About the Department of Physician Assistant
Program Overview
Saint Joseph's University's 24-month Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program prepares you to deliver a broad range of medical services as a physician assistant, including acute patient care, research and education. For more information, please visit the MSPAS program page.
Program Mission & Goals
Mission Statement
The Mission of the Saint Joseph’s University Physician Assistant Program is to educate future physician assistants with a foundation in equitable, person-centered, evidence-based care, with a focus on primary care (family medicine), interprofessional healthcare, and an exposure to underserved and diverse populations.
To see a complete list of mission and goals, visit the Physician Assistant Studies Mission page.
Program Details, Handbooks and Manuals
For all program details including curriculum and coursework requirements, academic standards and grading policies, visit the Physician Assistant Studies Program Details page.
Admission Information
For physician assistant admission information including how to apply and admission requirements, visit the Physician Assistant Studies Admission Information page.
Costs & Financial Aid
To see a complete list of program costs and financial aid, go to the Physician Assistant Studies Program Costs page.
Program Competencies & Progression Requirements & Deadlines
For requirements for progression within the didactic phase, prerequisites for clinical rotations, requirements for progression within the clinical phase and requirements for graduation, go to the Physician Assistant Studies Progression Requirements page.
Accreditation Statement and PANCE Performance
The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the Saint Joseph’s University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Saint Joseph’s University. Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding
Accreditation-Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students. Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class.
The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website.
PANCE PERFORMANCE
Licensure
Following successful completion of the PA program, you will be qualified to sit for the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE). You will also be required to obtain a license to practice as a PA in your chosen state(s) upon passing the PANCE. Requirements and procedures vary from state to state, but graduation from an accredited PA program, and successful completion of the national certifying examination are two requirements.
It has been determined that graduates of the Saint Joseph’s University Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) Program meet the educational requirements needed to pursue professional licensure in most states with the exception of New York.
- New York requires completion of course work or training related to infection control at the time of initial licensure and every four years thereafter. Specific information about this requirement is provided by the New York State Education Department, Office of Professions.
Following successful completion of the PANCE, you will be issued an NCCPA certificate, entitling you to the use of the PA-Certified (PA-C) designation until expiration. To maintain PA-C certification and retain the right to use the designation beyond the date of certificate expiration, you will follow a two-pronged process, involving submission of certification maintenance materials, including documentation of 100 continuing medical education credits (CME) and successful completion of a recertification exam every 10 years.
Policies
View all policies related to the Physician Assistant Studies Program Saint Joseph's University by going to the Physician Assistant Studies Program Policies page.
Student Attrition Report
View the complete student attrition report for the Physician Assistant Studies Program at Saint Joseph's University by going to the Physician Assistant Studies Student Attrition Report webpage.
Services and Resources
All enrolled students in the Physician Assistant program at Saint Joseph’s University will have full access to all facilities, services, and resources offered by the University.
For more information visit the following websites: