Frequently Asked Questions

Physician Assistant Studies

• What is the difference between a Master's degree and a Bachelor's degree or a certificate program?
  
• What type of academic background and/or degree is likely to optimize my potential for success in your program?
  
• Can I meet with a counselor to have my transcript evaluated and to ensure that I have the necessary prerequisites to apply?
  
• I have a bachelor's degree from a 4-year college, but I need to take additional courses to meet the prerequisites.  Will you accept prerequisite courses completed at a 2-year community college?
  
• What is the typical interview and admissions timeline for the Physician Assistant program?
  
• I meet your minimum requirements, but have not been invited for an interview. Why?
  
• I'm a senior completing my Bachelor's degree this year with a couple of prerequisites still outstanding. Can I apply with some outstanding courses and/or health care experience?
  
• I have an advanced degree and my prior coursework includes courses to be given within the program. Can I obtain advanced standing or challenge out of some courses?
  
• Can you give me advance standing in your program based on my credentials as a physician?
  
• I have taken all the required courses in my home country and have been working full time as a medical doctor prior to moving to the United States. Why do I have to do all the prerequisites again here in the United States?
  
• Once an application is completed, CASPA refuses to recalculate the GPA and advises the applicants to contact the program directly. I believe the grades I received recently will enhance my GPA considerably. If I send my most recent transcript to you, will you recalculate my GPA to reflect my new grades?
  
• Do you offer a part-time program?
  
• Why does the department require that applicants have a minimum of 100 hours of direct patient health care experience?
  
• What kind of experience would be accepted for completion of the 100 hours direct patient contact requirement?  Where can I obtain that experience?
  
• Do you give preference to specific applicants, as an example, residents of New York State?
  
• When I graduate, what credentials do I have and where can I practice?
  
• I am already enrolled in another Physician Assistant program. Can I transfer into your program?
  
• Will I be able to work while going through your Physician Assistant program?