Physician Assistant Science, Master's Degree
School of Health Sciences & Education
Starting the MPA as a Graduate Student
Saint Francis University's Master of Physician Assistant Science program accepts a limited number of graduate students into the program each year. Applications from candidates holding a baccalaureate (bachelor's) degree with the necessary prerequisite coursework will be reviewed based on space availability and the quality of the applicant.
CURRICULUM & COURSES
What You’ll Learn in the PA Program
As a leading educator of physician assistant science, our courses are arranged for role concept and knowledge base development. Your educational experience has been built to meet the high standards that the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) outlines. These standards encourage excellence in PA education and drive results for our graduates.
Graduate PA Path:
| Degree Path | Description | Course Catalog | Plan of Study |
|---|---|---|---|
Master of Physician Assistant Science | Students with a baccalaureate degree may be admitted based on space availability | Plan of Study |
Graduates of the SFU PA degree program will be able to provide the following services in a professional manner that is compassionate, competent, and efficient:
Medical Knowledge:
Goal Statement:
Graduates will possess comprehensive medical knowledge to provide competent and comprehensive health care.
Learning Outcomes:
- Graduates will accurately diagnose and manage common medical conditions using evidence-based practices.
- Graduates will apply biomedical and clinical sciences knowledge to patient care through investigatory and analytic thinking.
Clinical Competence:
Goal Statement:
Graduates will provide ethical, compassionate, and collaborative clinical care across diverse populations.
Learning Outcomes:
- Graduates will demonstrate proficiency in performing clinical procedures and technical skills necessary for patient care.
- Graduates will exhibit strong clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities to deliver equitable and efficient patient-centered care.
Interpersonal and Communication Skills:
Goal Statement:
Graduates will possess interpersonal and communication skills for effective information exchange with patients, families, physicians, and other health professionals.
Learning Outcomes:
- Graduates will effectively communicate with patients and their families to ensure understanding and compliance with treatment plans.
- Graduates will collaborate with healthcare teams using clear and concise verbal, nonverbal, and written communication.
Professionalism:
Goal Statement:
Graduates will demonstrate appropriate academic and professional skills, attributes, attitudes, and behaviors necessary to function as physician assistants.
Learning Outcomes:
- Graduates will adhere to professional standards in all aspects of patient care and professional interactions.
- Graduates will understand health policies and delivery systems to lead and address community and professional challenges, providing service in line with the Franciscan tradition.
Medical Knowledge Outcomes
- 94% of the MPAS class of 2025 passed the PANCE on their first attempt
- Students in the 2025 cohort participated in at least 60 hours of critical thinking and simulation sessions throughout the didactic year
Clinical Competence Outcomes
- 100% of the 2025 cohort passed the summative OSCE, with 96% earning a passing grade on their first attempt
- All graduates demonstrated competence in a number of clinical tasks, including interpretation of imaging, lab findings, rhythm strips and EKGs; administration of injections; placement of sutures; and performing pelvic and breast exams
Interpersonal and Communication Skills Outcomes
- All graduates completed research-based Master’s Capstone project and presented their findings
- Each student developed a sound foundation in medical documentation by composing 10 SOAP notes and 5 hospital admission notes from actual patient encounters during their didactic year
Professionalism Outcomes
- All graduates successfully completed PA 401: Introduction to U.S. Health Care which provides instruction in health policies and delivery systems
- 96% of 2025 graduates achieved ratings of good or excellent on professionalism from their preceptors during the clinical year
- All graduates completed at least 25 hours of community service during the didactic year
MPA Graduate Admissions Requirements
Eligible students holding an earned baccalaureate degree (by program start date), with the necessary prerequisite coursework (see #6 below) may be admitted to the Master of Physician Assistant Science program based on space availability. Selection for a seat in the 2-year graduate program is very competitive.
To be considered for admission to the next academic year, an applicant must complete the Centralized Application Process through CASPA between April 2026 and no later than August 1, 2026. Applying early is highly encouraged. CASPA interview dates are October 2026 and November 2026.
Questions about 2-year Graduate PA admissions may be directed to:
Stephanie Eckenrode
814-472-3136
Admissions Requirements
Applicants for Graduate Admission are required to submit all of the following directly to CASPA in order to be considered for admission:
- A completed Application Form (via CASPA) by August 1.
- Evidence of either a completed bachelor's degree or ability to obtain one prior to matriculation from a fully accredited institution.
- Official transcripts from each college/university attended indicating an overall minimum QPA of 3.2 (including international and professional coursework). Foreign graduates must provide credit evaluation(s) from an international credential evaluation agency (i.e., SpanTran of a NACES member-institution).
- Evidence of 100 hours of non-paid health care experience, at least 40 hours of which must be shadowing a physician assistant in clinical practice. Demonstrated health care experience must be outside of earned academic credit.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- *Please note that it is beneficial to have a majority (at least five of the eight) of collateral courses completed prior to applying. Requirements include:
- Chemistry - 2 courses with labs
- Human Anatomy & Physiology - 2 courses with labs
- Microbiology - 1 course with lab
- Psychology - 1 course
- Medical Terminology - 1 course
- Statistics or Upper-Level Math - 1 course
- Regardless of citizenship, international applicants – as well as immigrants to the U.S. and U.S. permanent residents – whose native language is not English, are required to submit current TOEFL scores. Please note however that students who have received a baccalaureate degree in the United States are exempt from this requirement. Applicants required to take a language proficiency exam must have a minimum of one of the following:
- IELTS score of 7.0
- TOEFL scores of 102 on iBT or 607 on PBT
*Further details on prerequisite coursework may be found in the FAQ section below.
Admissions Process
Saint Francis University will invite the most competitive candidates to interview on campus based on:
- their demonstrated academic performance
- applicants with a GPA calculation of 3.0 or higher for the following will be given preference:
- Anatomy and Physiology with labs - 8 credits
- Chemistry with labs - 8 credits
- Microbiology with labs - 4 credits
- Medical terminology - 1-3 credits
- Additionally, applicants with a GPA of 2.666 or higher for the 8 credits of Anatomy and Physiology with labs will be given preference.
- applicants with a GPA calculation of 3.0 or higher for the following will be given preference:
- the quality of their completed application
- their answers to program-specific questions
- accrual of health care experience with preference given to the following:
- direct patient contact
- 12-months or more of full-time experience
- level of patient care
The interview allows applicants to further expand on their credentials. Interviewers look for candidates to demonstrate maturity, personal initiative, understanding of the role of a PA and excellent communication skills. Following on-campus interviews, some applicants will be notified of acceptance within weeks.
Relevant Links:
FAQs About the Graduate Program
-
Students enrolling in the graduate (2 yr) pathway can reference the following detailed expense sheets related to program costs.
Financial aid is available to students in both degree paths; however, students in the graduate PA path primarily use loans to cover program expenses. Our Office of Financial Aid (814-472-3010) is available to assist students in researching financial aid options.
-
The program does not grant any type of advanced placement for didactic or clinical courses.
-
International students must complete the following steps in addition to all of the regular requirements necessary to apply for admission:
- Secondary/high school transcripts and bachelor's degree transcripts must be evaluated by an international credential evaluating agency (SpanTran or a NACES member institutions). All transcripts must be from an accredited institution.
- Foreign transcript evaluation(s) must be submitted with your application.
- International students whose native language is not English MUST submit proof of English language proficiency. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTs or iTEP exam score must be submitted.
- Please note that students who have received a baccalaureate degree in the United States are exempt from this requirement. Applicants required to take a language proficiency exam must have a minimum of one of the following:
- IELTS score of 7.0
- TOEFL scores of 102 on iBT or 607 on PBT
-
It is beneficial to have completed at least five of the seven prerequisite courses prior to applying. Any prerequisite course not completed prior to the interview must be completed prior to the beginning of the didactic year with a grade of "B" or better for students accepted into the program. All courses must have been completed at a regionally accredited college/university.
- Chemistry- 2 courses (must have labs)
- Anatomy & Physiology- 2 courses (must have labs)
- Microbiology- 1 course (must have lab)
- Medical Terminology- 1 course
- Psychology - 1 course
- Statistics or upper-level Math - 1 course
-
No preferences are given. All applicants are evaluated based on their academic history and healthcare experience.
-
Patientcare as defined as, "Experiences in which you are directly responsible for a patient's care. For example, prescribing medication, performing procedures, directing a course of treatment, designing a treatment regimen, actively working on a patient as a nurse, paramedic, EMT, military medic, hospital corpsman and/or foreign medially-trained physician."
