Physician Assistant, Master of Science

1.1 Demonstrate acquisition of a science and math knowledge based.

1.2 Demonstrate a core knowledge of biomedical and clinical sciences and the application of this knowledge to patient care and demonstrate an investigatory and analytical approach to clinical situation.

1.3 Explain the PA profession including history, definition, scope of practice, laws, and its place in the health care system.

1.4 Demonstrate patient care across the life span, to include an understanding of human anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, patient presentation, patient management, surgical principles, and health promotion and disease prevention and be able to explain the pathology of disease, the essential nature, the causes, and the development of abnormal conditions

2.1 Demonstrate a knowledge of professional responsibility

2.2 Explain the attributes of respect for self and others and the concepts of privilege, confidentiality, and informed patient consent

2.3 Demonstrate a commitment to patient welfare

2.4 Communicate and exchange information within a meaningful context and with appropriate delivery encompassing verbal, non-verbal and cohesive, written exchange of information, using appropriate medical terminology and anatomical landmarks in an organized, and grammatically

2.5 Demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that result in effective information exchange with patients, families, physicians, professional associates, and the health care system

3.1 Perform age-appropriate patient assessment, evaluation, and management

3.2 Demonstrate health care that is effective, patient centered, timely, efficient, and equitable for the treatment of health problems and the promotion of wellness

3.3 Demonstrate professionalism through a high level of responsibility, ethical practice, sensitivity to a diverse patient population, and adherence to legal and regulatory requirements

3.4 Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with other health care professionals and administrative personnel

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.

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the St. John's University Physician Assistant Program. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards. 

Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The date for the next validation review of the program by ARC-PA will be March 2023. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy.

Download the full report (PDF)

Graduated Classes

*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 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 the this is going to change as we transition to Master’s degree-this association is for the undergraduate program BUT we will likely continue its existence with the MSPA program but call it the SAAAPA (Student Association of the American Academy of Physician Assistants) so you can call it this here. 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.