Physician Assistant, Master of Science

St. John’s University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences offers a graduate program leading to a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Physician Assistant. PAs (physician associates/physician assistants) are licensed clinicians who practice medicine in every specialty and setting. Trusted, rigorously educated and trained healthcare professionals, PAs are dedicated to expanding access to care and transforming health and wellness through patient-centered, team-based medical practice.

Home
Academics
Majors and Programs of Study
Physician Assistant, Master of Science

St. John’s University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences offers a graduate program leading to a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant (MSPA). This program is a rigorous course of study, combining didactic and laboratory-based academic instruction with clinical training. The first two didactic years integrate medical, behavioral, and social sciences to develop a comprehensive approach to patient care. The third year of the program is dedicated to clinical training, providing supervised, hands-on training by physicians and physician assistants at leading New York-area hospitals, medical centers, and private medical practices.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistant (NCCPA)-administered Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) exam.

Graduates will achieve the following:

Mastery of scientific and medical knowledge, as well as a rigorous clinical experience needed for a career in clinical care.
Effective problem solving and critical reasoning skills to foster the development of positive attitudes, values, and appropriate behavior.
Caring and competence needed to provide compassionate, effective health care to patients of all ages and ethnicities.
Knowledge of diagnosing illnesses and medications needed to treat those conditions.

Listed by Money Magazine as one of the “top 10 jobs in America,” Physician Assistants (PA’s) are in high demand. These health professionals are licensed to practice medicine under the supervision of a licensed physician. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the PA profession is expected to experience a 37% job growth rate in the next ten years.

The Physician Assistant program within the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is committed to a student-centered, inclusive pedagogical model that supports student success, personal and professional development. Our graduates are equipped with the tools to become leaders in their respective fields who work effectively in interprofessional collaborative environments.

Apply Now Request Information Graduate Tuition

Degree Type

Area of Interest

Nursing, Pharmacy & Health Sciences

Associated Colleges or Schools

College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Program Location

Queens Campus

Required Credit Hours

Program's Mission

Integrating Vincentian Tradition & Values

The St. John’s University Physician Assistant program utilizes a student-centered approach to provide learners with the necessary academic, clinical, professional, and interpersonal skills to function competently, confidently, compassionately, and efficiently as health care practitioners. Students are sensitized to the diversity of healthcare needs and the impact of socioeconomic factors on healthcare to promote non-discrimination and inspire graduates to provide high-quality, cost-effective, compassionate, and accessible care to underserved patients in urban communities.

Program’s History

St. John’s University is Catholic, Vincentian, Metropolitan and Global. It is committed to the pursuit of academic excellence, religious values, ethics, professionalism, and human experience.

Challenged by the belief that health care is a basic human right and driven by a similar mission, St. John’s University PA Program developed an educational program that would reach those most in need—“the poor, alienated and the aged.”

Conscious that culturally responsive healthcare is necessary to practice in diverse neighborhoods, we strive to provide exceptional educational opportunities to men and women of varied races and socioeconomic backgrounds so that our institution might continue its tradition of working as a partner with members of the local community. In this way, we will empower professionals to return to their own neighborhoods to promote preventive medicine and deliver affordable, high-quality primary care.

Committed to excellence in education, we will collaborate with institutions of higher learning. By combining institutional expertise, the clinical and academic arms of the healthcare profession might further unite to embrace and support those individuals seeking to become Physician Assistants.

Confident that we have the resources and the resolve, we seek to create an educational program where individuals might learn the art of healing and use their gifts to promote a vision of health care that encompasses not only the treatment of disease, but also the avoidance of illness through education and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. Thus, St. John’s PA program will continue its tradition of developing caring and committed healthcare professionals dedicated to the alleviation of suffering in our midst.

