as it affects their health outcomes). (Scoring Scale: 100%=excellent,
  90%=good, 80%=average, 70%=fair, 60%=poor).

Professionalism:

• All PA students receive an introduction to professionalism during their University orientation, with subsequent formal programmatic instruction in the didactic and clinical phases of the Program. Opportunities to assess this competency are afforded through self-reflection, peer-review, faculty assessment, preceptor evaluation, and summative review. A professionalism grading rubric is included in each course syllabus.
• Clinical preceptors rated students’ Professional Behavior for the Class of 2024 as 99.6%, the Class of 2023 as 99.9%, Class of 2022 as 99.7%, and the Class of 2021 as 99.9%.
  (Survey: Professional Behavior – Present punctual, conscientious; behaves
  with honesty and integrity; responds appropriately to constructive criticism) and students’ Professional Judgment for the Class of 2024 as 99.9%, the Class of 2023 as 99.5%, the Class of 2022 as 99.9%, and the Class of 2021 as 99.8%. (Survey: Professional
  Judgment – Demonstrates awareness of appropriate professional behavior and
  insight regarding clinical practice limitations.). (Scoring Scale: 100%=excellent,
  90%=good, 80%=average, 70%=fair, 60%=poor). 
• 100% of all graduating students have met this competency.

Service Opportunities:

• In a survey of the Class of 2025 students, 87.5% agreed or strongly agreed with the statement: The PA program offered me opportunities to participate in community service (response rate: 84%).
• Through faculty facilitation, the Program supported students interested in participation in a medical and public health mission trip to Guatemala in August.
• As part of the PAS 5102 Integrative Medicine and Nutrition course, all students participated in a day of service at MANNA, a learning experience that reinforces nutrition as a means of health promotion and an integral aspect of disease management.
• The Class of 2021, in collaboration with their PA students from seven other PA programs, raised money for the For Pete's Sake Cancer Respite Foundation which enables cancer patients and their loved ones to strengthen, deepen and unify their relationships by creating unforgettable and lasting respite experiences.
• The Class of 2022 participated in the PA Olympics in April along with fellow students and faculty from six other Philadelphia area PA programs. The charity this year was the The Krueger Hat Trick Foundation, a non-profit organization whole-heartedly devoted to providing financial aid and hope for families inflicted by congenital heart defects/disease.
• The Class of 2023 participated in the PA Olympics in April with students from eight other Philadelphia area PA programs, raising money for METAvivor, a non-profit organization focused on increasing awareness of advanced breast cancer and equity in research and patient support.
• The Class of 2024 participated in the PA Olympics in April with students from eleven other Philadelphia area PA programs, raising money for The Block Gives Back, a non-profit organization that promotes community involvement and engagement throughout Philadelphia by targeting issues to address community needs.
• The Class of 2025 participated in the PA Olympics in April with students from eleven other Philadelphia area PA programs, raising money For Pete’s Sake, a respite program that enables cancer patients and their families to “take a break for cancer.”

Goal 4

Support faculty in their professional development, leadership, and service to students, patients and the profession.

The University values the contributions of its PA faculty in their efforts for lifelong learning, leadership, and service.

Outcomes for Goal #4:

• Principal faculty rated their satisfaction with faculty development resources
  provided by the University in 2024 at 100%, 2023 at 100%, 2022 at 88%, and 2020 at 100%
  very satisfied-satisfied (Response rates: 2024: 90%, 2023: 80%, 2022: 89%, 2020: 89%).
• Principal faculty rated their satisfaction with service opportunities provided by
  the University in 2024 at 100%, 2023 at 88%, 2022 at 63%, and 2020 at 86% very satisfied-
  satisfied (Response rates: 2024: 90%, 2023: 80%, 2022: 89%, 2020: 89%).

