SJU PA Program: 5 Critical Facts Applicants MUST Know About The New Accreditation Status
Prospective students considering the Saint Joseph's University (SJU) Physician Assistant (PA) Program in Philadelphia, PA, need to be aware of the most recent and critical program updates as of December 24, 2025. The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) at SJU, a rigorous 24-month professional program, has recently undergone a significant change in its accreditation status that directly impacts future cohorts and the program's standing in the national PA education landscape. This article provides a deep dive into the program's structure, admissions requirements, and the essential, up-to-the-minute details surrounding its accreditation and student outcomes.
The SJU PA Program, formerly sponsored by the University of the Sciences, is now operating under the full umbrella of Saint Joseph's University. While the curriculum remains focused on preparing PAs for equitable and person-centered care, particularly in primary family medicine, applicants must scrutinize the latest data. The following sections detail the program's structure and the five most crucial facts applicants need to understand about the current accreditation and performance metrics.
Saint Joseph's University PA Program: Essential Biography & Profile
The Saint Joseph’s University Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) is a highly competitive, full-time graduate-level degree program designed to train future Physician Assistants. It is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a hub for medical education and clinical experience.
- Official Program Name: Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS)
- Institution: Saint Joseph’s University (SJU)
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Program Duration: 24 Continuous Months
- Program Start: Typically in the Summer semester.
- Application Service: Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA)
- Program Mission: To educate future Physician Assistants with a foundation in equitable, person-centered care, with a focus on primary family medicine.
- Former Affiliation/Sponsorship: University of the Sciences (change in sponsorship noted in accreditation history).
- Learning Technology Highlight: Utilizes advanced technology such as the Touch of Life Technologies VH Dissector platform for Human Gross Anatomy instruction.
- Key Faculty Entity: Naveed Ahmed, MD, MPAS, DMSc, PA-C (Clinical Assistant Professor).
The 5 Critical Facts About SJU PA Program's Current Status
The most important factor for any PA program applicant is the status granted by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA). This status is a benchmark of quality and a requirement for graduates to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). The information below is the latest update regarding the SJU program.
1. The Program is Currently on ARC-PA Probation Status
This is the most significant and recent change for the program. At its March 2025 meeting, the ARC-PA placed the Saint Joseph’s University PA Program on Probation status. This status is granted when a program does not comply with the ARC-PA Standards, either because of a lack of evidence of compliance or because the program has failed to correct deficiencies. The program’s next review by the ARC-PA is scheduled for March 2027. Applicants must understand that while a program on Probation remains accredited, the status signals serious concerns that the institution must address swiftly. The university is expected to provide full support to the program to ensure compliance with ARC-PA Standards.
2. PANCE First-Time Pass Rate Fell Below the National Standard
A major contributing factor to the adverse accreditation action is the program’s performance on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). The official accreditation history indicates that the program's PANCE pass rate percentage was 85% or less for its 2023 cohort. The national average PANCE first-time pass rate is typically around 93-95%. A rate below 85% is a significant red flag for prospective students, as PANCE certification is required to practice as a Physician Assistant (PA-C).
3. High Academic Standards Despite Accreditation Concerns
Despite the current accreditation status, the SJU PA Program maintains rigorous academic admission standards, indicating a strong commitment to enrolling high-quality students. To be considered for admission through CASPA, applicants must meet the following minimum thresholds:
- Minimum 3.20 overall GPA (Grade Point Average)
- Minimum 3.20 overall prerequisite GPA
- Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution.
- A minimum of 350 hours of documented direct patient contact experience.
- Three required letters of reference, including one from an Employee/Supervisor and one from an Academic Reference (e.g., Professor).
4. The Program Structure is a Traditional, Intensive 24-Month Model
The SJU MSPAS is an intensive, 24-month curriculum broken into didactic and clinical phases. The program’s design is a traditional and highly structured approach to medical education. The clinical phase is particularly robust, totaling 45 weeks and encompassing nine distinct rotations.
Core Clinical Rotations (45 Weeks)
- Family Medicine (2 consecutive rotations)
- Internal Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Women's Health
- General Surgery
- Behavioral Medicine
- Two Elective Rotations (allowing for specialization in areas of interest).
The program aims to provide students with a broad range of medical services exposure, preparing them for the generalist nature of the Physician Assistant profession. The use of modern tools like the VH Dissector ensures students receive cutting-edge anatomical instruction.
5. Total Program Tuition Exceeds $110,000 for 2024-2025
The financial investment required to attend the SJU PA Program is substantial, aligning with the costs of many private PA programs. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the tuition and fees are structured as follows:
- Tuition Year 1: $55,157
- Tuition Year 2: $55,157
- Estimated Total Program Tuition: Approximately $110,314 (excluding fees, books, and living expenses).
Given the high cost, the recent accreditation status and lower PANCE performance make the decision to apply more complex. Prospective students should carefully weigh the financial commitment against the current risk factors associated with the program's compliance with ARC-PA Standards.
Conclusion: Navigating the Application Decision
The Saint Joseph’s University PA Program offers a high-quality curriculum in a major metropolitan area, focusing on essential primary care and utilizing advanced technology. However, the recent March 2025 ARC-PA Probation status and the below-average PANCE pass rate for the 2023 cohort are critical, non-negotiable facts that every applicant must consider. This sensitive information is essential for a complete understanding of the program’s current standing. Future applicants should monitor the program’s official website and the ARC-PA status updates closely to see evidence of corrective action and improved student outcomes before committing to this significant two-year investment in their Physician Assistant career.
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