Stockton College Enters Into Articulation Agreement with Philadelphia University, Reliance Medical Group

The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, Philadelphia University and Reliance Medical Group put the finishing touches on an agreement that will allow students to earn a combined bachelor of Science degree in Health Science (BSHS) and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies on Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 15.

Representatives from the three groups signed the agreement at Stockton’s Board of Trustees meeting at the Campus Center.

“This is an exciting moment,” Stockton Dean of Health and Sciences Brenda Stevenson-Marshall said. “One of our goals is to strengthen our partnerships . … We’re thrilled to have the partners we have.”

Stevenson-Marshall was on hand for the signing of the agreement, along with Stockton College President Herman J. Saatkamp and Provost Harvey Kesselman.

“Throughout the United States, there is a shortage of healthcare services,” Saatkamp said. “It’s approaching crisis level. This is our step forward.”

Highly qualified students in the program will have an opportunity to earn a Baccalaureate degree from Stockton and a Master of Science in Physician Studies from Philadelphia University.

The program calls for three years of full-time undergraduate study in an accelerated major program at Stockton and two years of study in the Physician Assistant Program at a Philadelphia University satellite campus in Atlantic County.

Reliance will provide clinical education and support for the college’s programs.

Philadelphia University President Stephen Spinelli joined his school’s Provost Randy Swearer and the Dean of Science, Health and Liberal Arts Matt Dane-Baker at the ceremony.

“We hope this is the beginning of a bigger partnership (between the schools),” Spinelli said. “(Stockton) has a strategic plan that talks about collaborative plans. … This program aspires to offer a special education. I’m impressed by Stockton’s commitment to education.”

Reliance Medical Group President Jon Regis was also in attendance.

“We are one of the largest primary caregivers in the state,” said Regis, who noted there are only about 30 physicians in Atlantic County as opposed to over 200 in the rest of Southern New Jersey. “ … Health care is a right. … This is a feather in our cap. We are honored to be here and honored to be a part of this.”

The program is set to begin in September and continue for five years. Renewal of the program is automatic, on an annual basis, unless one of the partnering institutions decides to put it to an end.

Philadelphia University has submitted an application for a license to operate as an academic institution. That application is now pending with the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education.

The agreement calls for students to pursue an accelerated major program and maintain a grade point average of 3.25 in all coursework, as required for admission into Philadelphia University’s MS in PA Studies program.

Students in the combined degree program will be encouraged to incorporate the humanities, liberal arts, social/behavioral sciences, and premedical studies to create a well-rounded undergraduate program.

Reliance and Philadelphia University are collaborating to develop the MS in Physician Assistant Studies as an accelerated five year program. Reliance will support this program via the development and acquisition of clinical sites. It will assist Philadelphia University in recruiting staff, including a site coordinator, adjunct faculty and guest lecturers.

"I want to commend the deans and faculty at both Stockton and Philadelphia University for their fine work on this endeavor,” Kesselman said. “Once approved, this will reduce the time and cost for our students to acquire these degrees."

“Stockton is delighted to enter into collaboration with our friends at Philadelphia University and Reliance Medical Group,” Saatkamp said. “This partnership enables some of the best and brightest students to attain a Bachelor’s and Master’s in a combined degree program for a profession that is currently in high demand.”