Healthcare experience is defined as "Both paid and unpaid work in a health or health-related field where you are not directly responsible for a patient's care, but may still have patient interaction; for example, filling prescriptions, performing clerical work, delivering patient food, cleaning patients and or their rooms, administering food or medication, taking vitals or other record keeping information, working as a scribe, CNA, medical assistant, physical therapist, pharmacy tech and /or dental hygienist."
-
Yes. Virtual (online) labs taken after March 1, 2020 will be accepted.
-
May 2026
-
Applicants must have (at minimum):
- Bachelor’s degree or the ability to obtain one prior to matriculation from a regionally accredited college/university
- Applicants who have completed a degree or coursework at a foreign institution must have a foreign credential evaluation completed on their transcript
- Prerequisite courses.* It is beneficial to have completed at least five of the seven prerequisite courses prior to applying. Any prerequisite course not completed prior to the interview, must be completed prior to the beginning of the didactic year with a grade of “B” or better. All courses must have been completed at a regionally accredited college/university.
- Chemistry – 2 courses (must have labs)
- Anatomy & Physiology – 2 courses (must have labs)
- Microbiology – 1 course (must have lab)
- Medical Terminology – 1 course
- Psychology – 1 course
- Statistics or upper level Math – 1 course
- Overall Cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a Prerequisite GPA of 3.2. *Please note that competitive applicants have a GPA of 3.4 or better in both
- Three letters of recommendation
- 100 non-paid hours of health care experience
- At least 40 of the required hours must be spent shadowing a physician assistant
- Of the remaining 60 hours:
- There is no limit to the number spent shadowing a PA, MD/DO, Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Midwife
- There is no limit to the number spent working as an EMT, paramedic or military medic/hospital corpsman
- A maximum of 20 hours may be spent working as a Certified Nursing Assistant, shadowing an athletic trainer, physical therapist, occupational therapist or EMS professional
- A maximum of 10 hours may be spent shadowing a registered nurse (RN), working as a scribe or working at a camp for a special needs population
-
It is not currently required.
-
Once all the supporting documentation is received and verified through CASPA, the PA Department with Saint Francis University will begin to evaluate and invite those selected for a face-to-face interview. Interviews are typically held in October, November and December. We admit students on a rolling basis, so it is very beneficial to apply early in the cycle and schedule for one of the earlier interview dates.
-
Saint Francis University is located in Loretto, PA. The cost of living in Loretto is lower than the national average and the average rent is approximately $500.00 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment. Many students decrease their living expenses by sharing an apartment with a classmate. Altoona, Hollidaysburg, Cresson and Ebensburg are also cities in close proximity to Saint Francis University.
-
Saint Francis University values the health and wellbeing of its students. All full-time graduate students enrolled in the Physician Assistant program must have health insurance coverage. A Student Health Insurance Plan is available for those students who do not have current insurance coverage. All full-time students must participate in this insurance plan unless proof can be furnished that other similar insurance is carried by the student while they are attending Saint Francis University.
-
- The SFU PA students are like one big family. They work together, supporting each other along the way.
- Clinical experiences are built into the didactic year of physician assistant curriculum.
- We offer an integrated body system approach to medicine.
- We offer dedicated faculty and staff that go the extra mile to assist you in being successful.
- Many of our faculty continue to practice clinically.
Students enrolling in the graduate (2 yr) pathway can reference the following detailed expense sheets related to program costs.
Financial aid is available to students in both degree paths; however, students in the graduate PA path primarily use loans to cover program expenses. Our Office of Financial Aid (814-472-3010) is available to assist students in researching financial aid options.
The program does not grant any type of advanced placement for didactic or clinical courses.
International students must complete the following steps in addition to all of the regular requirements necessary to apply for admission:
- Secondary/high school transcripts and bachelor's degree transcripts must be evaluated by an international credential evaluating agency (SpanTran or a NACES member institutions). All transcripts must be from an accredited institution.
- Foreign transcript evaluation(s) must be submitted with your application.
- International students whose native language is not English MUST submit proof of English language proficiency. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTs or iTEP exam score must be submitted.
