About the program
The Saint Joseph’s 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 Saint Joseph’s University Physician Assistant Program is to educate future physician assistants with a foundation in equitable, person-centered, evidence-based care, with a focus on primary care (family medicine), interprofessional healthcare, and an exposure to underserved and diverse populations."
The PA program utilizes advanced technology to teach Human Gross Anatomy, through the use of Touch of Life Technologies VH Dissector platform on the Anatomy Toltech tables. • Saint Joseph’s University is home to expert scientists and clinicians, renowned in their fields, who lecture in the PA program. Home to state-of-the-art classrooms, a simulation center, learning spaces/facilities, all dedicated solely to the PA program and PA student use.
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. Veteran support programs are available; consult the program directly for details.
Prerequisite coursework
Recency: 10 Years · up to 5 outstanding at application
Program overview
Saint Joseph's University offers a 24-month program leading to a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, set to begin in August 2027 with an anticipated class size of 40 students. Prospective applicants should be aware that the program currently holds ARC-PA accreditation on probation, which is a meaningful consideration when evaluating where to apply and ultimately enroll.
The program's mission centers on primary care and family medicine, with an emphasis on equitable, person-centered, evidence-based practice and deliberate exposure to underserved and diverse patient populations. Interprofessional healthcare collaboration is woven into this mission as well. Applicants drawn to community-oriented, primary care-focused training will find the program's stated priorities align with that direction.
On the academic side, matriculants have carried an overall GPA of 3.6 and a science GPA of 3.5, though the program sets its minimum threshold at 3.20 for both overall and prerequisite coursework. Prerequisites must have been completed within the last ten years, and applicants may have up to five outstanding prerequisites at the time of application. Required coursework includes two semesters each of general chemistry and general biology with labs, human anatomy with lab, human physiology with lab, microbiology with lab, and a statistics course. For patient care, the program requires a minimum of 350 hours of paid direct patient care experience, in addition to broader healthcare experience. This paid requirement is a firm condition, not simply a preference.
Regarding curriculum delivery, the program uses the Touch of Life Technologies VH Dissector platform on Anatomy Toltech tables for gross anatomy instruction, substituting advanced digital technology for traditional cadaveric dissection. Program facilities, including classrooms, a simulation center, and additional learning spaces, are dedicated exclusively to PA students. Faculty include scientists and clinicians described as specialists in their respective fields.
Total tuition is $110,314 for the full program, with no differentiated in-state or out-of-state rate. A seat deposit of $1,000 is required upon acceptance. The program accepts out-of-state and international applicants, though international applicants should consult the program website directly for applicable conditions. No part-time or distance learning options are available.
The application deadline is October 1, 2026, and admission is rolling, meaning earlier applications receive earlier review. The process includes both a traditional interview and a scenario room component, conducted onsite. Three letters of reference are required.
An applicant should weigh the program's current probationary accreditation status carefully alongside its primary care mission, technology-forward anatomy instruction, and paid patient care requirement to determine whether this opportunity fits both their professional goals and risk tolerance.