About the program
The St. John’s University (formerly SVCMC) 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 St. John’s University Physician Assistant program utilizes a student-centered approach to provide learners with the necessary academic, clinical, professional and interpersonal skills to function competently, confidently, compassionately and efficiently as primary care practitioners. Students are sensitized to the diversity of health care needs and the impact of socioeconomic factors on healthcare, to promote non-discrimination and inspire graduates to provide high quality, cost-effective, compassionate and accessible care to underserved patients in urban communities."
State-of-the-art technology incorporated into the curriculum, including a Simulation Lab, Anatomage (c) Virtual Dissection Table for anatomy and other courses, and smart classrooms, Vincentian Tradition & Values, One of the most culturally and religiously diverse universities in the nation.
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 not considered. Distance learning is not offered. Part-time enrollment is not available. On-campus housing is available.
Prerequisite coursework
Recency: 10 Years · up to 3 outstanding at application
Program overview
St. John's University in New York offers a 30-month Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, with the next cohort beginning September 2027. The program holds Continued accreditation status from ARC-PA and does not offer part-time or distance learning options, making it a full-time, in-person commitment. Out-of-state and international applicants are both considered, though international applicants should review the program's website for specific conditions.
The program's mission centers on preparing graduates to serve underserved patients in urban communities, with explicit attention to socioeconomic factors, health equity, and accessible, cost-effective care. This focus is embedded in St. John's broader Vincentian tradition and values, which emphasize service and compassion. Applicants drawn to primary care practice in diverse urban settings will find the mission particularly aligned with that professional orientation. The university is noted as one of the most culturally and religiously diverse in the nation, and that environment shapes the program's educational context. Curriculum delivery follows an organ-based and systems-based model, and the program integrates technology meaningfully into instruction, including a simulation lab, an Anatomage Virtual Dissection Table, and smart classrooms.
The minimum GPA requirement sits at 3.00 for both overall and science coursework, though admitted students typically arrive with a 3.72 overall and 3.64 science GPA, reflecting a competitive applicant pool in practice. Paid direct patient care experience is required, with a minimum of 200 documented hours, alongside additional healthcare experience. Applicants should factor in that prerequisite coursework must have been completed within the past ten years, and no more than three prerequisites may be outstanding at the time of application. Required science coursework includes two semesters each of general chemistry and general biology with labs, human anatomy with lab, human physiology with lab, microbiology, and statistics. Notably, the anatomy and physiology prerequisites carry higher credit requirements - seven credits each - which may necessitate combined lecture and lab sequences at some undergraduate institutions.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis with a deadline of October 1, 2026, so early submission is practically significant rather than merely advisable. Three letters of reference are required. Interviews are conducted in a traditional format and are not required to be completed on-site. The incoming class size is estimated at 75 students. Total tuition is $157,740, with a $1,500 seat deposit required upon acceptance.
Applicants who are genuinely motivated by urban primary care, health equity, and service to underserved populations - and who can demonstrate paid clinical experience alongside strong prerequisite preparation - will be best positioned to judge whether St. John's is a meaningful fit beyond simply meeting its academic thresholds.