About the program
The St. Bonaventure 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 St. Bonaventure University Department of Physician Assistant Studies is to educate physician assistants to become highly skilled and compassionate health care providers. The program will encourage an interdisciplinary approach with an emphasis on patient-centered care and dignity for each individual."
The PA program at St. Bonaventure University was built around the Franciscan values of COMPASSION, WISDOM, and INTEGRITY. In the didactic year, the clinically relevant courses follow a systems (modular) format which includes problem based learning and simulation sessions each week. The simulation lab includes two different simulation rooms with hi-fidelity mannequins as well as multiple low-fidelity task trainers that can be utilized as needed, depending on the case. The anatomy lab has two
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
St. Bonaventure University offers an ARC-PA accredited 28-month program awarding a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, with the next cohort beginning January 2027. The program accepts out-of-state and international applicants, does not offer part-time or distance learning options, and enrolls approximately 40 students per class.
The program's mission is grounded explicitly in Franciscan values - compassion, wisdom, and integrity - with an emphasis on interdisciplinary, patient-centered care that respects the dignity of each individual. These are not incidental descriptors; the curriculum was deliberately constructed around this framework, which prospective applicants should take seriously when evaluating fit. The didactic year follows a systems-based modular format that integrates problem-based learning and simulation each week. The simulation facilities include two rooms with high-fidelity mannequins and multiple low-fidelity task trainers, and the program also maintains an anatomy lab. Teaching methods blend traditional instruction with case-based and team-based approaches, giving students exposure to several learning formats rather than a single pedagogical model.
On the academic side, the program sets a minimum overall and prerequisite GPA of 3.0, though matriculants typically arrive with a 3.5 overall and a 3.7 science GPA, so competitive applicants should aim well above the floor. The required science prerequisites include two semesters of general chemistry, general biology, human anatomy with lab, human physiology, microbiology with lab, and statistics - with no stated time limit on when those courses were completed. Applicants may have up to two prerequisites still outstanding at the time of application. The GRE is required; the MCAT is not accepted.
Direct patient care experience is required, with a minimum of 500 hours. Paid experience is recommended but not mandatory, and healthcare experience of some kind is required. This is a relatively accessible patient-care threshold compared to many programs, making it potentially suitable for applicants still building their clinical portfolio, provided the academic numbers are strong.
Total tuition is $105,000 with a $1,000 seat deposit. There are no separate tuition rates for in-state versus out-of-state students. Three letters of reference are required, and the application deadline is September 1, 2026. Admissions operate on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis, meaning early submission carries a meaningful practical advantage. The interview process includes both traditional and group formats and requires an onsite visit.
Applicants who thrive in collaborative, simulation-integrated learning environments and who are genuinely aligned with a mission rooted in Franciscan values will be best positioned to present a compelling and authentic case for admission here.