| Application | Prior Healthcare Experience Requirement | Personal Essay | Reference Letters | Advanced Placement | Transfer of Credit | Experiential Learning | Tuition & Fees | Withdrawal Policies |
APPLICATION
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Click here to view and/or print an application in Adobe Acrobat Format (PDF).
If you need the Acrobat Reader Plug-In, click here for the free download.
PRIOR HEALTHCARE EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT
The program requires applicants to have at least 100 documented hours of healthcare experience. Many types of experience will qualify, and the experience ideally includes direct observation of a practicing physician assistant ("Shadowing"). The experience may be paid employment, such as working as a paramedic or EKG technician. The experience may be as a volunteer in a hospital or other healthcare facility. Supporting documentation should be on letterhead from an appropriate source and must certify the hours completed.
The program requires applicants to have at least 100 documented hours of healthcare experience. Many types of experience will qualify, and the experience ideally includes direct observation of a practicing physician assistant ("Shadowing"). The experience may be paid employment, such as working as a paramedic or EKG technician. The experience may be as a volunteer in a hospital or other healthcare facility. Supporting documentation should be on letterhead from an appropriate source and must certify the hours completed.
Applicants who have accumulated more than the 100 hours of experience will have a stronger application, but the quality of the experience is also important. Shadowing a PA in clinical practice is one of the best ways to understand the physician assistant role in modern healthcare systems.
Hofstra University students have the option of enrolling in the course PHA I - Clinical Experience to fulfill the healthcare experience requirement. This fieldwork course provides volunteer experiences at various healthcare facilities coupled with advisory sessions. This course is only offered in the summer semesters and requires permission by a Physician Assistant Studies Program Director.
PERSONAL ESSAY
The personal essay is a typed statement by the applicant, no longer than one page in length, describing why you want to become a Physician Assistant. Career goals, personality traits or specific experiences that have influenced your decision may be included.
The personal essay is a typed statement by the applicant, no longer than one page in length, describing why you want to become a Physician Assistant. Career goals, personality traits or specific experiences that have influenced your decision may be included.
REFERENCE LETTERS
Two letters of reference are required. These letters should be on letterhead, typed, and clearly indicate your relationship with the person giving the reference. We do not use a standardized form. Letters may be sent directly to the program offices, or can be included with the application package if they are sealed and signed across the back seal by the person giving the reference.
Two letters of reference are required. These letters should be on letterhead, typed, and clearly indicate your relationship with the person giving the reference. We do not use a standardized form. Letters may be sent directly to the program offices, or can be included with the application package if they are sealed and signed across the back seal by the person giving the reference.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT
There is no advanced placement in the professional phase of the program. Students having completed prerequisite coursework elsewhere may receive transfer credit for prerequisite course work only.
There is no advanced placement in the professional phase of the program. Students having completed prerequisite coursework elsewhere may receive transfer credit for prerequisite course work only.
TRANSFER OF CREDIT
Hofstra University publishes Credit Evaluation Guides for students transferring from Nassau Community College, Suffolk Community College and SUNY Farmingdale. These guides pertain only to transfer of credit. The Physician Assistant Studies Program evaluates if courses qualify as prerequisite courses. Guidelines for prerequisite coursework are contained in the Application Instructions and Application.
Hofstra University publishes Credit Evaluation Guides for students transferring from Nassau Community College, Suffolk Community College and SUNY Farmingdale. These guides pertain only to transfer of credit. The Physician Assistant Studies Program evaluates if courses qualify as prerequisite courses. Guidelines for prerequisite coursework are contained in the Application Instructions and Application.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
There is no advanced placement in the professional phase of the program, therefore, no credit for experiential learning in the professional phase. Students applying to Hofstra to complete prerequisite coursework may be eligible for transfer credit on the basis of nontraditionally acquired prior learning. Students may consult the Office of Prior Learning in the Hofstra College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean's Office for further information.
There is no advanced placement in the professional phase of the program, therefore, no credit for experiential learning in the professional phase. Students applying to Hofstra to complete prerequisite coursework may be eligible for transfer credit on the basis of nontraditionally acquired prior learning. Students may consult the Office of Prior Learning in the Hofstra College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean's Office for further information.
WITHDRAWAL POLICY
Students may withdraw from the PA program at any time except during the final examination period. This request must be made in writing to the program director. Upon receipt of a request for withdrawal prior to the end of the first week of classes, please consult the Hofstra University Class Schedule.
Students may withdraw from the PA program at any time except during the final examination period. This request must be made in writing to the program director. Upon receipt of a request for withdrawal prior to the end of the first week of classes, please consult the Hofstra University Class Schedule.