Physician Assistant Studies

Physician Assistant Postbaccalaureate MS Applicants

Postbaccalaureate students complete the professional phase of the program only. The professional curriculum is divided into 3 semesters of didactic instruction, 3 semesters of clinical clerkships, and 1 semester of research for a total of two and a half years of study. The didactic phase of the program uses a vertically and horizontally integrated approach and centers around components of medicine. For example, students learning about cardiology in the medicine course will be learning about cardiac-related drugs in the pharmacology course, and the cardiac physical examination in the physical diagnosis course. To best match multiple learning styles, instruction is provided using a multimodal approach. Examples include case-based learning, use of simulation, use of standardized patients (actors), hands-on practice sessions for procedural and physical examination skills, use of cadavers for anatomy instruction and procedure skills, and the traditional lecture format. During the clinical year of the program, students complete approximately 2,000 hours of clinical training. Clerkship assignments are completed at affiliated hospitals, private physicians' offices, and community clinics that offer training in various medical disciplines and provide the opportunity for exposure to a wide variety of patient populations.

During the last semester of the program, students will take a condensed series of graduate research methodology coursework. They will then conduct an original research project with classmates related to improving clinical practice and the health of patients; projects are developed using partnerships within Hofstra University, the surrounding community, and the Northwell Health system. The research semester culminates in a master's thesis and professional poster presentation.

The following information applies to postbaccalaureate students seeking entrance into the fall 2021 cohort and beyond. These requirements will be reflected in the 2021-2022 Graduate Studies Bulletin.

  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.30;
  • Cumulative science GPA of 3.30;
  • Complete all prerequisite coursework;
  • Personal essay;
  • Two letters of recommendation;
  • A minimum of 50 hours of health care experience
  • Successful completion of a background check without any convictions;

  • International students must take the TOEFL exam and pass with a minimum score of:

    • Internet-based test: 80
    • Computer-based test: 213
    • Paper-based test: 550
    • The TOEFL is required if your native language is not English. However, the TOEFL requirements will be waived if you can prove that you earned your bachelor's degree in a university/college in the United States or one of the following countries: Anguilla, Antigua, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada (except Quebec/Montreal), Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Greenland, Guyana, Jamaica, Liberia, New Zealand, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, South Africa, Tobago, Trinidad, Turks and Caicos Islands, United Kingdom, and U.S. Virgin Islands.

    *Please do not submit healthcare documentation during the application process. This information is required from accepted students only.

    Please see our FAQ page

All prerequisite courses must be completed before matriculation into the physician assistant program. It is necessary to indicate courses in progress or planned on the CASPA application. An applicant may apply with a maximum of two prerequisites planned or in-progress.

The following information applies to postbaccalaureate students seeking entrance into the fall 2023 cohort. These requirements will be reflected in the 2023-2024 Graduate Studies Bulletin.

  • General Biology (with laboratory): 8 s.h.
  • General Chemistry (with laboratory): 8 s.h.
  • Human Physiology: 4 s.h.
  • Human Anatomy: 4 s.h.
  • Biochemistry: 3 s.h. or Organic Chemistry: 4 s.h.
  • Statistics: 3 s.h.
  • Microbiology: 4 s.h.
  • Genetics or cell biology or another upper level biology 3-4 s.h.

Please note the following conditions:

  • Anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and biochemistry or organic chemistry must be taken within the past five years of the start of the curriculum;
  • General biology and general chemistry may be waived in circumstances where more advanced biology and chemistry courses respectively, have been passed with a grade of B+ or better. The course(s) must be in addition to the prerequisite courses;
  • Completion of prerequisites at a U.S.-accredited four (4) year college or university is preferred;
  • Completion of prerequisites designated for science or pre-med majors is preferred.

Special Note:
General biology and general chemistry I and II should be 4 credits each with a laboratory component.
Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) I and II may be taken instead of separate anatomy and physiology courses. Both A&P I and A&P II must be taken.

Please see our FAQ page here, for more information.

Students must apply to the program in physician assistant studies through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). Applications are submitted to CASPA online. Please visit the CASPA site by clicking here. A university supplemental fee of $50 is required in addition to the CASPA fee. The deadline is AUGUST 1 for admission to the class beginning the subsequent September. Applicants must have their application verified (GPA calculated) by AUGUST 1. Applications must be completed (e-submitted, payment received, transcripts received, and two reference letters received) at least four weeks in advance of the deadline to ensure the application is verified on time. Admission to the PA program is granted on a rolling basis.

Please forward documents requested by CASPA to their offices. Verification documents, such as transcripts, references, and proof of health-related experience will not be accepted by the PA program until a seat is offered.

The above information applies to postbaccalaureate students seeking entrance into the fall 2021 cohort and beyond. These requirements will be reflected in the 2021-2022 Graduate Studies Bulletin.

PERSONAL ESSAY
The personal essay should include career goals, personality traits or specific experiences that have influenced your decision to become a physician assistant.

REFERENCE LETTERS
Two letters of reference are required.

INTERVIEW PROCESS
An interview is required for admission. Students possessing all requirements for entry into the program are not guaranteed an interview. The PA program is competitive and only the strongest applicants will be selected for a personal interview with the physician assistant studies program admission committee prior to acceptance into the program. Applicants should be aware that a minimum overall GPA of 3.30 and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 in science courses do not guarantee an interview or entry into the program.

For graduate students, please visit the Hofstra Graduate Bulletin for the most up-to-date curriculum information.