Scholarship/Professional Development (2021-2024):

• One principal faculty member completed a Doctor of Education degree.
• One principal faculty member is completed a Doctor of Health Sciences degree with a concentration in Global Health.
• Two principal faculty members are completing a Doctor of Medical Sciences degree, one with a concentration in Public Health Workforce and the other in Orthopedic Care.
• 54% of clinical PA faculty maintain current medical practice in the disciplines of family medicine, gastroenterology, rheumatology, and urgent care and are afforded release time from the University to do so.
• Faculty Presentations and Publications (2021-2024)
  • Fischer M. On the frontlines: effective diagnosis and management of leading acute respiratory infections. Presented at Arizona State Association on Physician Assistants Spring CME Conference; February 28, 2025; Scottsdale, AZ. 
  • Ditoro R, Kelly J, Hudak N, Gerstner L. Where is the line? Supporting students in the discomfort zone. Presented at the PA Education Association Forum; October 6-10 2024; Washington, DC. 
  • Orr C, Pucillo J-M, Mosley-Williams J. Tackling A1.11: developing a DEI action plan. Presented at the PA Education Association Forum; October 6-10 2024; Washington, DC. 
  • Fischer M. Breathe easier: understanding and managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Presented at New Jersey State Society of Physician Assistants CME Conference; October 19, 2024; Plainsboro, NJ. 
  • Fischer M. Tick talk: an update in the management of tick bourne illnesses. Presented at New Jersey State Society of Physician Assistants CME Conference; October 19, 2024; Plainsboro, NJ. 
  • Fischer M, Orr C. If the glove doesn’t fit, check the pituitary: acromegaly caused by pituitary adenoma. Poster presentation. Pennsylvania State PA Conference; October 23-26, 2024; Erie, PA. 
  • Orr C, Fischer M. Refusal to walk in a 4-year-old with a history of congenital hip dysplasia. Poster presentation. Pennsylvania State PA Conference; October 23-26, 2024; Erie, PA. 
  • Fischer M. Breathe easier: understanding and managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.  Presented at Maryland Academy of Physician Assistants Annual CME Conference; September 24-28 2024; Cambridge, MD. 
  • Fischer M. Tick talk: an update in the management of tick bourne illnesses. Recorded for Arizona State Association on Physician Assistants; August 2024.  
  • Orr C, Haynes A, Peterson K, et al. ADA primary care council: what does a person with diabetes need from their primary care team? Presented at the American Diabetes Association 84th Scientific Sessions; June 21-24, 2024; Orlando, FL.  
  • Ditoro R, Bernstein J. Student self-assessment: reflecting on PA educators’ perceptions and current practices in PA training. J Phys Assist Educ. 2023,34(3):209-217.
  • Ditoro R, Orr C, April-Davis T. Addressing PA student mental health – a collaboration to improve wellnes. Presented at the PA Education Association Forum; October 11-14 2023; New Orleans, LA.
  • Ditoro R, Steele A, Chapelle R, Burkhart J, Nimblett-Clarke A. Developing the leader in everyone.Presented at the PA Education Association Forum; October 12, 2023; New Orleans, LA.
  • Orr C. Type 2 diabetes and beyond: breaking boundaries with novel therapeutic options. Presented at the Pennsylvania State PA Society Conference; November 2023; Hershey, PA.
  • Orr C, Tyszka A, Vitek M, Aravamudhan R, Salmon K, Konopack J. Expansion of an interprofessional education course in response to institutional growth. Presented at Jefferson Center for Interprofessional Practice & Education Biennial Conference; November 2023; Philadelphia, PA.
  • Fischer M. Updates in asthma management. Presented at the Maryland Academy of Physician Assistants Conference; September 2023; Ocean City, MD.
  • Fischer M. Breathe easier: understanding and managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Presented at the Pennsylvania State PA Society Conference, November 2023; Hershey, PA.
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  • Orr C, Verano L. The starting line: What is diabetes? Presented at Real World Diabetes; March 2023; Philadelphia, PA.
  • Orr C. Preventing complications of diabetes. Presented at Real World Diabetes; October 2023; Philadelphia, PA.
