Physician Assistant Studies Admission Information
The Heights is home to Le Moyne’s competitive and well-known physician assistant studies graduate program. As you consider your next step, review our admissions requirements and learn what it could be like to pursue your master’s degree on the Heights.
Le Moyne's Graduate PA Admission Requirements
Complete your application via the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) and review the requirements below.
Complete your application via the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) and review the requirements below.
You must have completed a BA/BS degree from an accredited institution at the time of the program start as well as prerequisite courses and have a cumulative, science and prerequisite G.P.A. of at least 3.2. In addition, you’ll need:
- Documentation of quality and quantity of healthcare experience
- Three letters of recommendation
- Successful interview by invitation only
In addition to the completion of the CASPA application, applicants will be required to submit their college transcript(s) to CASPA along with three letters of recommendation – one academic recommendation, one clinical/professional recommendation & one other academic or clinical recommendation. The clinical recommendation letter does not need to be from a current Physician Assistant.
You must have completed a BA/BS degree from an accredited institution at the time of the program start as well as prerequisite courses and have a cumulative, science and prerequisite G.P.A. of at least 3.2. In addition, you’ll need:
- Documentation of quality and quantity of healthcare experience
- Three letters of recommendation
- Successful interview by invitation only
In addition to the completion of the CASPA application, applicants will be required to submit their college transcript(s) to CASPA along with three letters of recommendation – one academic recommendation, one clinical/professional recommendation & one other academic or clinical recommendation. The clinical recommendation letter does not need to be from a current Physician Assistant.
Competitive applicants will have no more than two outstanding prerequisite courses (including courses in progress) at the time of application. A planning worksheet with detailed course recommendations can be found here. Required prerequisite courses include:
- General Biology I and II (with labs)
- General Chemistry I and II (with labs)
- Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry
- Four Upper-Level Biology Courses (at least two must include a lab and have been taken within the last five years.)
- Two courses in Quantitative Content (Physics I, Statistics I and/or Calculus I (or higher) in any combination)
- English Composition or Technical Writing
- Two Courses in Social Sciences (psychology, anthropology or sociology in any combination)
Competitive applicants will have no more than two outstanding prerequisite courses (including courses in progress) at the time of application. A planning worksheet with detailed course recommendations can be found here. Required prerequisite courses include:
- General Biology I and II (with labs)
- General Chemistry I and II (with labs)
- Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry
- Four Upper-Level Biology Courses (at least two must include a lab and have been taken within the last five years.)
- Two courses in Quantitative Content (Physics I, Statistics I and/or Calculus I (or higher) in any combination)
- English Composition or Technical Writing
- Two Courses in Social Sciences (psychology, anthropology or sociology in any combination)
You’ll need at least 750 hours of quality direct patient contact experience to begin the PA program. Competitive applicants will have this amount (or close to it) when you apply – paid or volunteer.
- The quality and number of hours are weighed when considering an application. The more “hands-on” activities, the higher the quality, and the fewer “hands-on” activities, the lower the quality, but they are still important to include in your application.
It’s extremely important to provide a detailed description of your responsibilities on your CASPA application to ensure that you are given appropriate credit. Here’s a Guide for Patient Care Experiences. This resource provides approximate quality values intended as a guide only.
You’ll need at least 750 hours of quality direct patient contact experience to begin the PA program. Competitive applicants will have this amount (or close to it) when you apply – paid or volunteer.
- The quality and number of hours are weighed when considering an application. The more “hands-on” activities, the higher the quality, and the fewer “hands-on” activities, the lower the quality, but they are still important to include in your application.
It’s extremely important to provide a detailed description of your responsibilities on your CASPA application to ensure that you are given appropriate credit. Here’s a Guide for Patient Care Experiences. This resource provides approximate quality values intended as a guide only.
In addition to the requirements stated above, international applicants also need to submit a transcript evaluation from a member organization of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). A TOEFL, Duolingo or IELTS score is required for non-native English-speaking applicants.
In addition to the requirements stated above, international applicants also need to submit a transcript evaluation from a member organization of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). A TOEFL, Duolingo or IELTS score is required for non-native English-speaking applicants.
The PA admission process is competitive, so you’re highly encouraged to attend a virtual information session if you’re considering an application.