Program Admissions Requirements

The PA Program requires the following minimum requirements for eligibility for admissions:

Completed baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
Minimum overall GPA and cumulative math/science GPA of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0)
Completion within 5 years of the following pre-requisites:
General Biology with lab (2 semesters or 8 credits)
General Chemistry with lab (2 semesters or 8 credits)
Microbiology (no lab required) (1 semester)
Human Anatomy & Physiology with lab (2 semesters)
Organic Chemistry with labs (2 semesters)-program will consider a Biochemistry course as substitute for one Organic Chemistry course)
Behavioral Science courses (6 credits) (i.e., psychology, sociology)
Calculus (3 credits)- program will consider Statistics (3 credits) as a substitute
English composition course (1 semester)
TOEFL exam for those who attended college in a non-English-speaking country (min score 550-paper-based; 230-computer-based; or 88-internet-based)

To apply to St. John's University’s Physician Assistant program, you must fill out an application with CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistant Programs). Click here to apply.

Applicants must submit the appropriate documentation to be considered for admission including: official transcripts, three letters of recommendation from professionals (academic or occupational – one should be from a healthcare professional) and a personal statement (500 word minimum) describing why the applicant wishes to become a physician assistant.

A personal interview is required but not guaranteed. No advanced standing or credit for experiential learning will be considered. Relevant healthcare experience is strongly recommended.

The PA program does not give preference to any major nor provide preference to or favor any specified individuals or groups.

Please review this FAQ for questions related to Admissions processes.

Admissions FAQs

Admissions Contact

For admissions-related inquiries, please directly contact Graduate Admissions

Graduate Admissions

[email protected]

Program Goals and Success

Goal	Metrics/ Benchmark	Outcome	Target Met
Goal 1: Demonstrate competency in the biomedical sciences, knowledge of the profession, and foundational clinical knowledge.	90% of students will pass each course in the first didactic year (Class 2024)	96% of students passed each course in the first didactic year	Target Met
	90% of students will pass the Didactic Comprehensive exam (Class 2023)	98.4% of students passed the Didactic Comprehensive exam on the first attempt, 100% of students passed on the second attempt	Target Met
Goal 2: Illustrate and apply the ethical principles of a health care practitioner and demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.	90% of students will receive a final grade of B or better in PAE 101 Ethics & Professionalism (Class 2025)	96% of students received a final grade of B or better in PAE 101 Ethics & Professionalism	Target Met
	90% of students will pass the Summative Professionalism Evaluation (Class 2022)	100% of students passed the Summative Professionalism Evaluation	Target Met
	90% of students will pass PAE 206 HHPD in the second didactic year (Class 2024)	99% of students passed PAE 206 HHPD in the second didactic year	Target Met
	90% of students will pass the Elective Research Paper/Presentation on the first attempt (Class 2022)	100% of students passed the Elective Research Paper/Presentation on the first attempt	Target Met
Goal 3: Demonstrate competencies and integration of clinical skills.	80% of students will pass the Clinical Skills Practical Exam on the first attempt (Class 2022)	69.2% of students passed the Clinical Skills Practical Exam on the first attempt; 100% of students passed the Clinical Skills Practical Exam on subsequent attempt(s)	Target Not Met*
	90% of students will pass the Clinical Comprehensive exam (Class 2023)	30.6% of students passed the Clinical Comprehensive exam on the first attempt; subsequent attempt(s) to be scheduled	Target Not Met*
	75% of students will achieve an average score of 75% or greater for Board Review exams (Class 2022)	73.5% of students achieved an average score of 75% or greater for Board Review exams	Target Not Met*
	Graduate’s PANCE performance will be greater than or equal to national average (Class 2022)	The program’s PANCE performance was 100%, which was greater than the national average of 92%	Target Met
	90% of students will pass the Preceptor Evaluation for all Rotations (Class 2022)	100% of students passed the Preceptor Evaluation for all Rotations	Target Met

The most recent metric measure is included for each goal, spanning cohort classes of 2022-2025 (3-year program)

For those items noted *Target Not Met – Action plans have been developed and are being implemented to ensure improved target performance.

