Medicine with purpose. Community at heart. We’re reimagining what it means to become a physician—equipping students with the skills, empathy, and mission to lead lasting change in the communities they serve.
Greetings from the Dean
We are New York City’s medical school, and our students reflect the communities we serve.
Whether you’re beginning your journey with us or returning to continue it, the Office of Admissions is committed to providing guidance and support you need throughout the enrollment process.
Accelerated 7-Year BS/MD Program
Our accelerated 7-year BS/MD program is designed for students committed to improving access and delivering providing high-quality healthcare in communities where there are provider shortages.
The Office of Financial Aid provides students with the information and resources they need to support their education. The team offers guidance on federal, state, institutional, and private funding to assist with tuition, fees, books, and other essential expenses.
Discuss Your Aid Options
The Office of Financial Aid is here to help—students are encouraged to make an appointment to review their options and find solutions that best meet their financial needs.
Our students form a vibrant, engaged community—shaped by diverse backgrounds, shared purpose, and a commitment to service.
We Can Help Guide Your Career
Our Medical Student Advisors are dedicated to helping you succeed academically, develop professionally, and identify the right specialty based on your goals and interests.
Rooted in an innovation approach since 1973, CUNY School of Medicine’s programs have been preparing future physicians and physician assistants to meet the evolving needs of healthcare through academic excellence, compassionate service, and community impact.
Become a Compassionate and Skilled PA
Our Physician Assistant Program combines classroom excellence with hands-on clinical training, preparing graduates to provide patient-centered care and make a lasting difference in the communities they serve.
From their first year through the MD program, students engage in hands-on research alongside leading faculty and clinicians. With access to hospitals and research centers across New York City, CUNY Medicine provides opportunities to explore, innovate, and contribute to discoveries that improve health outcomes locally and beyond.
Explore, Discover, and Lead Through Research
CUNY School of Medicine empowers students to engage in meaningful research from the start—partnering with faculty, hospitals, and research centers across New York City and beyond. Students contribute to discoveries that improve health and advance equity in care.
Our alumni are leaders, innovators, and advocates transforming healthcare. Discover ways to stay engaged, support current students, and continue growing as part of the CUNY School of Medicine network.
Help us Stay Connected
Update your alumni information so you don’t miss important news, reunions, and ways to engage with CUNY Med.
Equipping graduates for the practice of medicine in an ever-changing clinical environment
Encouraging excellence in PA education
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) encourages excellence in PA education through its accreditation process by establishing and maintaining standards of quality for educational programs. It awards accreditation to programs through a peer review process that includes documentation and periodic site visit evaluation to substantiate compliance with the Accreditation Standards for Physician Assistant Education. The accreditation process is designed to encourage sound educational practices and innovation by programs and to stimulate continuous self-study and improvement.
Accreditation & Credentials
At its September 2024 meeting, the ARC-PA placed the CUNY School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program on Accreditation-Probation status until its next review in September 2026.
Probation accreditation is a temporary accreditation status initially of not less than two years. However, that period may be extended by the ARC-PA for up to an additional two years if the ARC-PA finds that the program is making substantial progress toward meeting all applicable standards but requires additional time to come into full compliance. Probation accreditation status is granted, at the sole discretion of the ARC-PA, when a program holding an accreditation status of Accreditation – Provisional or Accreditation – Continued does not, in the judgment of the ARC-PA, meet the Standards or when the capability of the program to provide an acceptable educational experience for its students is threatened.
Once placed on probation, a program that fails to comply with accreditation requirements in a timely manner, as specified by the ARC-PA, may be scheduled for a focused site visit and is subject to having its accreditation withdrawn.
Specific questions regarding the Program and its plans should be directed to the Program Director and/or the appropriate institutional official(s).
The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies is conferred when the Physician Assistant Program requirements are fulfilled, including successful completion of all major discipline requirements.
Certification: Upon completion of all PA Program and CUNY School of Medicine degree requirements, the graduate is permitted to sit for the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants examination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a program on accreditation-probation status still accredited?
Yes, The CUNY School of Medicine PA Program remains fully accredited. Accreditation-Probation is a temporary accreditation status to allow programs to make improvements more closely aligned to ARC-PA standards.
How will the Accreditation-Probation status affect the curriculum and clinical experiences?
There is no change to didactic or clinical instruction under this status. The program will continue to deliver an exceptional didactic and clinical rotation experience for every student in the program.
How does the program’s Accreditation-Probation status affect my degree from The CUNY School of Medicine PA Program?
There is no effect on your degree. You still will earn a Master’s degree once you meet the degree requirements and will be awarded your degree as scheduled.
If the program is on probation, can I take the PANCE?
Yes. The program is fully accredited, which allows all program graduates to take the PANCE.
How will the Accreditation-Probation status affect future entering classes?
The program will continue to admit up to 35 students per class during our regular admissions cycle.
How will the Accreditation-Probation status affect the ability of The CUNY School of Medicine PA Program to support newly admitted students and current students in this program?
The program will continue its longstanding practice of delivering high-quality education to enable students and graduates to flourish as physician assistants.
Can I apply for licensure if the program I graduated from is on Accreditation-Probation status?
Yes. The primary requirements for licensure are graduation from an accredited program and NCCPA certification. The program remains fully accredited.
How will the Accreditation-Probation status affect the current staff and faculty support for students and alumni?
The program will continue to provide the resources our students and alumni need. We remain fully invested in providing an excellent and rigorous curriculum, an environment where students can succeed, and all the tools needed to find an excellent position in healthcare.
If I have questions about what the program was cited for to place it in Accreditation-Probation status, where can I find that information?
Admission to the PA Program continues to be highly competitive. Only one class of approximately 35 – 38 applicants is selected each year for admission. The most qualified applicants are selected for admission to the program. Selection of applicants will be based on the Admission Committee’s assessment of the application materials and the interview with the Committee. Applicants not selected for admission in a given year may reapply in subsequent years.
