Admission Requirements for Physician Assistant - Pleasantville Program and Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital Physician Assistant Program (NYC)
Physician Assistant Program - Pleasantville
Pace University recruits students domestically and internationally. Included in our overall recruitment and program promotion are visits to and participation in fairs and programs at colleges, universities and agencies in the Lower Hudson Valley as well as external events and activities sponsored by veteran organizations.
Applications are carefully reviewed by the Admission Committee utilizing a holistic approach which considers qualitative and quantitative factors to ensure that we are fulfilling the mission of the program. This multifaceted process focuses on academic credentials as well as prior experience, service history, aspirations and interpersonal skills. Those individuals that the Admissions Committee believe possess the quantitative and qualitative attributes that best align with the program’s academic criteria and mission will be selected for an interview and final consideration for admission. Due to the volume of candidates, not all qualified candidates are guaranteed an interview. Applications are reviewed and admission decisions for seats in the cohort are filled on a rolling basis during the CASPA cycle until are seats are filled.
All candidates must have a completed baccalaureate from a United States or Canadian accredited institution of higher learning. The baccalaureate degree must be completed by June 30th of the year of planned enrollment.
HOW TO APPLY
All candidates will be required to apply through CASPA (Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants). Prerequisites must be submitted into CASPA and CASPA e-submission must be completed by June 30th, of the year of planned enrollment.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
The CASPA application e-submit deadline is March 31.
The Program aligns with Pace University's mission to impart to its graduate students a deep knowledge of their discipline and connection to its community as well as its embodiment of an ethos of respect for and celebration or our diversity, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment. Points are applied during the admissions process for candidates that align this mission. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including but not limited to residents of the Hudson Valley, veterans and graduates of Pace University or health professions Pre-Health curriculums, first generations students and individuals from other populations that are underrepresented in the health professions or have experience in underserved areas, to apply.
Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital Physician Assistant Program - (NYC)
The program is highly competitive and enrollment is currently limited to 80 students each year. The admissions process has three components that include academic evaluation, supporting documentation review, and a personal interview.
Applications:
All applicants must meet the following requirements for admission into the Physician Assistant Program:
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution;
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale;
- Minimum cumulative science GPA of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale;
- Minimum of 200 hours of high quality patient care experience;
- One page personal statement describing why you wish to become a physician assistant (CASPA Narrative);
- Three references from professionals (one of which must be from a health professional);
- Completion of all prerequisite courses at the time of CASPA e-submission and
- No more than one grade that is less than a "B-" in a required prerequisite course
- GPA’s are calculated utilizing ALL college level courses completed by the applicant. Advanced Placement credits will be accepted for pre-requisite courses.
- Completion of 200 hours of health care experience is required at application submission.
- Documentation of 200 hours of health care experience will be required if accepted into the program.
Applicants are required to complete all prerequisite science and math courses with no more than one grade below a "B minus". The prerequisite course list for admission into the physician assistant program is listed below.
- Mathematics (Pre-calculus or Statistics) (3 credits)
- General Biology + Laboratory (8 credits)
- General Chemistry + Laboratory (8 credits)
- Microbiology (3 credits)
- Genetics (3 credits)
- Organic Chemistry + Laboratory OR Biochemistry + Laboratory (4 credits)
- Human Anatomy + Laboratory (4 credits)
- Human Physiology (3 credits)
OR Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II with Laboratory (7 credit minimum)
Please note, a supplemental application and supplemental application fee is required for application to our program.
If you earned a bachelor's degree in a country where English is not the official language and English is not your first language, you must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) OR the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Pearson PTE that are no more than two years old. In general, a TOEFL score of 100 (Internet-based version) or an IELTS score of 7.5 or Pearson PTE score of 68 is sufficient to demonstrate the requisite proficiency in English for admission into the College of Health Professions academic programs.
A personal interview may be granted if the above criteria are met. During the interview applicants will be evaluated on cognitive capability; professional awareness; commitment to the profession; leadership qualities; service and community orientation; communication skills including verbal ability, personal, and behavioral qualities; interpersonal skills; self-confidence; motivation and initiative; professionalism; social support; and coping abilities. Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee an interview.
The Physician Assistant Program Admissions Committee will admit candidates who meet the admission requirements, are granted an interview, and present the best overall profile evidenced in these areas. The program does not provide preference to or favor any specified individuals or groups.