Program Contact

Danielle Kruger MS Ed., PA-C

Director and Associate Professor, Physician Assistant Program

[email protected]

718-990-8408

Program Contact

Sandra Beysolow, Ph.D., PA-C, DFAAPA

Associate Professor

Industry Professional

Physician Assistant Program

[email protected]

Bartilucci Center Queens

718-990-8404

Physician Assistant Program Faculty

All Faculty

Danielle Kruger MS Ed., PA-C

Director, Physician Assistant Program

Daniel Podd, CAPT., USAF NY-ANG, MPAS, PA-C ’05P

Physician Assistant Program

Alyssa Quinlan, PA-C, DFAAPA

Associate Clinical Professor

Stacey Singer Leshinsky MS Ed, PA-C

Physician Assistant Program

Sandra Beysolow, Ph.D., PA-C, DFAAPA

Physician Assistant Program

Corinne I. Alois, M.S., PA-C ’96P

Physician Assistant Program

Pamela Gregory- Fernandez, MS, PA-C, GEA, DFAAPA

Associate Professor Industry

Louise Lee, Ed.D., M.H.A., PA-C

Associate Professor-Industry Professional

Department

Clinical Health Professions

Program Required Curricular Components

To earn their Master of Science Degree in Physician Assistant, students complete 84 credits, including didactic and clinical requirements as outlined below.

Fall Semester

Course No.	Title	Credits
PAS 102	Statistics for Medical Practice	3
PHM 104	Pharmacology for the Physician Assistant I	3
PHS 104	Advanced Anatomy & Physiology I	3
PAE 101	Intro to the PA Profession and Ethics	3
PAS 103	Clinical Epidemiology	3
Total		15

Spring Semester

Course No.	Title	Credits
PHS 107	Organ Pathophysiology	3
PHM 105	Pharmacology for the Physician Assistant II	3
PHS 105	Advanced Anatomy & Physiology II	3
PAE 102	Current Topics in PA Practice	0
PAS 284	Comparative Effectiveness of Medical Treatment, Health & Evidence Based Medicine	3
Total		12

Fall Semester

Course No.	Title	Credits
PAE 201	Clinical Medicine 1	4
PAE 202	Clinical Medicine 2	4
PAE 206	Comprehensive Health History & Physical Diagnosis	2
PAE 207	Medical Diagnostics	2
Total		12

Spring Semester

Course No.	Title	Credits
PAE 203	Clinical Medicine 3	4
PAE 204	Clinical Medicine 4	4
PAE 205	Clinical Medicine 5	4
PAE 208	Emergency Medicine	3
Total		15

Summer Semester

	Title	Credits
PAE 301	Clinical Rotation – Internal Medicine	3
PAE 302	Clinical Rotation – Primary Care I	3

Total: 6 credits

Fall Semester

	Title	Credits
PAE 303	Clinical Rotation – Primary Care 2	3
PAE 304	Clinical Rotation – General Surgery	3
PAE 305	Clinical Rotation – Emergency Medicine	3
PAE 306	Clinical Rotation – Women’s Health	3

Total: 12 credits

	Title	Credits
PAE 307	Clinical Rotation – Long Term Care/Geriatrics	3
PAE 308	Clinical Rotation – Orthopedics	3
PAE 309	Clinical Rotation – Pediatrics	3
PAE 3010	Clinical Rotation – Elective	3

Total: 12 credits

Notes

*PAE 311 Senior Competencies (0 credit) is a seminar and assessment course that runs throughout the clinical year.

*The sequence of rotations will vary based on availability. Each rotation consists of 5-weeks of clinical experience. See course descriptions for PAE 300 courses.

*A complete overview of this program and others can be obtained from the online bulletin.

Student Support Services

St. John’s University supports the physician assistant program in developing and offering a wide range of programs and opportunities that provide students with academic and other support services:

These include:

Individualized physician assistant peer-mentorship opportunities
Peer physician assistant tutoring services
Academic advisement and coaching by physician assistant faculty members
The Inclusivity Resource Centers (IRC) provide brave, inclusive, and affirming space for students and guests.
Student organizations and affinity groups that embrace diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)
Center for Counseling and Consultation is dedicated to helping students with a whole range of challenges that may interfere with the ability to live well, relate to others, and succeed academically.
Other student services and programs.

Clinical Site Agreement Contact

St. John’s has established clinical site agreements that include a variety of practice settings, including medical centers, hospital systems, private practices, and many more. Sites are located throughout metropolitan New York and Long Island.

