Le Moyne College and The University of Scranton Sign Memorandum of Understanding for PA and DPT Programs and Other Collaborative Initiatives

Shown from left are Le Moyne Provost Jim Hannan, Le Moyne President Linda LeMura, Scranton President Joe Marina, S.J., and Scranton Interim Provost Michelle Maldonado.

Le Moyne College and The University of Scranton have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish new academic relationships and engage in other collaborative programs. Supplemental agreements also signed create new opportunities for each school to offer new undergraduate students interested in enrolling in the fall of 2023.

Under the innovative agreements, Le Moyne can enroll up to five qualified students with a guaranteed seat in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Scranton, and Scranton can likewise enroll up to five qualified students for direct entry into Le Moyne’s Physician’s Assistant (PA) program after graduation.

“This relationship will serve our students well and strengthen the work of both Le Moyne College and The University of Scranton in developing health care professionals who are so in need today,” said Le Moyne President Linda LeMura, Ph.D. “I’m proud to be working collaboratively with Scranton on this and look forward to how this initiative will be mutually beneficial to both institutions.”

“The MOU prudently leverages the existing resources and strengths of two sister Jesuit institutions that share a common mission of Catholic higher education,” said Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton. “The supplemental agreements already signed will provide access for our respective students to highly competitive, established programs in much-needed health professions. This is a win-win for our schools, our students and for the patients they will compassionately and competently care for in the future.”

The memorandum of understanding will allow the Jesuit institutions to collaborate in ways that leverage academic strengths, faculty expertise, resources and technology to enhance further the quality and breadth of programs offered to students. The agreement also encourages the exchange of faculty members, research scholars and students, and facilitates jointly organized conferences and other programs, among other items.

The direct entry pathway for the PA program at Le Moyne is open to up to five incoming University of Scranton students accepted into its class of 2027 who will major in biology, biochemistry, kinesiology, physiology neuroscience or biochemistry, cell and molecular biology. High school applicants must have a minimum cumulative average of 92 and have completed specific high school course requirements. They must also have 50 hours of documented shadowing or patient contact, among other requirements. During their matriculation at Scranton, students admitted to the PA Pathway Program must maintain a minimum overall G.P.A., and an overall cumulative science G.P.A. of 3.4 or higher; complete an additional minimum of 700 quality patient contact hours; remain in good moral and ethical standing, and meet other program requirements.

The pathway for the guaranteed seat in the DPT program at The University of Scranton is open to up to five incoming Le Moyne students accepted into its class of 2027 who will major in biology, biochemistry, or similar major that allows for completion of required prerequisite courses. High school applicants much have a minimum cumulative average of 92 and have completed specific high school course requirements. They must also meet other requirements. During their matriculation at Le Moyne, the students admitted to the DPT Pathway Program must maintain a minimum overall G.P.A., and an overall cumulative science G.P.A. of 3.2 or higher; and have verified 30 hours of direct observation of physical therapy patient care; remain in good moral and ethical standing, and meet other program requirements.

Le Moyne’s PA program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) and the Education Department of the State of New York. Scranton’s DPT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

For additional information about the direct entry pathway program for the PA program at Le Moyne for Scranton students, or the pathway program for a guaranteed seat in the DPT program at The University of Scranton for Le Moyne students, contact the Office of Admission at admission@lemoyne.edu or 315-445-4300.