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St. John's University PA Program 2025: The Crucial Accreditation Status & 7 Things You MUST Know Before Applying

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Prospective Physician Assistant students considering St. John's University's PA Program (Master of Science in Physician Assistant) should be aware of the most current and critical program updates as of December 24, 2025. This rigorous, student-centered program, offered through the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (CPHS), is a highly competitive path to a rewarding career, but recent developments, particularly concerning its accreditation status, require careful consideration by all applicants. The program is committed to academic excellence and preparing PAs for compassionate, accessible care, especially within underserved urban communities, but applicants must weigh the program's mission against its current standing.

The most significant piece of information for any applicant is the program's accreditation status. The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) placed the St. John's University Physician Assistant program on Accreditation–Probation status until its next review in March 2025. This status is a critical factor that requires deep investigation by prospective students, as it signals a need for improvement in specific areas of the program's operations or outcomes.

The Critical 2025 Accreditation and PANCE Pass Rate Update

Understanding the accreditation status is paramount for any applicant, as it directly impacts your ability to obtain a license and practice as a Physician Assistant.

Accreditation–Probation Status Explained

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) is the body responsible for accrediting PA programs across the United States. In September 2022, the St. John's PA program was placed on Accreditation–Probation. This status is not a loss of accreditation, but it indicates that the program does not meet the standards or that the program's ability to meet the standards is threatened.

The primary reason cited for the probation status was that the program's PANCE pass rate percentage was 85% or less for its 2021 cohort. The program is required to submit a report to the ARC-PA for review at the March 2025 commission meeting. While the program remains accredited and students who successfully graduate are still eligible to take the PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination) and obtain licensure, a probation status warrants a thorough review by applicants.

PANCE Performance and Program History

Despite the recent probation, the program has shown historical strength in its national board performance. The five-year first-time taker average PANCE pass rate for the program is 87%. This figure is a rolling average and demonstrates a general competitiveness. The program's PANCE pass rates had significantly improved since 2015, meeting national rates within a 2% range until 2019. The program's commitment to continuous improvement is evident in its efforts to address the challenges that led to the probation status, including a focus on student outcomes and co-curriculum adjustments.

7 Essential Program Details for Prospective Students

Beyond the accreditation status, there are several key structural and financial details that every applicant must know before submitting their application to the St. John's University MSPA Program.

  1. Program Length and Structure: The St. John's PA program is a full-time, rigorous course of study spanning 30 months. The curriculum is divided into a didactic phase, which focuses on academic and laboratory-based instruction, and a clinical year, which involves hands-on training. The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is the academic home for the program.
  2. Estimated Tuition and Costs: The total estimated tuition fee for the 30-month program is approximately $141,960. This significant financial commitment requires careful planning, and prospective students should also factor in additional costs, such as fees, books, and living expenses in the New York City area.
  3. Incoming Class Size: The estimated incoming class size for the St. John's PA program is around 75 students. This class size allows for a student-centered approach, which the program emphasizes in its mission to provide learners with the necessary academic, clinical, and professional development.
  4. Minimum GPA Requirements: To be eligible for admission, applicants must have a completed baccalaureate degree and meet specific GPA benchmarks. The minimum requirements are an Overall GPA of 3.00 and a Science GPA of 3.00. Furthermore, applicants must have a minimum grade of 'C' in all prerequisite courses.
  5. Required Healthcare Experience (HCE): While the official program requirements state that relevant healthcare experience is strongly recommended, the competitive nature of PA school admissions suggests a higher benchmark. External admissions resources indicate that the strongest preference is given to applicants who have approximately 2,000 hours of hands-on patient care experience prior to applying. This experience is crucial for demonstrating a deep understanding of the healthcare system and the PA role.
  6. Prerequisite Coursework: While the exact course list should be verified on the official St. John's Graduate Bulletin, the program requires a strong foundation in the sciences. Typical core prerequisites include:
    • Anatomy and Physiology (A&P I & II with lab)
    • General Chemistry (I & II with lab)
    • Organic Chemistry
    • Microbiology
    • Biology/General Biology
    • Statistics/Biostatistics
  7. Letters of Recommendation: Applicants are required to submit a minimum of 3 reference letters. A key requirement is that one of these letters must come from another healthcare provider, which is essential for evaluating the applicant's professional maturity and potential in a clinical setting.

The Clinical Year Experience and Program Mission

The clinical year is the capstone of the MSPA degree, transitioning students from classroom learning to direct patient care. The St. John's program is strategically located on its Queens campus, offering access to a vast network of clinical affiliations across the New York metropolitan area.

Rigorous Clinical Rotations

The clinical phase of the program is structured around a series of 5-week rotations. These rotations are designed to expose students to a broad range of medical specialties, ensuring a well-rounded and comprehensive clinical education. While specific sites can vary, the core clinical rotation specialties typically include:

  • Internal Medicine
  • Pediatrics
  • Surgery
  • OB-GYN (Obstetrics and Gynecology)
  • Family Medicine
  • Psychiatry
  • Emergency Medicine

The program utilizes a system to match students to available rotation sites, facilitating the transition from the didactic phase to the clinical year.

A Mission for Urban Underserved Communities

The St. John's University PA Program mission is deeply rooted in the Vincentian values of the University, emphasizing service and academic excellence. The program explicitly focuses on preparing PAs to provide compassionate, accessible care for underserved urban communities. This philosophy shapes the co-curriculum, which aims to produce graduates who are not only clinically competent but also professionally and ethically prepared to serve diverse populations.

Recent faculty updates, such as the hiring of a superb addition to the faculty "family," Alyssa Quinlan, PA-C, further demonstrate the program’s commitment to strengthening its educational team and student support. For applicants passionate about public health, health equity, and working in a major metropolitan area like New York, the St. John's PA program offers a unique and mission-driven educational environment.

In conclusion, the St. John's University PA Program remains a competitive option for students seeking a Master of Science in Physician Assistant. While the Accreditation–Probation status until March 2025 is a serious factor to investigate, the program's strong five-year PANCE average, rigorous 30-month curriculum, and commitment to serving underserved urban communities make it a distinctive choice. Prospective students must ensure they meet the minimum 3.0 GPA and aim for competitive healthcare experience hours to maximize their chances of admission.

St. John's University PA Program 2025: The Crucial Accreditation Status & 7 Things You MUST Know Before Applying
st john's university pa program
st john's university pa program

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