For more information on how to become an affiliate or preceptor of our MSPA program or to share job-related physician assistant opportunities for our graduates, please directly contact:

Daniel Podd, CAPT., USAF NY-ANG, MPAS, PA-C

Clinical Coordinator and Associate Professor, Physician Assistant Program

[email protected]

718.990.8413

Program Competencies for Physician Assistant Entry-Level Practice

The Competencies for the Physician Assistant (PA) Profession define the specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes that PAs in all clinical specialties and settings in the United States should be able to demonstrate throughout their careers. While some competencies are acquired during the PA education program, others are developed and mastered as PAs progress through their careers. The program’s competencies are adopted from the position paper “Competencies for the Physician Assistant Profession” approved by the four organizations for the PA profession: NCCPA, ARC-PA, PAEA, and AAPA and PAEA’s 2018 publication “Core Competencies for New Physician Assistant Graduates.”

Visit AAPA.org
Visit PAEAonline.org

Additional Information

In addition to academic achievements, exam results, and recommendations, physician assistant students must possess the physical, emotional, and behavioral capabilities requisite for the practice of medicine as a PA.

Physician Assistants must have the knowledge and skill to practice in a variety of clinical situations and to render a wide spectrum of care based on the patient’s needs. To successfully complete the PA clinical training program students must demonstrate proficiency in their academic and clinical education with regard to the technical standards:

Observation

PA students must have sufficient sensory capacity to observe in the lecture hall, the laboratory, the outpatient setting, and at the patient’s bedside. Sensory skills adequate to perform a physical examination are required. This includes functional vision, hearing, smell, and tactile sensation.

Communication

Students must be able to:

communicate with patients and others in both academic and healthcare settings
display effective writing, reading and verbal skills
perceive and describe changes in mood, activity, and posture
interpret non-verbal communication signals

Motor

Students should have sufficient motor function to:

diagnose patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other diagnostic maneuvers
execute movements with reasonable dexterity in order to provide general care and emergency care to patients, including but not limited to:
- cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- administration of intravenous medication
- application of pressure to stop hemorrhage
- opening of obstructed airways
- suturing of simple wounds
- performance of simple obstetrical maneuvers
- negotiate patient care environments and must be able to move between settings, such as clinic, classroom building, and hospital
- maintain sufficient physical stamina to complete the rigorous course of didactic and clinical study. Long periods of sitting, standing, or moving are required in classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings.

Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities

Students must be able to:

measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize problem-solving skills
interpret three dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of anatomy structures
critically read and interpret medical literature

In order to complete the Physician Assistant Program, candidates must be able to demonstrate mastery of these skills and the ability to use them together in a timely fashion in medical problem-solving and patient care.

Behavioral and Social Attributes

Student must:

possess the emotional health required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, and the completion of all academic and patient care responsibilities
develop mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients, faculty and other members of the healthcare team
function in the face of uncertainties inherent in clinical practice and adapt to changing environments

A student must demonstrate the above competencies with or without reasonable accommodation. Whether or not a requested accommodation is reasonable will be determined on an individual basis.

At its 2023 March meeting, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) placed the St. John's University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by St. John's University on Accreditation-Probation status until its next review in 2025 March.

Probation accreditation is a temporary accreditation status initially of not less than two years. However, that period may be extended by the ARC-PA for up to an additional two years if the ARC-PA finds that the program is making substantial progress toward meeting all applicable standards but requires additional time to come into full compliance. Probation accreditation status is granted, at the sole discretion of the ARC-PA, when a program holding an accreditation status of Accreditation - Provisional or Accreditation - Continued does not, in the judgment of the ARC-PA, meet the Standards or when the capability of the program to provide an acceptable educational experience for its students is threatened.

Once placed on probation, a program that fails to comply with accreditation requirements in a timely manner, as specified by the ARC-PA, may be scheduled for a focused site visit and is subject to having its accreditation withdrawn.

Specific questions regarding the Program and its plans should be directed to the Program Director and/or the appropriate institutional official(s).

