Licensure

Following successful completion of the PA program, you will be qualified to sit for the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE). You will also be required to obtain a license to practice as a PA in your chosen state(s) upon passing the PANCE. Requirements and procedures vary from state to state, but graduation from an accredited PA program, and successful completion of the national certifying examination are two requirements.

It has been determined that graduates of the Saint Joseph’s University Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) Program meet the educational requirements needed to pursue professional licensure in most states with the exception of New York.

• New York requires completion of course work or training related to infection control at the time of initial licensure and every four years thereafter. Specific information about this requirement is provided by the New York State Education Department, Office of Professions.

Following successful completion of the PANCE, you will be issued an NCCPA certificate, entitling you to the use of the PA-Certified (PA-C) designation until expiration. To maintain PA-C certification and retain the right to use the designation beyond the date of certificate expiration, you will follow a two-pronged process, involving submission of certification maintenance materials, including documentation of 100 continuing medical education credits (CME) and successful completion of a recertification exam every 10 years.