About the program
The Arcadia University PA program is described in PAEA's published program data; full curriculum details, faculty, and admissions cycle specifics are maintained on the program's own website.
From the program's mission statement: "Our Physician Assistant Programs are committed to fostering resilience in an increasingly complex and interrelated global society. We prepare our students to excel in professionalism, leadership, and service."
One program with two campuses: Glenside, PA and Christiana, DE 2-Year (24 month) Program starting yearly in late May Option for 3-Year Dual Degree Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant and Master of Public Health (MPH, MMS) Technologically advanced 3D anatomy visualization tables for anatomy and physiology education that complements the prosected human cadaver experience. Service and global opportunities in the didactic and clinical phases of the program
Matriculant data
Actual stats for students who enrolled in the most recently reported cohort, sourced from PAEA's published program data.
Admission policies
Out-of-state applicants are accepted. International applicants: yes, with exceptions. please visit the program's website. DACA status applicants are considered. Distance learning is not offered. Part-time enrollment is not available.
Prerequisite coursework
Recency: No Requirement · up to 2 outstanding at application
Program overview
Arcadia University offers a 24-month Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies delivered across two campuses - one in Glenside, Pennsylvania and one in Christiana, Delaware - with a cohort beginning each year in late May. The program holds continued ARC-PA accreditation, accepts out-of-state and most international applicants, and runs on a rolling admissions cycle with an application deadline of October 1, 2026 for the May 2027 start. Because applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, submitting early carries real strategic weight.
The program's mission centers on resilience, professionalism, leadership, and service within a global context, and that orientation shows up in the curriculum through service and global opportunities embedded in both the didactic and clinical phases. Coursework follows an organ-based and systems-based framework. One distinctive academic asset is the use of technologically advanced 3D anatomy visualization tables alongside prosected human cadavers, giving students layered tools for mastering anatomy and physiology. For applicants interested in public health, Arcadia also offers a dual-degree pathway leading to both the MMS and a Master of Public Health, which extends the program beyond the standard 24 months.
The incoming class runs approximately 105 students, which is a notably large cohort and worth considering for applicants who weigh class size against mentorship and clinical resource access. Matriculants have averaged a 3.66 overall GPA and a 3.58 science GPA, against a minimum threshold of 3.00 across overall, science, and prerequisite coursework. The direct patient care requirement is relatively accessible at 200 hours, though paid experience is recommended. Healthcare experience beyond direct patient care is required. Prerequisite coursework includes general chemistry with lab, general biology with lab, human anatomy with lab, human physiology with lab, microbiology with lab, and statistics - with no time limit on when those courses were completed and allowance for up to two outstanding prerequisites at the time of application.
Total tuition is approximately $107,000 with a $1,500 seat deposit. Three letters of reference are required, and no on-site interview is mandated as part of the admissions process, which removes a logistical barrier for applicants applying from a distance. The program does not offer part-time enrollment or distance learning options.
Applicants should weigh whether the combination of a large cohort size, a relatively low patient-care floor, dual-campus structure, and a global service mission aligns with the clinical environment and academic community in which they expect to thrive.