The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at https://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-st-johns-university/

Class	Class Graduation Year	Number of First Time Takers	First Time Taker Pass Rate	National First Time Taker Pass Rate for the Class Graduation Year	% of Candidates Who Ultimately Passed PANCE
2018	2018	61	97%	98%	100%
2019	2019	58	83%	93%	98%
2020	2020	60	84%	95%	90%
2021	2021	70 (last undergrad. Cohort)	73%	93%	84%
2022	2022 (1st Masters Cohort)	64	100%	92%	92%

Download the full report (PDF)

Graduated Classes

	Class of 2021 (UG)	Class of 2022	Class of 2023
Maximum entering class size (as approved by ARC-PA)	75	75	75
Entering class size	75 + 3 (decelerated)	75	75
Graduates	71	64	62
*Attrition rate	8%	15%	17.33%
**Graduation rate	92%	85%	82.66%

*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.

Students that have decelerated and begun with a different cohort are listed.

Students enrolled in the Master of Science Degree Program in Physician Assistant benefit from outstanding academic, technological, and professional resources.

St. Albert Hall features recently renovated ultramodern science labs. In addition, Physician Assistant students gain hands-on experience at nearly 40 affiliated hospitals, clinics, and private practices throughout metropolitan New York.

The Dr. Andrew J. Bartilucci Center is available to all College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences students and faculty. More than 700 books are available on topics ranging from accreditation standards to world health, anatomy to pharmaceutics. Led by renowned experts, educational programs focus on contemporary healthcare issues. In addition, the Center provides outstanding placement opportunities, symposiums, and seminars.

Students also gain an academic and professional edge by joining SAAAPA (Student Association of the American Academy of Physician Assistants). One of more than 180 student clubs and organizations at St. John's, the group holds meetings on issues such as fundraising events, job opportunities, and service-learning events. Each class elects its SAAAPA class representatives.

Of course, Physician Assistant students also benefit from the outstanding resources all St. John's students enjoy. Campus facilities include high-tech classrooms, laboratories, and our 1.7 million-volume Library. Our new D'Angelo Center is a five-story, 127,000-square-foot University and Student Center with classrooms, lecture halls, a Starbucks café, and a full-service food court.

Program policies apply to all students, principal faculty, and the program director regardless of location (Standard A3.02). Students can find program policies documented in their Didactic and Clinical Year Guidelines distributed at orientation.

Students are not required to provide or solicit clinical sites or preceptors. (Standard A3.03).

Students are not permitted to work for the program (outside of peer tutoring/graduate assistantship through the College's Academic Success Center). (Standard A3.04).

Working while enrolled in the PA Program, even part-time, is strongly discouraged due to the challenging nature of the curriculum.

Professional licensure and certification requirements often vary from state to state. St. John’s University has not determined requirements for individual states beyond New York. If you reside or plan to reside outside New York, you are strongly encouraged to contact the appropriate state licensing agency in that state to seek information and guidance before beginning the program.

St. John’s PA Program

Estimated Cost of Attendance

Why St. John's

Faculty and Students around anatomage table

State-of-the-art technology

State-of-the-art technology incorporated into the curriculum, including a Simulation Lab, Anatomage (c) Virtual Dissection Table for anatomy and other courses, and smart classrooms.

Diversity

One of the most culturally and religiously diverse universities in the nation.

Pharmacists filling needle with vaccine from vile

Experience

Abundant outstanding clinical experiences throughout the NY metro and Long Island areas

Admissions FAQs

How do I apply to the St. John’s University PA program?

How do I submit my application to the St. John’s University PA program?

To apply to the Physician Assistant program at St. John’s University, you must fill out an application with CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistant Programs). Click here to apply.

Applications sent directly to the College or PA program are not accepted.

You must submit the appropriate documentation to be considered for admission:

official transcripts
three letters of recommendation from professionals (academic or occupational, and one must be from a health-care professional)
personal statement (500-word minimum) describing why you want to become a physician assistant.

A personal interview is required but not guaranteed. No advanced standing or credit for experiential learning will be considered. Relevant health-care experience is strongly recommended. The PA program does not give preference to any major or favor any specified individuals or groups.

Do I need to fill out a supplemental application?

Yes, a link to access your St. John’s University portal will be emailed to you. The supplemental application includes supplemental questions and a supplemental application fee. Once CASPA has verified your application, you will receive an email with next steps. Please note that even if your application for the PA program is verified on CASPA, the application is not complete until the supplemental application and supplemental fee are submitted through the St. John’s University portal.

