Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies

Physician assistants play a pivotal role in modern healthcare, contributing significantly to team-based patient care. As integral members of healthcare teams, PAs enhance access to high-quality healthcare services for diverse populations and communities. They practice across a broad spectrum of clinical settings and specialties, ensuring comprehensive and personalized care for patients. Studying to be a physician assistant (PA) is a demanding educational experience that leads to an outstanding career. At Clarkson, you'll develop the professionalism, medical knowledge, and clinical skills needed to provide comprehensive care to diverse populations in a variety of clinical settings. The majority of your rotations will be one-on-one clinical experiences in hospitals actively recruiting PAs, with a significant focus on underserved areas. Our PA program features a small class size, fostering more individualized attention and support which contributes to a high graduation rate. Our faculty members bring diverse clinical backgrounds, complemented by local healthcare providers who serve as rotation sites and guest speakers. Clinical training sites span across St. Lawrence and surrounding counties, as well as distant locations.

Clarkson University’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program spans a rigorous 28-month, full-time curriculum. Recognizing the vital role of physician assistants in today’s team-based healthcare environment, our program prepares graduates to enhance access to quality care across diverse clinical settings and specialties. Committed to diversity and excellence, we welcome applicants who demonstrate not only intellectual capacity and professional potential, but also personal maturity, outstanding communication, and interpersonal skills. Our holistic admissions process ensures a comprehensive evaluation of each candidate’s qualifications. Gaining admission to our program is competitive, reflecting our commitment to excellence. We assess candidates based on a broad spectrum of criteria to understand their readiness and potential for success in the physician assistant field. These criteria include overall GPA and prerequisite GPA, direct patient care experience, quality of narratives, and letters of reference. Our faculty value individuals who are not only academically equipped but also deeply committed to the health and well-being of their communities. Following a comprehensive application review, only the most qualified candidates are invited for a virtual interview with our esteemed faculty, dedicated staff, and accomplished alumni. Additionally, prospective students will have an opportunity to meet with current students during the interview process. Admission to the program is extended to the most exceptional candidates. Applicants must meet the following minimum criteria for consideration for admission into the Clarkson University Physician Assistant Program. Interested students must possess, at a minimum: An overall GPA and an overall science GPA of at least 3.0 (includes all undergraduate and graduate coursework). A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited US or Canadian institution of higher education with a cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 or higher. Students may apply while their degree is in progress; however, degree completion and final transcripts are required prior to enrollment into the PA Program. A Bachelor’s degree from an institution outside of the US and Canada: Candidates must send their transcripts to one of the member organizations associated with the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) for translation and submit the results to CASPA. No exceptions will be made and application review will not be completed until verification from CASPA.