- Please note that students who have received a baccalaureate degree in the United States are exempt from this requirement. Applicants required to take a language proficiency exam must have a minimum of one of the following:
- IELTS score of 7.0
- TOEFL scores of 102 on iBT or 607 on PBT
It is beneficial to have completed at least five of the seven prerequisite courses prior to applying. Any prerequisite course not completed prior to the interview must be completed prior to the beginning of the didactic year with a grade of "B" or better for students accepted into the program. All courses must have been completed at a regionally accredited college/university.
- Chemistry- 2 courses (must have labs)
- Anatomy & Physiology- 2 courses (must have labs)
- Microbiology- 1 course (must have lab)
- Medical Terminology- 1 course
- Psychology - 1 course
- Statistics or upper-level Math - 1 course
No preferences are given. All applicants are evaluated based on their academic history and healthcare experience.
Patientcare as defined as, "Experiences in which you are directly responsible for a patient's care. For example, prescribing medication, performing procedures, directing a course of treatment, designing a treatment regimen, actively working on a patient as a nurse, paramedic, EMT, military medic, hospital corpsman and/or foreign medially-trained physician."
Healthcare experience is defined as "Both paid and unpaid work in a health or health-related field where you are not directly responsible for a patient's care, but may still have patient interaction; for example, filling prescriptions, performing clerical work, delivering patient food, cleaning patients and or their rooms, administering food or medication, taking vitals or other record keeping information, working as a scribe, CNA, medical assistant, physical therapist, pharmacy tech and /or dental hygienist."
Yes. Virtual (online) labs taken after March 1, 2020 will be accepted.
May 2026
Applicants must have (at minimum):
- Bachelor’s degree or the ability to obtain one prior to matriculation from a regionally accredited college/university
- Applicants who have completed a degree or coursework at a foreign institution must have a foreign credential evaluation completed on their transcript
- Prerequisite courses.* It is beneficial to have completed at least five of the seven prerequisite courses prior to applying. Any prerequisite course not completed prior to the interview, must be completed prior to the beginning of the didactic year with a grade of “B” or better. All courses must have been completed at a regionally accredited college/university.
- Chemistry – 2 courses (must have labs)
- Anatomy & Physiology – 2 courses (must have labs)
- Microbiology – 1 course (must have lab)
- Medical Terminology – 1 course
- Psychology – 1 course
- Statistics or upper level Math – 1 course
- Overall Cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a Prerequisite GPA of 3.2. *Please note that competitive applicants have a GPA of 3.4 or better in both
- Three letters of recommendation
- 100 non-paid hours of health care experience
- At least 40 of the required hours must be spent shadowing a physician assistant
- Of the remaining 60 hours:
- There is no limit to the number spent shadowing a PA, MD/DO, Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Midwife
- There is no limit to the number spent working as an EMT, paramedic or military medic/hospital corpsman
- A maximum of 20 hours may be spent working as a Certified Nursing Assistant, shadowing an athletic trainer, physical therapist, occupational therapist or EMS professional
- A maximum of 10 hours may be spent shadowing a registered nurse (RN), working as a scribe or working at a camp for a special needs population
- At least 40 of the required hours must be spent shadowing a physician assistant
It is not currently required.
Once all the supporting documentation is received and verified through CASPA, the PA Department with Saint Francis University will begin to evaluate and invite those selected for a face-to-face interview. Interviews are typically held in October, November and December. We admit students on a rolling basis, so it is very beneficial to apply early in the cycle and schedule for one of the earlier interview dates.
Saint Francis University is located in Loretto, PA. The cost of living in Loretto is lower than the national average and the average rent is approximately $500.00 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment. Many students decrease their living expenses by sharing an apartment with a classmate. Altoona, Hollidaysburg, Cresson and Ebensburg are also cities in close proximity to Saint Francis University.
Saint Francis University values the health and wellbeing of its students. All full-time graduate students enrolled in the Physician Assistant program must have health insurance coverage. A Student Health Insurance Plan is available for those students who do not have current insurance coverage. All full-time students must participate in this insurance plan unless proof can be furnished that other similar insurance is carried by the student while they are attending Saint Francis University.
- The SFU PA students are like one big family. They work together, supporting each other along the way.
- Clinical experiences are built into the didactic year of physician assistant curriculum.
- We offer an integrated body system approach to medicine.
- We offer dedicated faculty and staff that go the extra mile to assist you in being successful.
- Many of our faculty continue to practice clinically.