Do I need to pay an application fee to CASPA?

Yes, the CASPA application fee is paid to CASPA. CASPA fees are dependent on the number of programs you submit. For more information regarding CASPA fees, please visit the CASPA website.

Are there any other fees required before my application can be reviewed?

Yes. The St. John’s PA program requires a supplemental application fee to be submitted. The fee for the supplemental application is $100 and may be subject to change. Applications will not be reviewed if the supplemental application is not filled out or if the supplemental fee is not paid.

What are the admission criteria for the St. John’s University PA program?

Which prerequisites do I need to enter the St. John’s University PA program?

To view the admission criteria and minimum prerequisite course requirements for our PA program, please visit our webpage.

Program Admission Requirements

The PA program requires the following minimum requirements for eligibility for admission:

Completed baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
Minimum overall grade point average (GPA) and cumulative mathematics/science GPA of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0)
Completion within five years of the following prerequisites:
General Biology with lab (two semesters or eight credits)
General Chemistry with lab (two semesters or eight credits)
Microbiology (no lab required) (one semester or three credits)
Human Anatomy and Physiology with lab (two semesters or eight credits)
Organic Chemistry with labs (two semesters)- OR Organic Chemistry with lab (one semester) + Biochemistry (with or without lab) as substitute for one Organic Chemistry course
Behavioral Science courses (six credits) (i.e., psychology, sociology, anthropology)
Calculus (one semester or three credits) or Statistics (one semester or three credits)
English composition course (one semester)

Is there a specific time frame in which prerequisite courses must be completed?

Prerequisites must be completed within the past five years, unless prerequisite coursework is a component of a current degree completed within five years. As such, no prerequisite should be more than nine years old.

I have prerequisites that would be completed in the fall semester after the deadline. Can I still apply?

Yes, applicants with outstanding admissions requirements are eligible to apply. All courses in progress at time of application must be listed as in progress or planned in CASPA’s original application.

I will graduate in the spring semester. Can I apply?

Applicants whose baccalaureate degree will be conferred prior to matriculation are eligible to apply. Proof of degree conferral is required to register for classes. All classes must be completed before the start of the fall term. Summer courses in progress will be considered if a transcript is provided through CASPA that indicates coursework is in progress or planned and will be completed by the start term.

I will graduate in the summer. Can I apply?

Applicants whose degree conferral will not occur prior to the fall entry matriculation are not eligible to apply until degree conferral. All classes must be completed prior to the start of the term. Summer courses in progress will be considered if a transcript is provided through CASPA that indicates coursework is in progress and will be completed by the start term. In some instances, students with summer classes in progress might be eligible for application in the fall after degree conferral (i.e., the next application cycle).

Do you offer Advanced Standing and/or accept transfer students?

The PA program does not offer Advanced Standing or accept transfer credits from courses in other PA programs. However, the PA program does accept transfer students. All students admitted to the PA program must take all courses within their cohort. All curricular components are required for graduation and must be completed at the St. John’s University PA program.

My grade point average (GPA) is below 3.0. What should I do?

An overall GPA of 3.0 and a minimum mathematics and science GPA of 3.0 is required for admission to the program. We will not consider your application if your GPA does not meet the minimum requirements.

English is not my first language. What should I do?

International students must earn satisfactory TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo exam scores and supply official scores directly to the Office of Graduate Admission. The school’s official testing code is 2799.

Applicants from the following countries do not need to submit an English Language test score.

Is the GRE, MCAT, or PA-CAT (Physician Assistant College Admission Test) required?

No, the PA program does not require the GRE, MCAT, or PA-CAT for application to our program.

Do you accept animal, comparative, or mammalian anatomy and physiology?

No, human anatomy and physiology with lab (two semesters) is required.

Do you accept separate anatomy and physiology courses? My school offered one semester of anatomy and one semester of physiology.

Yes, we do accept one semester of anatomy with a lab and one semester of physiology (with or without a lab) to fulfill the prerequisite requirements.

Do you accept online courses, including lab experiences?

We currently accept online courses and online lab experiences from regionally accredited institutions. However, we strongly encourage face-to-face lab experiences in preparation for our PA curriculum.