  • Ditoro R. Student self-assessment – it’s time to dig a little deeper. Presented at Physician Assistant Education Association 2022 Education Forum; October 15, 2022; San Diego, CA.
  • Ditoro R, Orr C. Empathy – the elusive competency. Presented virtually at Physician Assistant Education Association 2022 Education Forum; October 12-15, 2022; San Diego, CA.
  • Ahmed Z, Ahmed N, Baig WA. Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia in a young healthy female patient. Indian Journal of Respiratory Care. 2021;10(1):139-142.
  • Ahmed N. Accentuating preventive medicine education in physician assistant curriculum. Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science. 2021;4(1).
  • Baig WA, Ahmed N, Alfahad OA, et al. Learning satisfaction among students of a higher learning institution for e-learning mode of teaching during Covid-19 pandemic. Journal of Positive School Psychology. 2022;6(6):7994-8001.
  • Ahmed N. Smoking hookah: a dire need of raising awareness and dispelling misconceptions. Journal of Pharmaceutical Negative Results. 2022;13(5):925-932.
  • Orr C, Verano L. The starting line: What is diabetes? Presented at Real World Diabetes; October 3, 2022; Philadelphia, PA.
  • Orr C. Preventing complications of diabetes. Presented at Real World Diabetes; October 24, 2022; Philadelphia, PA.
  • Fischer M. A breath of fresh air: Updates in asthma management. Presented at Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants Annual Conference; November 2022; Pittsburgh, PA.
  • Bonnin K, Brownlee L, Ditoro L, Hussaini S, Maloney-Johns A. Leading Out of COVID. Presented at Physician Assistant Education Association 2021 Education Forum; October 2021; (Virtual).
  • Dascher C, Orr C. The starting line: What is diabetes? Presented at Real World Diabetes; January 15, 2021; Philadelphia, PA.
  • Dascher C, Orr C. Preventing complications of diabetes. Presented at Real World Diabetes; February 12, 2021; Philadelphia, PA.
  • Orr C. Lipid Management: How low can we go? Presented at Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants Annual Conference; Oct 27, 2021; Mount Pocono, PA.
  • Serianni R, Benjamin G, Brim B, DiToro R, Myers B, Owen J, Pennington J, Perla, F, Killen C, Verma S, Vitek M. Developing an Interprofessional Education Session for Clinical Supervisors: Reflections on the Collaborative Process and Outcomes. Presented at the National Academies of Practice Annual Forum 2021; (Virtual).
  • Hudak N, Ditoro R. International clinical rotations. In: Ritsema TS, Brown DL, Vetrosky DT, eds. Ballweg’s Physician Assistant: A Guide to Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:275-284.
• Two principal faculty members in 2021, one in 2022, two in 2023, and two in 2024 attended the state PA conference. Two principal faculty members attended the American Academy of PAs conference in 2022, three in 2023, and two in 2024. Two principal faculty members attended the PAs for Global Health conference in 2022 and one in 2023. One principal faculty member in 2020 and 2021, two faculty members in 2022 and 2023, and four in 2024 attended the national PA Education Association conference. One principal faculty member attended the PAEA Faculty Skills workshop in 2022 and three in 2023. One principal faculty member attended the PAEA Clinical Coordinator 101 workshop in 2024. Two principal faculty members attended the PAEA Unpacking the DEI Toolkit workshop in 2023.

Service/Leadership (2021-2024):

• One faculty member serves as co-chair of the PAEA Regional Education Meeting Workgroup from 2024-present.
• One program faculty member served as a workshop facilitator for the PA Education Association PA Program Assessment Workshop in October 2024 (Washington, DC).
• One faculty member was an ARC-PA site visitor between 2020-2021.
• One faculty member served on the PAEA Leadership Mission Advancement Committee from 2020-2023.
• Two faculty members facilitated the Hearts on Motion Medical Mission trip to Guatemala in 2021 and 2022, three faculty members in 2023, and two faculty members in 2024.
• Two faculty serve as County Medical Reserve Corps volunteers.
• One faculty member was selected by the American Academy of Physician Assistants and serves as the Physician Assistant representative to the American Diabetes Association’s Primary Care Council.
• One principal faculty member serves as a reviewer for the PAEA End of Rotation Exam Blueprint Topic List.