Program Overview

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Introduction to the Physician Assistant Studies Program

The Physician Assistant Studies program at Long Island University is a 28-month professional program that prepares students to work in a wide variety of clinical settings. Physician assistants provide medical care to patients under the supervision of physicians and surgeons, performing tasks such as taking histories, conducting physical exams, ordering labs and diagnostic studies, making initial diagnoses, and formulating treatment plans.

Program Overview

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) and is a member of the Physician Assistant Education Association. The curriculum includes both didactic and clinical components, with students completing ten clinical rotations in different specialty areas during the clinical year.

Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the program, applicants must:

• Obtain a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Complete prerequisite coursework, including:
  • One year of general biology with laboratory
  • One year of general chemistry with laboratory
  • One semester of human anatomy with laboratory
  • One semester of human physiology
  • One semester of microbiology
  • One semester of statistics
• Complete a minimum of 500 hours of direct patient care experience
• Submit a personal statement and three satisfactory recommendations
• Complete the GRE by the application deadline

Program Competencies

The program's defined competencies are based on the Competencies for the Physician Assistant Profession, developed jointly by the National Commission on Accreditation of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), the Accreditation Review Commission for Education of the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), and the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). Graduates will demonstrate entry-level proficiency in:

• Medical knowledge
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Patient care
• Professionalism
• Practice-based learning and improvement
• Systems-based practice

Curriculum

The curriculum includes:

Didactic Year

• MS 500 Anatomy
• MS 501 Physiology and Pathophysiology
• MS 502A Pharmacology I
• MS 504A Clinical Medicine I
• MS 503A Art & Science of Medicine I
• MS 505 Psychosocial Aspects of Medicine
• MS 506 Pathology
• MS 507 Role Socialization
• MS 508A Research Methods I
• MS 509 Preventive Medicine
• MS 510 Clinical Laboratory Science
• MS 511 Introduction to Medical Literature
• MS 512 Medical Informatics
• MS 513 Surgery
• MS 514 Emergency Medicine

Clinical Year

• MS 601 Internal Medicine
• MS 602 Surgery
• MS 603 Pediatrics
• MS 604 Family Medicine
• MS 605 Emergency Medicine
• MS 606 Obstretrics & Gynecology
• MS 607 Behavioral Medicine
• MS 608 Internal Medicine Elective
• MS 609 Surgical Elective
• MS 610 Clinical Elective
• MS 611 Clinical Seminar I
• MS 612 Clinical Seminar II
• MS 613 Clinical Seminar III
• MS 614 Summative Evaluation
• MS 615 Capstone Project

Tuition and Fees

The projected expenses for the PA program are:

• Tuition per credit: $1,405
• Number of credits in the curriculum: 86
• Fees: $1,017 per semester (x 7 semesters)
• Total tuition and fees: $127,949
• Additional expenses (textbooks, software, medical equipment, etc.): $3,733
• Grand total for all expenses: $131,682

Faculty and Staff

The program is led by:

• Amanda Kulesza, MPAS, PA-C, Program Director and Assistant Professor
• Brittany O'Gara, MPAS, PA-C, Director of Didactic Education and Assistant Professor
• Camille Kiefer, PA-C, Director of Clinical Education
• Lorraine Jamieson, DMSc, MHA, PA-C, Assistant Director of Clinical Education
• Prem C. Chatpar, MD, FACR FACP, Medical Director

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). The program's accreditation status is Accreditation-Probation, with the next review scheduled for June 2027.

Mission

The Division of Physician Assistant Studies supports Long Island University's mission through the education of men and women of all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds in the art and science of medicine, to become competent, compassionate, high-quality healthcare providers.

Goals and Outcomes

The program has five goals:

1. Medical Knowledge: Graduates will demonstrate knowledge of established and evolving biomedical and clinical sciences.
2. Community Service: PA students will participate in at least two PA-related community service experiences during the program.
3. Professionalism: Graduates will demonstrate a high level of responsibility, ethical practice, and adherence to legal and regulatory requirements.
4. Interprofessional Education: PA students will participate in at least two interdisciplinary patient care experiences during the program.
5. Employment and Career Satisfaction: New graduates will secure gainful employment within 8 months of graduation and will be satisfied with their careers as Physician Assistants.

Student Employment Policy

Student employment is not recommended for PA students due to the rigorous curriculum. However, any student engaging in gainful employment during their time at the PA Program must notify the Program Director.

Background Checks and Drug Testing

Many clinical affiliates require background checks and/or drug testing for employees, volunteers, and students. Students may be asked to undergo a criminal background check and/or a drug screen.

Student Grievances

The program has a formal grievance procedure for resolving student complaints. Students may appeal decisions to the Program Director, the Appeals Committee, or the Associate Dean of the School of Health Professions.

Health Requirements

All students entering or re-entering the MS degree in Physician Assistant Studies must complete and submit a Health Examinations/Vaccinations form and the Division's health forms.

Technical Standards

The program has technical standards that students must meet to participate in the program, including:

• Observation
• Communication
• Motor
• Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities
• Behavioral and Social Attributes

Advanced Standing Policy

The Division of Physician Assistant Studies does not offer advanced standing to any applicants, including those with prior experience as a medical student or physician assistant student, or foreign medical graduates.