Can I use a single course to satisfy multiple prerequisite requirements?

No, a single course may not be used to satisfy multiple prerequisite requirements.

Do you accept Advanced Placement® (AP) credit?

We do accept Advanced Placement® credit.

PREREQUISITE SUBSTITUTIONS:

I took a higher-level biology course. Can this satisfy the general prerequisite?

The program will consider higher-level courses to satisfy general science prerequisite courses.

Do you accept CLEP (College-Level Examination Program®) credit?

The program does not consider CLEP credit to fulfill prerequisite courses.

Can I substitute precalculus, algebra, or trigonometry for calculus or statistics?

No, calculus or statistics is required.

Do I need a bachelor’s degree to be eligible for admissions?

Yes, a bachelor’s degree is required for entry into this program. A bachelor’s degree of any discipline is acceptable with the program required prerequisites.

I have an associate degree. Can I still apply?

No, a bachelor’s degree of any discipline is required, along with other with program-required prerequisites.

What is considered “relevant” health-care experience?

The following volunteer or paid employment experiences will be considered: scribe, paramedic/EMT, dietician/nutritionist, athletic trainer, MA, nurse, occupational therapist, respiratory therapist, EKG tech, ER tech, Ophthalmology tech, Radiology tech, physician, psychologists/therapists, LCSW, Physical Therapy Aide, chiropractor, dental assistant, and pharmacy technician.

Do you have part-time status?

The program does not allow part-time status for students.

What happens to my application once St. John’s University receives it?

Once your application is verified, the St. John’s University Office of Graduate Admission will send you a welcome message to activate your portal and to complete your supplemental application to the program. The fee for the supplemental application is posted on the welcome message as well.

How do I create an account?

You can activate your account using the credentials sent to you via email. Access to this account allows you to view interview invitations, an interview schedule, and confirmation of the interview. The portal is also where you are notified of the admission decision and the status of your application.

How do I receive information about the status of my application?

To review the status of your application, please sign into your portal for an update on your admission decision. Any additional inquiries related to application status can be sent via email to [email protected].

Will my GPA be recalculated by the program once my application is submitted/reviewed?

Only accepted students who have courses in progress and/or a degree pending at the time of acceptance will have their GPA recalculated to confirm it meets the minimum requirements. The GPA will be recalculated after confirmation of seat deposit, completion of coursework, and receipt of final transcript.

How long will it take for me to get a response after my application is submitted?

Admission to the St. John’s University PA program is competitive. Each application cycle, the program receives more than 2,000 applications. The program has a seat capacity of 75 students per cohort. Response times may vary per application cycle.

The annual application cycle opens in May and interviews begin during the summer. Applicants are notified of an interview invitation through the portal. The annual application window closes in October.

Any inquiries related to application status can be accessed by email at [email protected].

Am I eligible to reapply to the program if I meet all program admission criteria and am not invited for an interview?

Applicants can reapply to the program in upcoming cycles. The seats in the PA program are limited. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a seat in the PA program.

How do I submit updates to courses in progress?

Where should I send an official, updated transcript?

Can I submit additional work experience/direct patient contact hours after my application is submitted?

Applicants cannot upload/update coursework or any other documents in CASPA once their application has been verified. Any updates provided to CASPA after the initial application submission will not be sent to the program following verification.

Applicants must send official, sealed transcripts for any coursework or degree in progress at the time of CASPA e‐submission and/or submit updates to work/direct patient contact hours through their portal account. Applicants can be assisted by St. John’s University Graduate Admissions by emailing [email protected].

How will I be notified whether I am invited to be interviewed?

Applicants will be sent a notification for an invitation for an interview through their portal account. They will receive the same notification directly to the email address used to create the portal account. Please ensure this email address is updated and correct. The applicant has the option to select an interview time and date from the program interview schedule availability. If the dates and times posted do not align with the candidates’ schedule, alternate interview dates and times may be available at [email protected].

Am I guaranteed an interview if I meet the minimum requirements?

What happens if I do not receive an interview invitation?

No, you are not guaranteed an interview if you meet the minimum requirements. Your chance of being invited to interview increases depending on how competitive your application is in comparison to the applicant pool that year. Admission to the St. John’s University PA program is competitive. Each application cycle, the program receives more than 2,000 applications. The program has a seat capacity of 75 students per cohort. Response times may vary per application cycle. You may email [email protected] to receive updates on the status of your application.