Application Overview
Yes. High school students have the opportunity to apply to a 3+2 or 4+2 Direct Entry pathway coming out of high school. This offers an opportunity for early provisional acceptance to the graduate program. Accepted students will complete a Bachelor of Science program in Biological Sciences/Master of Science Program in Physician Assistant Studies, provided that they maintain (or exceed) an overall grade point average/overall science grade point average (as defined by CASPA) of a 3.40. They will also have to meet the requirement of 750 hours of direct patient contact. Click here to learn more about the requirements for the Direct Entry PA program.
Yes. High school students have the opportunity to apply to a 3+2 or 4+2 Direct Entry pathway coming out of high school. This offers an opportunity for early provisional acceptance to the graduate program. Accepted students will complete a Bachelor of Science program in Biological Sciences/Master of Science Program in Physician Assistant Studies, provided that they maintain (or exceed) an overall grade point average/overall science grade point average (as defined by CASPA) of a 3.40. They will also have to meet the requirement of 750 hours of direct patient contact. Click here to learn more about the requirements for the Direct Entry PA program.
No. Le Moyne does not require an entrance exam score (ex. GRE, PA-CAT, etc.) as part of the application process. Le Moyne also does not require a supplemental application as part of the application process.
No. Le Moyne does not require an entrance exam score (ex. GRE, PA-CAT, etc.) as part of the application process. Le Moyne also does not require a supplemental application as part of the application process.
CASPA will allow for a student to submit results from various entrance exams (ex. GRE, PA-CAT, etc.) as part of their application, but we do not consider them as part of our holistic application review process.
CASPA will allow for a student to submit results from various entrance exams (ex. GRE, PA-CAT, etc.) as part of their application, but we do not consider them as part of our holistic application review process.
Yes. We absolutely consider and encourage international applicants to our program. Students should consider appropriate funding sources as international applicants may not qualify for traditional student loans via FAFSA.
How are international or foreign transcripts evaluated?
- Foreign transcripts need to be evaluated by an appropriate evaluating service and then submitted as part of your CASPA application for consideration. Le Moyne recommends the use of a NACES accredited evaluation service and CASPA also provides some recommendations. Le Moyne requires a course-by-course evaluation to be considered for our program.
- Canadian transcripts are reviewed by CASPA. English-Canadian transcripts and French-Canadian transcripts have different requirements. Please contact CASPA directly for guidance.
Yes. We absolutely consider and encourage international applicants to our program. Students should consider appropriate funding sources as international applicants may not qualify for traditional student loans via FAFSA.
How are international or foreign transcripts evaluated?
- Foreign transcripts need to be evaluated by an appropriate evaluating service and then submitted as part of your CASPA application for consideration. Le Moyne recommends the use of a NACES accredited evaluation service and CASPA also provides some recommendations. Le Moyne requires a course-by-course evaluation to be considered for our program.
- Canadian transcripts are reviewed by CASPA. English-Canadian transcripts and French-Canadian transcripts have different requirements. Please contact CASPA directly for guidance.
On average, 75 students will enroll as first-year graduate students in the PA program. Of the 75 spots in the program, about 15 (est.) of those are reserved for our Direct Entry students and participants in the Veteran-Bridge program.
On average, 75 students will enroll as first-year graduate students in the PA program. Of the 75 spots in the program, about 15 (est.) of those are reserved for our Direct Entry students and participants in the Veteran-Bridge program.
Applicants that submit a completed and verified application by the application deadline, will be sent a confirmation email shortly thereafter to confirm that we have received all required documents. This email will also provide instructions on how to make a one-time update to your Le Moyne application prior to the advertised application deadline of October 1st.
Applicants that submit a completed and verified application by the application deadline, will be sent a confirmation email shortly thereafter to confirm that we have received all required documents. This email will also provide instructions on how to make a one-time update to your Le Moyne application prior to the advertised application deadline of October 1st.
A timeline for each application cycle is posted on the admission information webpage and is updated as details are available for each individual application cycle.
Applicants invited for an interview will be provided with additional information in preparation for their interview.
All communication regarding admission decisions and interview invitations is sent via email to the account provided in CASPA by the applicant.
A timeline for each application cycle is posted on the admission information webpage and is updated as details are available for each individual application cycle.
Applicants invited for an interview will be provided with additional information in preparation for their interview.
All communication regarding admission decisions and interview invitations is sent via email to the account provided in CASPA by the applicant.
Academic Requirements
No. There is not a specific major requirement for consideration for the program. We will do an extensive review of all coursework completed and verified by CASPA as part of our review process to ensure that all academic prerequisites have been satisfied. Whenever possible, we encourage applicants to complete all prerequisites in a rigorous course of study, ideally housed within a science major.
No. There is not a specific major requirement for consideration for the program. We will do an extensive review of all coursework completed and verified by CASPA as part of our review process to ensure that all academic prerequisites have been satisfied. Whenever possible, we encourage applicants to complete all prerequisites in a rigorous course of study, ideally housed within a science major.
Click here to see an overview of admission requirements and prerequisite coursework for the PA program at Le Moyne College.
Click here to see an overview of admission requirements and prerequisite coursework for the PA program at Le Moyne College.
An applicant could be considered competitive with no more than two academic prerequisite courses remaining (or in process of completion) at the time of application (October 1). An applicant should also have completed a minimum of 750 hours of direct patient care experiences at the time of application (October 1). You can view a guide for how patient care experiences are evaluated in terms of quality by clicking here.
An applicant could be considered competitive with no more than two academic prerequisite courses remaining (or in process of completion) at the time of application (October 1). An applicant should also have completed a minimum of 750 hours of direct patient care experiences at the time of application (October 1). You can view a guide for how patient care experiences are evaluated in terms of quality by clicking here.
The Le Moyne College PA Program does not grant advanced placement, give credit for required PAS courses, or accept transfer of credit for PA courses. Previous health care experience is required, but no credit for PAS courses is granted for that experience.
The Le Moyne College PA Program does not grant advanced placement, give credit for required PAS courses, or accept transfer of credit for PA courses. Previous health care experience is required, but no credit for PAS courses is granted for that experience.
Le Moyne can accept AP credit for prerequisite credit as long as the credit earned is clearly noted on your previous college transcript(s) as having been accepted by that institution. This credit would have to count towards a specific content area or if a score report from the College Board is provided (upon our request). We commonly see AP credit being applied to Introductory Biology, English Composition or Social Science requirements. For example, credit for AP English is often reflected as an English Composition course on a college transcript.
Le Moyne can accept AP credit for prerequisite credit as long as the credit earned is clearly noted on your previous college transcript(s) as having been accepted by that institution. This credit would have to count towards a specific content area or if a score report from the College Board is provided (upon our request). We commonly see AP credit being applied to Introductory Biology, English Composition or Social Science requirements. For example, credit for AP English is often reflected as an English Composition course on a college transcript.
Upper level Biology coursework, must be at the 200-level (or higher) to indicate an advanced/upper-level curriculum and should have a Biology course coding such as: BIO, BIOL or BI. Coursework in other science categories (ex. Nursing, Kinesiology, Radiology, Exercise Science, etc.) are not considered to be as competitive.
Upper level Biology coursework, must be at the 200-level (or higher) to indicate an advanced/upper-level curriculum and should have a Biology course coding such as: BIO, BIOL or BI. Coursework in other science categories (ex. Nursing, Kinesiology, Radiology, Exercise Science, etc.) are not considered to be as competitive.
Le Moyne requires the four advanced-level Biology courses to have been completed within the last five years from the time of application. Minimally, two of these four courses must be accompanied by a lab component. For example, if you are applying for the Fall 2024 semester, then you would be submitting your application by October 1st, 2023. Therefore, the upper-level Biology courses would have to have been completed from 2017 to present. With the ever changing nature of healthcare, we implemented this requirement to ensure that applicants have the most up to date knowledge and experiences to best prepare them for the rigors of the program and the profession.
Prerequisites outside of the four advanced-level Biology courses do not have a time limit.
Le Moyne requires the four advanced-level Biology courses to have been completed within the last five years from the time of application. Minimally, two of these four courses must be accompanied by a lab component. For example, if you are applying for the Fall 2024 semester, then you would be submitting your application by October 1st, 2023. Therefore, the upper-level Biology courses would have to have been completed from 2017 to present. With the ever changing nature of healthcare, we implemented this requirement to ensure that applicants have the most up to date knowledge and experiences to best prepare them for the rigors of the program and the profession.
Prerequisites outside of the four advanced-level Biology courses do not have a time limit.
If no other advanced Biology courses are present, then we will accept a maximum of one course from the other sciences category toward this requirement. Courses considered for this requirement should come from our list of highly recommended/recommended subjects as indicated at the bottom of the prerequisite coursework form.
If no other advanced Biology courses are present, then we will accept a maximum of one course from the other sciences category toward this requirement. Courses considered for this requirement should come from our list of highly recommended/recommended subjects as indicated at the bottom of the prerequisite coursework form.
Although health related work experience is attractive to your application, professional experience(s) would not be able to take the place of prerequisite coursework or exempt an applicant from the 5 year time limit on the four advanced-Level Biology courses.
Although health related work experience is attractive to your application, professional experience(s) would not be able to take the place of prerequisite coursework or exempt an applicant from the 5 year time limit on the four advanced-Level Biology courses.
No. The five-year time limit only applies to the four required upper-level Biology courses. Therefore, the other prerequisite courses can be from any point of your academic record.
No. The five-year time limit only applies to the four required upper-level Biology courses. Therefore, the other prerequisite courses can be from any point of your academic record.
It is very common to receive applications from students who have attended institutions that do not use a traditional semester credit hour system (quarter credit, trimester credit, etc.).
In these scenarios, we will translate/equate your previous credit to semester hours during our application review process. This commonly involves accepting more than one course on your transcript in order to satisfy one prerequisite course. There are many tools available online that you can use in order to translate your credits to semester credit hours to assist in the process of applying to our program.
It is very common to receive applications from students who have attended institutions that do not use a traditional semester credit hour system (quarter credit, trimester credit, etc.).
In these scenarios, we will translate/equate your previous credit to semester hours during our application review process. This commonly involves accepting more than one course on your transcript in order to satisfy one prerequisite course. There are many tools available online that you can use in order to translate your credits to semester credit hours to assist in the process of applying to our program.
Important Dates for PA Admission
Late-April Applications open via CASPA.
October 1 Applications must be submitted and verified to CASPA. Apply early to ensure your records can be reviewed by the College by this date – it can take time!
Mid-November Interview invitations are extended via email. Add “GradAdmission@lemoyne.edu” to your email contacts.
Late November / Early-December Admission interviews held virtually.
Mid-February or Sooner Final admission notifications are made via email.
Late-April Applications open via CASPA.
October 1 Applications must be submitted and verified to CASPA. Apply early to ensure your records can be reviewed by the College by this date – it can take time!
Mid-November Interview invitations are extended via email. Add “GradAdmission@lemoyne.edu” to your email contacts.
Late November / Early-December Admission interviews held virtually.
Mid-February or Sooner Final admission notifications are made via email.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
No. We are still requiring 750 hours of patient contact experience at the time of application. We understand that there have been some restrictions and limitations of certain experiences, but the pandemic has also provided new opportunities to gain patient contact experience(s) (i.e. COVID testing).
No. We are still requiring 750 hours of patient contact experience at the time of application. We understand that there have been some restrictions and limitations of certain experiences, but the pandemic has also provided new opportunities to gain patient contact experience(s) (i.e. COVID testing).
Yes. We will consider coursework that was forced to go online due to the pandemic as long as the course was completed through an accredited institution.
Yes. We will consider coursework that was forced to go online due to the pandemic as long as the course was completed through an accredited institution.
Direct-Entry Program
Are you a high school student interested in the Direct-Entry Program?
Veteran-Physician Assistant Bridge
Are you a Veteran interested in the Veteran-Physician Assistant Bridge?
Questions? Let’s get in touch.
Office of Graduate Admission
Admission decisions are based on numerous factors including an individual’s academic history, quality of healthcare experience, communication skills, professionalism and recommendations. A cohort of 75 students begins the program each August, which includes students from our direct-entry programs.
Le Moyne College welcomes applications from individuals with various backgrounds regardless of race, color, gender, creed, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or national or ethnic origin.
