Program Spotlight: Salus at Drexel Physician Assistant Program, College of Medicine

The Salus at Drexel University Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program is a competitive, full-time, 25-month program that prepares graduates to join one of the fastest-growing professions in the country and become integral members of today’s health care delivery team. Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a Master of Medical Science degree (MMS).

And according to U.S. News and World Report’s Best Heathcare Jobs of 2026, physician assistant is the No. 2 best job to have, with a median salary of $133,260 and the number of projected jobs at 33,200 for this year.

The program is patient-centered with a primary care philosophy and a holistic approach, so students appreciate the need to not only care for the patient but also care about the patient. The outstanding faculty are accessible and committed to each student’s personal and professional development.

Early clinical training plus innovative teaching through small group and case-based learning are integral to the Salus at Drexel PA program. The second year is dedicated entirely to clinical rotations that provide direct patient care experiences in primary and specialty care disciplines.

“Not only will our students be trained and competent enough to pass their board exams, but the medical education they’re getting at the University will allow them to be successful, compassionate clinicians,” said Rachel Ditoro, EdD, MSPAS, PA-C, director of the Salus at Drexel PA program. “In addition to building strong medical knowledge, we work with students to strengthen their communication skills, build empathy, and help them to become providers patients will go to and feel good about.” 

Salus at Drexel PA students receive:

• A strong basic science and pathophysiology foundation
• Anatomy instruction with an on-site full cadaver dissection lab augmented with virtual anatomy
• Innovative, evidence-based instruction integral to the development of critical thinking skills
• Observational patient care introduced in the first year

“The biggest thing for me was how the Salus at Drexel PA program stressed understanding the 'why' behind things. It wasn’t just memorization, just to get through exams. They really wanted to make sure we understood the reasoning behind why things work and the way they worked,” said Ashley (Senss) Joyce, MMS ‘20. "That set us up for having a good handle on things because if you don’t understand that, you’re really behind.”

Contact Admissions to explore the opportunities awaiting you in the Salus at Drexel PA program.