Am I guaranteed a seat in the program if I meet all admission criteria and complete an interview?

No, you are not guaranteed a seat if you meet the minimum requirements and complete an interview. Admission to the St. John’s University PA program is competitive. Each application cycle, the program receives more than 2,000 applications. The program has a seat capacity of 75 students per cohort. Acceptance to the program is dependent on the competitiveness of your application in comparison to the applicant pool that year.

All applicants who apply to the St. John’s University PA program will be notified of the admission committee’s decision by May 1. Candidates confirm their place in the class by submitting a $1,500 nonrefundable deposit over the phone by calling 718-990-2000. This deposit is ultimately applied to the first semester of tuition. (Amounts are subject to change.)

If I am accepted into St. John’s University’s PA program, can I defer?

No. The St. John’s University PA program does not allow accepted students to defer their admission seat.

What is required if I receive an admission decision with contingencies?

Proof of completion and meeting all prerequisites and admission requirements is required for entry into the cohort. All accepted applicants must submit updated official transcripts, test scores, etc. through the portal or to [email protected] to register for classes.

I accepted a seat on the waitlist. When can I get a status update?

Candidates who accept a seat on the waitlist may get limited status updates. Candidates on the waitlist may be offered seats until the first week of classes. All status updates may be obtained at [email protected].

Can I meet with a PA program faculty member to discuss why I wasn’t accepted into the program?

Can I meet with a PA program faculty member to review my application and transcripts?

Due to the volume of applications received, there is no opportunity to meet with a faculty member to discuss applications, transcripts, admission requirements, or admission decisions.

Where can I get information on how best to improve or enhance my application to the program?

The program offers Informational Sessions and Graduate Open House sessions which are purposed to offer prospective applicants the opportunity to learn more about the program admission requirements and have their admission-related questions answered. Informational and open house session dates and times will be posted on the University webpage. You may also contact the Office of Graduate Admission at [email protected] for updates regarding upcoming sessions.

What degree is awarded upon completion of the St. John’s University PA program?

Students who complete all requirements of the program will earn a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant (MSPA). Completion of the program and conferral of the MSPA degree is required to be eligible for the PA board certification examination administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

Are classes face-to-face, remote/online, or both?

The PA program curriculum is delivered face-to-face. There are no online courses in the curriculum.

Are students/applicants responsible for securing their own clinical rotations?

Students are not required to provide or solicit clinical sites or preceptors. The PA program Clinical Coordinator is solely responsible for choosing, scheduling, and coordinating all clinical student site rotation schedules, including monitoring and evaluation of clinical sites. Students are scheduled for clinical rotation sites based on availability. There are no guarantees clinical rotation sites will be close to where a student lives.

Interested in Nursing, Pharmacy & Health Sciences, but not sure if Physician Assistant, Master of Science is right for you?

Explore opportunities at St. John's with our pathway generator.

Discover more in Nursing, Pharmacy & Health Sciences

Physician Assistant, Master of Science

Program's Mission

Integrating Vincentian Tradition & Values

Program’s History

Program Admissions Requirements

Please review this FAQ for questions related to Admissions processes.

Admissions Contact

Graduate Admissions

Program Goals and Success

Program Contact

Danielle Kruger MS Ed., PA-C

Program Contact

Physician Assistant Program Faculty

Department

Program Required Curricular Components

Student Support Services

Clinical Site Agreement Contact

Daniel Podd, CAPT., USAF NY-ANG, MPAS, PA-C

Program Competencies for Physician Assistant Entry-Level Practice

Additional Information

Observation

Communication

Motor

Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities

Behavioral and Social Attributes

Graduated Classes

St. John’s PA Program

Why St. John's

State-of-the-art technology

Diversity

Experience

Admissions FAQs

PREREQUISITE SUBSTITUTIONS:

Interested in Nursing, Pharmacy & Health Sciences, but not sure if Physician Assistant, Master of Science is right for you?

Related Programs

Take the Next Step

Explore Affordability

Apply to St. John's