M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies FAQ Making the World Smarter, Safer and Healthier Contact Us Artificial Intelligence Biotechnology Computer Science Cybersecurity Data Analytics and Visualization Digital Marketing and Media Mathematics Occupational Therapy Physician Assistant Physics Speech-Language Pathology What is ’s PA program accreditation status? At its March 2024 meeting, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) placed the Physician Assistant Program sponsored by on Accreditation-Probation status until its next review in March 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as specified by the ARC-PA, may be scheduled for a focused site visit and is subject to having its accreditation withdrawn. The Physician Assistant Program is scheduled for a focused site visit in advance of the March 2025 commission meeting. This visit will evaluate the PA Program and institutional progress in addressing specific citations identified during the course of the most recent commission review of the PA Program. Failure of the PA Program and institution to demonstrate significant progress in addressing these citations is likely to result in the withdrawal of accreditation. Specific questions regarding the Program and its plans should be directed to the Program Director and/or the appropriate institutional officials. The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at . What is the length of the PA program? 28 months When does the PA program begin? One new cohort is admitted per year. Classes begin at the end of August. All prerequisite requirements must be completed at that time. How do I apply? Where is the PA program located? The PA program is located in the Van Etten building of the Resnick Campus, proximal to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, in the Bronx, N.Y. Is the program full time? Yes, the program is offered only on a full-time basis. Can I work while I am in PA school? Due to the rigorous and demanding nature of the PA program, PA students are strongly discouraged from seeking or maintaining employment during their tenure in the program. Employed PA students are required to report their employment status and job/title responsibilities to the PA program director. How much does the PA program cost? Please visit the Admissions & Financial Aid section of our website for more information about admission and tuition requirements. Are scholarships available? Please visit the Admissions & Financial Aid section of our website for more information about admission and tuition requirements. What are the admission requirements? Please visit the Admissions & Financial Aid section of our website for more information about admission and tuition requirements. What if my bachelor's degree or prerequisites are in progress when I apply? All prerequisite requirements must be complete at the time of matriculation. Applications with more than two outstanding prerequisites will not be considered. Does everyone who meets the minimum prerequisite requirements receive an interview invitation? Admission to the PA program is very competitive. Only the most competitive applicants will be invited to interview with the PA program’s admissions committee. Please visit the Admissions & Financial Aid section of our website for more information about the student selection process. When are interviews held? Interviews are held on a rolling basis. As completed and verified applications are received and reviewed, interviews are scheduled. How many students will be accepted into the PA program? Thirty students will be accepted into the inaugural cohort of the PA program, 40 students will be accepted into the second cohort, and 50 students will be accepted into the third and subsequent cohorts. What is the admission requirement for direct patient care hours? Direct patient care hours are NOT required for admission to the PA program. Is PA shadowing required? Shadowing a PA is not required, but it is encouraged. Is the GRE required? The GRE is not required for admission to the PA program. Do you accept transfer credit or advanced standing? Transfer credit and advanced standing are not accepted. All students must complete all of the didactic and clinical elements of the PA program. How many hours are spent on clinical rotations? PA students will spend approximately 2,000 hours on clinical rotations during their tenure in the PA program. Each clinical rotation is five weeks long. Students will complete 10 rotations, including three electives during their clinical year. Are PA students required to find their own clinical rotation sites? Students are not required to find their own clinical sites. Students may make suggestions to the director of clinical education for sites and preceptors but are not required to do so. Student-suggested clinical sites and preceptors will be evaluated by the PA program and approved if educationally suitable. What is the PANCE pass rate? ’s PA program’s PANCE pass rate is published on the program's website.
