About the program
The DeSales 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: "The mission of the Physician Assistant Program is consistent with the enduring Christian humanistic traditions of DeSales University and seeks to graduate physician assistants who dedicate themselves to the total well-being of the patient. Graduates of the Program will deliver competent and compassionate health care, including preventative services and wellness education to patients of diverse populations in a variety of settings. They will consider the patient holistically in the context of family, community, and society, and incorporate ethical principles into a patient-focused practice. They will serve their patients by using evidence-based medicine and promoting lifelong learning in the profession."
Stellar PANCE rates since program inception; student to faculty ratio of 11:1; early professional experiences; state-of-the-art simulation labs; human anatomy lab with first access to dissections; DeSales Free Clinic; local clinical sites; an integrated curriculum of clinical medicine, pathophysiology, and pharmacology, enabling you to learn the entire spectrum of disease processes; a community that embraces the University's core values of wisdom, humility, gentleness, hospitality, and gratitude
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. DACA status applicants are considered. Distance learning is not offered. Part-time enrollment is not available. On-campus housing is available. Veteran support programs are available; consult the program directly for details.
Prerequisite coursework
Recency: No Requirement · up to 2 outstanding at application
Program overview
DeSales University in Pennsylvania offers a 24-month MSPAS program with ARC-PA continued accreditation, beginning in August 2027. Applications are reviewed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis with a deadline of December 1, 2026, so submitting early is a practical advantage.
The program's mission is rooted in the Christian humanistic traditions of the university, which shapes a holistic, patient-centered philosophy. Graduates are expected to deliver competent and compassionate care across diverse populations, integrate ethical principles into practice, and commit to evidence-based, lifelong learning. The university's core values of wisdom, humility, gentleness, hospitality, and gratitude are embedded in the community culture, which matters for applicants weighing institutional fit.
Curriculum is built on an organ and systems-based framework that integrates clinical medicine, pathophysiology, and pharmacology simultaneously, allowing students to learn disease processes as a connected whole rather than in isolated silos. The program incorporates case-based and hybrid learning methods alongside early clinical exposure, which means students encounter real clinical reasoning before the formal clinical year begins. Resources supporting this include state-of-the-art simulation labs, a human anatomy lab with first access to dissections, and a DeSales Free Clinic that provides genuine patient interaction in the community. The student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1 allows for close instructional contact throughout the program.
The incoming class runs approximately 47 students. Total tuition is $102,900, with a seat deposit of $1,500. The competitive applicant pool reflects high academic standards: matriculants average a 3.8 overall GPA and a 3.74 science GPA, though the stated minimums are 3.0 in both categories. The program requires a minimum of 500 paid direct patient care hours, and healthcare experience is mandatory - not optional. Applicants should note this paid requirement specifically, as volunteer clinical hours alone will not satisfy it.
Prerequisites include general chemistry, general biology, human anatomy, human physiology, microbiology, and statistics, each at three credits, with no time limit on coursework completion and a maximum of two prerequisites allowed to be outstanding at the time of application. Standardized testing requirements include the PA-CAT along with the GRE or MCAT, and TOEFL for international applicants, who are accepted. Out-of-state students are also welcome. Three letters of reference are required, and all candidates must complete a required, in-person traditional interview. The program is fully residential with no distance learning or part-time options.
An applicant who aligns with values-driven, faith-informed education, has solid paid clinical hours, strong science preparation, and wants early hands-on clinical integration will be well positioned to judge whether DeSales is a genuine match.