About the program
The Saint Catherine 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 Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program at St. Catherine University provides the building blocks of critical thinking by incorporating medical decision-making, ethical considerations, and principles of team-based practice into every course. Our innovative curriculum begins with 14 months in the classroom engaging in progressive, rich discussion-one that includes a global perspective-and hands-on experiences alongside experts in clinical settings. Next is 14 months of clinical clerkships (2,000 hours at a clinical location) before concluding with a senior seminar. Students who complete the program will be prepared to take the National Certification Examination required for licensure and clinical practice, and will demonstrate: Critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and m"
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.
Prerequisite coursework
Recency: 10 Years
Program overview
Saint Catherine University in Minnesota offers a 28-month Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree, with the next cohort beginning August 2026. Applicants should be aware upfront that the program currently holds ARC-PA accreditation on probation, which is a meaningful factor to weigh when evaluating any program investment.
The structure splits evenly into two phases: 14 months of didactic coursework followed by 14 months of clinical clerkships totaling 2,000 hours at a clinical site, closing with a senior seminar. The curriculum blends traditional instruction with case-based and organ/systems-based learning, emphasizes team-based practice, and incorporates a global perspective throughout coursework. Early clinical exposure is woven into the didactic phase alongside classroom instruction. The program's stated mission centers on building critical thinking through medical decision-making, ethical reasoning, and collaborative care principles integrated into every course.
The GPA floor sits at 3.20 overall and 3.00 for prerequisites, placing this program within reach of competitive applicants who may not hold a 3.5 or above. Healthcare experience is required, though paid direct patient care is recommended rather than mandatory - a meaningful distinction for applicants whose hours come from volunteer or unpaid roles. Prerequisites include Human Anatomy with lab (4 credits), Human Physiology with lab (4 credits), Microbiology (3 credits), and Statistics (3 credits), all completed within the past 10 years. The class size is 32 students.
Total tuition is $109,487 with a $1,000 seat deposit; there are no separate in-state or out-of-state tuition rates, and both out-of-state and international applicants are eligible. The application deadline is August 1, 2025, and all applications are reviewed together after that deadline rather than on a rolling basis. Applicants need a minimum of two letters of reference and must complete an onsite traditional interview. The program does not offer part-time enrollment or distance learning options.
An applicant deciding whether this program fits should weigh the probationary accreditation status carefully against their personal timeline, financial investment, and career goals before applying.