PA Admissions Overview

MS in Physician Assistant Studies

Training compassionate, mission-driven medical professionals committed to community care.

Welcome to the Physician Assistant (PA) Program at the CUNY School of Medicine. As one of the oldest PA programs in the country, we are proud to carry a strong legacy of preparing highly skilled, service-oriented healthcare providers. With deep roots in Harlem and a strong commitment to community-centered care, our program attracts students who are passionate about practicing medicine, and improving the health of communities in provider shortage areas.

What Is a Physician Assistant?

Physician Assistants are licensed healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat patients under physician supervision. They work across a variety of medical settings—from primary care and emergency medicine to surgical specialties—making them a vital part of today’s healthcare teams.

Our Mission

The mission of the CUNY School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program is to improve community health through rigorous education and mentorship. The program prepares graduates to deliver high-quality primary care and to contribute meaningfully to the workforce in communities where there is a shortage of healthcare professionals.

Mission in Action

Located in Central Harlem, our program maintains strong connections with the surrounding community and prepares graduates to practice in areas facing healthcare workforce shortages. In a recent alumni survey, nearly half of respondents reported working in communities with limited access to care.

Program at a Glance

• Duration: 28 months (12-month didactic phase, 4-month research phase, 12-month clinical phase)
• Curriculum: Includes classroom learning, labs, and hands-on clinical rotations across disciplines
• Faculty: Experienced, mission-driven educators and clinicians
• Accreditation: Accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA)
• Degree Awarded: Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MS/PA)

History & Legacy

Founded in 1970 as a collaboration between Harlem Hospital and Columbia University’s School of Public Health, our program was created to educate and train healthcare professionals for careers in primary care, with a focus on serving in areas with significant healthcare provider shortages. After partnerships with Antioch College and the New School for Social Research, the program joined the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education at The City College of New York in 1978—now part of the CUNY School of Medicine.

To date, we’ve graduated over 900 physician assistants who continue to make a lasting impact on communities across New York and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions