MS Physician Assistant Studies

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 in order that they may become competent, compassionate, high quality healthcare providers.  

Goals and Outcomes

Evidence of Meeting The Goals

Goal 1: Medical Knowledge: The LIU PA Program strives to prepare students and graduates to be knowledgeable, clinically competent providers of high quality medical and surgical care via the completion of a rigorous 28-month curriculum.

Benchmark 1: Graduates are expected to meet or exceed the national mean for first time pass rate on the PANCE

Benchmark 2: Clinical preceptors of second year students are expected to score clinical year students as above average or excellent in their medical fund of knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Goal 2: Community Service: The LIU PA Program encourages PA students to serve the community and to embrace compassionate service as a fundamental cornerstone of Physician Assistant practice.

Benchmark: PA students will participate in at least two PA-related community service experiences during the program.

Goal 3: Professionalism: Development of the PA Profession...

Benchmark 1: 100% of PA students will become members of an organization associated with the physician assistant profession (AAPA, NYSSPA)

Benchmark 2: 50% of students will participate in general events promoting the PA profession

Goal 4: Interprofessional Education...

Benchmark: 100% PA students will be provided with opportunities...

Goal 5: Employment and Career Satisfaction of New Graduates

Benchmark: The LIU PA Program’s goal is to have new graduates secure gainful employment...

Program Competencies

The program’s defined competencies are based on the Competencies for the Physician Assistant Profession as developed jointly by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), and the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA).

Student success in achieving program competencies is monitored throughout all phases of the program. This includes, but is not limited to, faculty and clinical preceptor evaluations using a variety of assessment tools such as multiple-choice examinations, collaborative group projects, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), reflection papers, and clinical performance evaluations.

Our graduates will demonstrate entry-level proficiency as PAs in the following program competencies:

Medical Knowledge

• Demonstrate core knowledge about established and evolving biomedical and clinical sciences and apply this knowledge to patient care
• Demonstrate an investigative and analytic thinking approach to clinical situations
• Understand, evaluate, and apply knowledge to common emergent and non-emergent medical, surgical, and behavioral scenarios:
  • History, physical findings, and diagnostic studies to formulate differential diagnoses
  • Management of general medical and surgical conditions, including pharmacologic and other treatment modalities
  • Interventions for prevention of disease and health promotion and maintenance

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills (verbal, nonverbal, written, and electronic) with patients, families, physicians, and other healthcare professionals
• Accurately document information for medical, legal, quality, and financial purposes

Patient Care

• Obtain accurate patient histories and perform comprehensive physical examinations
• Perform medical and surgical procedures common to primary care
• Provide healthcare services and education focused on disease prevention and health maintenance

Professionalism

• Demonstrate responsibility, ethical practice, and adherence to legal and regulatory standards
• Show sensitivity to diverse patient populations by recognizing and addressing socio-cultural, familial, psychological, economic, environmental, and spiritual factors affecting healthcare

Practice-Based Learning and Improvement

• Critically evaluate medical literature and apply evidence-based medicine and current practice guidelines to patient care

Systems-Based Practice

• Advocate for patients and support access to quality care within complex healthcare systems
• Demonstrate awareness of the broader healthcare system to balance quality, cost, and patient-centered care

Admissions Requirements

Initial application to the PA program must be made through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) by visiting https://caspa.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login. CASPA will collect and summarize all applicant data (application form, transcripts, and recommendations) and forward it to the Physician Assistant Program.

Admissions Requirements

Academics

• Obtain a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university no later than matriculation.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 (overall and science).
• Demonstrate acceptable academic performance.
• Complete all prerequisite coursework listed below.
• All prerequisite courses must be taken at an accredited institution with a grade of C or higher and completed prior to matriculation.
• One year (two courses) of general biology with laboratory (minimum 4 credits each)
• One year (two courses) of general chemistry with laboratory (minimum 4 credits each)
• One semester of human anatomy with laboratory (minimum 4 credits)
• One semester of human physiology (minimum 3 credits)
• One semester of microbiology (minimum 3 credits)
• One semester of statistics (minimum 3 credits)

All prerequisite coursework must be college-level (AP courses are not accepted). Courses completed more than 10 years prior to matriculation will not be accepted.

Direct Care Experience

Applicants must complete a minimum of 500 hours of direct patient care experience prior to matriculation, with at least 400 hours completed at the time of CASPA application submission.

Acceptable types of direct patient care experience include:

• Medical assistant
• Surgical technologist
• Licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN)
• Dental assistant or dental hygienist
• Certified nursing assistant (CNA)
• Home health aide
• Residential aide
• Emergency medical technician (EMT)
• Paramedic
• Physical therapist or physical therapy assistant/aide
• Occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant/aide
• Respiratory therapist
• Perfusionist
• Electrocardiographic (EKG) technician
• Phlebotomist
• Ophthalmologic technician
• Volunteer work involving direct patient care
• Shadowing a physician, physician assistant, or dentist
• Athletic trainer
• Scribe

The application to the Division of Physician Assistant Studies is evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
2. Science GPA of 3.0 or higher
3. Personal statement demonstrating motivation for becoming a physician assistant
4. Breadth and depth of patient care experience
5. Three satisfactory recommendations submitted through CASPA
6. Completion of prerequisite coursework within 10 years
7. Completion of the GRE by the CASPA deadline (January 15). No minimum score required. GRE Code: 2831

Interview recommendations are made by the Admissions Committee based on a holistic review of all application components. Candidates selected for interviews are evaluated using a standardized rubric that considers personal statements, academic performance, recommendations, and patient care experience.

During the interview, applicants are assessed on interpersonal skills, integrity, concern for others, and communication abilities.

Following interviews, the Admissions Committee reviews outcomes and communicates decisions via email within two weeks.

Applicants are reviewed holistically, considering academic performance, clinical experience, personal qualities, recommendations, and personal statements. The program does not offer advanced standing to any applicants, including those with prior medical or PA education or foreign medical graduates.

Accepted candidates must submit a $1,500 deposit to secure a seat in the incoming class.

Advanced Standing Policy

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

Technical Standards

Observation - The ability to observe is required for demonstrations, visual presentations in lectures and laboratories, laboratory evidence and microbiological cultures, microscopic studies of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathological states. A candidate must be able to observe patients accurately and completely, both closely and from a distance. Observation requires functional vision and somatic sensation and is enhanced by a sense of smell.

Communication - A candidate should be able to speak, hear and observe patients in order to elicit information, perceive non-verbal communications and describe changes in mood, activity and posture. The candidate must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients through speech, and through reading and writing. Communication in oral and written form with the health care team must be effective and efficient.

Motor - A candidate should have sufficient motor function to elicit information from patients by palpation, auscultation and percussion, as well as to carry out diagnostic maneuvers. A candidate should have motor function sufficient to execute movements reasonably required to provide general care and emergency treatment to patients. Such skills require coordination of gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium and sensation.

Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities - Problem solving is a critical skill demanded of physician assistants; this skill requires all of these abilities. The candidate must also be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships as well as the spatial relationship of structures.

Behavioral and Social Attributes - A candidate must have sufficient emotional health to fully use his or her intellectual ability, to exercise good judgment, to complete all responsibilities, and to attend to the diagnosis and care of patients. A candidate must be able to develop mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients and colleagues. A candidate must be able to tolerate physical and emotional stress and continue to function effectively. A candidate must possess qualities of adaptability, flexibility and be able to function in the face of uncertainty. He/she must have a high level of compassion for others, motivation to serve, integrity and a consciousness of social values. A candidate must possess sufficient interpersonal skills to interact positively with people from all levels of society, all ethnic backgrounds and all belief systems.

The administration of the Physician Assistant program recognizes its responsibility to present candidates who have the knowledge and skills to function in a broad variety of clinical situations and to render a wide spectrum of patient care. The responsibility for these technical standards is primarily placed on the Physician Assistant Admissions Committee to select entering Physician Assistant students who will be the candidates for the degree.

Health Requirements

All students entering or re-entering the M.S. degree in Physician Assistant Studies must complete and submit a Health Examinations/Vaccinations form located in the Forms & Documents section of the University's Admissions website, as well as the Division’s health forms. The Division’s health forms will be sent along with the package of materials that is mailed out once a student is accepted into the program and sends in the deposit to hold the seat. Additional health forms are required for entry into the clinical year of the Division’s curriculum.

Didactic Year Curriculum

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Summer Semester

TOTAL CREDITS: 40

Clinical Year Curriculum

Each clinical year student completes ten (10) clerkships of five (5) weeks in length. The faculty creates an individual rotation schedule for each clinical year student. The student must return to the LIU campus at the end of each clerkship for a two-day End-of-Rotation Meeting with the faculty.

Students must rotate in each of the following clerkships during the clinical year:

FALL, SPRING, SUMMER (3 courses per term)

FALL 2 (following the Clinical Year)

TOTAL: 46 Credits

Student Employment Policy

In compliance with the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA), PA program students must not be required to work for the PA program in any capacity and must not substitute for or function as instructional faculty. Students must notify the PA program immediately if they are put in such a position, or if they have any questions or other concerns regarding this policy.

Student employment is not recommended for the PA student due to its 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 of our clinical/field experience affiliates now require the completion of criminal background checks and/or drug testing for employees, volunteers and students affiliated with the site. Therefore, students may be asked to undergo a criminal background check, and/or a drug screen. A criminal conviction and/or the use of illegal drugs may impede or bar your entry into your chosen field of study. Students desiring entrance into the School of Health Professions should be aware that our clinical/field affiliates can reject or remove a student from the site if a criminal record is discovered or if a drug test is positive. In the event that a student is rejected from a clinical/field site due to information contained in the criminal background check, or drug screen, you may be unable to complete a required clinical/field experience. If you are unable to complete program requirements, you may be advised to withdraw from the program.

In addition, students seeking entrance into health and human service professions should be aware that the presence of a criminal record can result in the refusal of licensing/certification/registration agencies to issue the credential needed to practice in that field of study. Prospective students are urged to contact the pertinent state and/or federal licensing board to inquire whether a criminal record will have an impact on your eligibility to obtain licensure or certification.

Student Grievances

In a matter in which students feel that their rights have been violated, PA students may avail themselves of the following formal grievance procedure:

1. The student will notify their academic advisor in person or via electronic mail within ten (10) days of the event and include a written statement clearly describing the event and grievance.
2. The student will receive a response from their academic advisor within a reasonable amount of time. This will include a scheduled meeting. Following the meeting, the academic advisor will render a decision via electronic mail and overnight courier (Federal Express, UPS, or similar).
3. If the academic advisor is unavailable, the student will be notified via electronic mail and should contact the Program Director regarding the grievance.
4. If the student is not satisfied with the response, they may appeal to the Program Director within ten (10) days, including a written statement describing the grievance.
5. The Program Director will respond within a reasonable timeframe, schedule a meeting, and issue a decision via electronic mail and overnight courier.
6. If the student is not satisfied with the Program Director’s decision, they may appeal to the Appeals Committee of the Physician Assistant Program.

   This committee consists of the Program Director, Academic Coordinator, and Director of Clinical Education. Additional members may serve on an ad hoc basis if needed.

