
Student Life
If you had to describe PA student life in a word, a good word is “busy.” Students have different experiences during their adjustment to life as a PA student. If you performed well in a rigorous undergraduate curriculum, you should be well-positioned to get off to a good start in your professional education.
Our philosophy is that the delivery of healthcare is a team endeavor. Our goal for each class is to develop an atmosphere of cooperation, mutual respect, and life-long learning. Every student brings unique talents, skills and perspectives to our program and we challenge each student to determine how they can help to advance the experience of their class.
Didactic Year
Strong
preparation in the basic sciences is an essential component of PA
education – the didactic portion of the curriculum is not for the faint
of heart. Success requires good time management, organizational skills,
and perhaps most of all, determination. While students are studying the
basic sciences, a great deal of time is also devoted to the fundamental
skill required of a PA: excellence in performing a thorough history and
physical examination. Before the first semester is over, students have
already performed “H&Ps” on patients in a clinical environment.
The
schedule can be irregular at times, but in general classes are between
the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Many students choose to arrive on
campus early or stay late for individual or group study. Many students
also live together which affords additional opportunities for group
work.
Clinical Years
Students
rotate through a wide variety of settings to gain a broad exposure to
the practice of medicine. The schedule during clinical rotations is
established in cooperation with the clinical site and varies widely.
Some outpatient settings may have hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. while on
your surgery rotation you might not see the sun for days on end. Core
rotations are followed by a comprehensive examination to ensure that you
have mastered the fundamental principles of each specialty.
Most
students find clinical rotations to be a remarkable and rewarding
experience. No matter where you intend to work or what specialty you
intend to practice the broad training you receive as a PA student will
help to ensure you become a competent, flexible and well-rounded
clinician.
Walsh Library
The
Walsh Library is an excellent resource for students both as quiet place
to study and as an access point for medical journals. Study rooms are
available for group work and reference librarians are happy to assist
with research. The library maintains an extensive subscription list to
electronic medical journals which can be accessed on campus or from
home.
Richie Regan Recreation Center
While
you are learning to care for others, it is important to keep an eye on
your own health. Fortunately, the Richie Regan Recreation Center
provides a good opportunity to improve your fitness. The center features
cardiovascular and strength training equipment, free weights, and
Olympic sized pool, and a fieldhouse with a 200 meter track and four
basketball courts.
Location
For those rare
moments that PA students are not studying, Seton Hall’s location
provides an opportunity for great experiences. Whether you prefer a
quiet walk in South Mountain Reservation or an evening out in Hoboken or
Manhattan, the New York metro area has something to offer everyone. The
trip from South Orange train station provides to midtown Manhattan
takes around 35 minutes. Heading west, you are a within a two-hour drive
of opportunities for hiking, camping, skiing, rock climbing and white
water rafting. Philadelphia is approximately 90 minutes away by car and
Boston and Washington D.C. are both about 5 hours away.
PASSSHU
The Physician Assistant Student Society of Seton Hall University (PASSSHU) is the official student organization for PA students at Seton Hall. Among other activities, PASSSHU promotes fellowship and service to the community. PASSSHU also provides an excellent opportunity for students interested in leadership to develop their skills. PASSSHU elects officers as well as representatives to the state (NJSSPA) and national (SAAPA) associations. The organization is student-run and has organized a wide variety of fundraisers, service activities and social events.
PASSSHU Mission Statement
Our Mission as the Physician Assistant Student Society of Seton Hall University is to promote the personal and professional development of physician assistant students as they prepare to face the many challenges of the profession. The student society shall strive to develop integrity, equality, dignity, and competence among all members.
Through academic achievement, clinical excellence, and community involvement, the student society shall serve as an exemplary advocate of the physician assistant profession. The society shall promote the profession as an integral part of the medical community, focusing on patient care, education and advocacy.