7. If the student is still not satisfied, they may appeal to the Associate Dean of the School of Health Professions. The Associate Dean will review the matter following the process below:

   Dean’s Office Appeal Process, School of Health Professions

   1. The student must first complete all PA departmental appeal processes, including appeals to the Academic Advisor, Program Director, and Appeals Committee.
   2. Appeals must be submitted in writing within ten (10) business days of receiving the PA Program’s decision and must include a completed Appeal Checklist.
   3. If necessary, the Associate Dean will appoint an ad hoc Appeal Board of three faculty members. One member will be from the originating program. The Dean will attend but not participate in discussion.
   4. A hearing will be scheduled as quickly as possible.
   5. At the hearing:
      • The hearing may be recorded
      • The student will present their appeal (up to 30 minutes)
      • The faculty member will present their case (up to 30 minutes)
      • Both parties will answer Board questions but will not debate each other
   6. After presentations:
      • The student and faculty will be excused
      • The Board will deliberate and make a recommendation to the Dean
   7. Within 24 hours, the Associate Dean will prepare a report including:
      • A summary of both presentations
      • A summary of Board discussions
      • A recommendation for the Dean
   8. The Dean will issue a decision based on the report and submitted materials. The student will be notified by certified mail. This typically occurs within 48 hours unless additional review is required.

Note: The foregoing procedure serves as the formal grievance process for all student grievances, including those involving alleged violations of applicable laws.

For university policies on appeals such as grade changes, course drop/add, military duty, or bereavement, visit:
https://www.liu.edu/enrollment-services/registration/policies

Tuition and Fees

LIU PA students and prospective students are encouraged to review tuition, fees, and related policies at the link below:

LIU Tuition and Fees Information

Projected Expenses for the PA Program

Tuition and fees listed below reflect current approved rates and are subject to change.

• Tuition per credit: $1,462
• Total credits: 86
• Program fees: $1,058 per semester (7 semesters) = $7,406

Exxat Fees

• Exxat APPROVE: $36/year = $72
• Exxat PRISM (one-time): $215

Didactic Phase

• 40 credits × $1,462 = $58,480
• Fees: $1,058 × 3 semesters = $3,174
• Subtotal: $61,654

Clinical Phase

• 46 credits × $1,462 = $67,252
• Fees: $1,058 × 4 semesters = $4,232
• Subtotal: $71,484

Total Tuition and Program Fees

• Tuition + Program Fees: $133,425
• Estimated additional expenses (per year): $3,733
• Total Tuition & Required Fees: $133,425
• Grand Total (estimated): $137,158

Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Does not include housing, transportation, or personal expenses.

Additional Estimated Expenses

(Estimates may vary by student)

• Textbooks, software, and supplies: $650
• Medical equipment: $700
• Laptop computer with service plan: $1,000
• Two short lab coats: $50
• Criminal background check: $132
• Drug screening: $76
• BCLS certification: $90
• ACLS certification: $270
• Infection control certificate: $35
• HIPAA training: $30
• AAPA student membership: $75
• NYSSPA student membership: $75
• PANCE exam registration: $550

Total Additional Expenses: $3,733

Grand Total Estimated Cost of Attendance

$137,158

Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Estimated costs do not include housing, transportation, or personal expenses.

Faculty and Staff

Amanda Kulesza, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C | Program Director | Assistant Professor | amanda.kulesza@liu.edu

Brittany O'Gara, MPAS, PA-C | Director of Didactic Education | Assistant Professor | brittany.ogara@liu.edu 

Lorraine Jamieson DMSc, MHA, PA-C  | Assistant Director of Clinical Education | lorraine.jamieson@liu.edu

Prem C. Chatpar, MD, FACR FACP |Medical Director|prem.chatpar@liu.edu

Sherry Shaker, MS, PA-C | Assistant Professor | sherry.shaker@liu.edu

Laura Goshko, MS, RPH | Assistant Professor | laura.goshko@liu.edu

Danielle Vitalo, DMSc, MATS, PA-C | Assistant Professor | danielle.vitalo@liu.edu

Ankita Dubey, MHSPA | Data Management Coordinator| Assistant Professor | ankita.dubey@liu.edu

Abraham Oxilas, MPAS, PA-C  | Admissions Coordinator| Assistant Professor | abraham.oxilas@liu.edu

Heidi Chang, MS, PA-C | Assistant Professor | heidi.chang@liu.edu

Michael Maldonado, BS | Fieldwork Coordinator & Data Analyst | michael.maldonado@liu.edu