Career Description

The Physician Assistant (PA) is a health professional licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. Physician assistants are qualified by graduation from an accredited physician assistant

training program and by certification of the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Within the collaborative physician/PA relationship, physician assistants exercise autonomy in medical decision-making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. The clinical role of physician assistants includes primary and specialty care, in medical and surgical settings, in rural and urban areas. Physician Assistant practice is centered on patient care and may include educational, research and administrative activities.

The PA elicits medical histories, performs complete physical examinations, performs and interprets various diagnostic tests and formulates diagnosis and treatment plans. The physician assistant functions within the scope of practice of the supervising physician and within the level of experience and training achieved. An important component of PA practice is patient counseling and patient education. Physician assistants practice in varied settings, including private medical offices, hospitals, clinics and community health centers.

Physician assistants practicing in New York State may write prescriptions for medications, including certain classes of controlled substances. Physician assistants provide services in various medical and surgical disciplines including family practice, pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, geriatrics and emergency medicine.

The physician assistant role requires the application of intelligence, compassion, sound judgment, critical reasoning, dedication to patients, and good interpersonal skills.

Accreditation and Credentials

1. The Physician Assistant Program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
2. The Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies is conferred when the Physician Assistant Program requirements are fulfilled, including successful completion of all Physician Assistant Major Discipline requirements, in addition to York College’s General Education Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree
3. Certification: Upon completion of all requirements and approval by the PA program, the graduate is permitted to sit for the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants examination.
4. Licensure: Upon completion of all requirements, the graduate is permitted to apply to New York State for limited permit licensure as a physician assistant. The PA can apply for a full license upon taking and passing the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) examination.

Eligibility for Screening into the Physician Assistant Program

Completion of 73 college credits (Transfer Students must have all prerequisite courses completed)

Overall Grade Point Average 2.7 minimum (Pending college administration approval, the minimum overall grade point average will be 2.9 for students applying for Fall 2011).

Science Grade Point Average 2.7 minimum (Pending college administration approval, the minimum science grade point average will be 2.9 for students applying for Fall 2011). 

Plan for completion of all York College general education and pre-major course requirements prior to enrollment:

• Biology 201 - Biological Principles I, lecture and lab
• Biology 202 - Biological Principles II, lecture and lab 
• Chemistry 101 - Chemical Principles I, lecture and lab
• Chemistry 102 - Chemical Principles II, lecture and lab
• Chemistry 231- Chemical Principles I or 230 and 235 - Essential of Organical Chemistry, lecture and lab
• Biology 234 - Anatomy and Physiology I, lecture and lab
• Biology 235 - Anatomy and Physiology II, lecture and lab
• Mathematics 111 - Introduction to Statistics and Probability
• Psychology 102 - Introductory Psychology
• Sociology 101 - Introduction to Sociology
• Philosophy 103 - Introduction to Knowledge and Value (preferred) or Philosophy 102 or 121
• Health Professions GC 101 - Basic Concepts of Health Professions
• Writing 303 - Research and Writing for Professional Programs
• All York College General Education Requirements, including Fine & Performing Arts (3 credits) and 2 Writing Intensive (WI) Courses (the 3rd WI course required for graduation is a component of the PA Program Course work)

General education requirements waiver may be applicable if possessing a degree. This determination is made by the York College Registrar.

Completion of at least 100 hours of health care experience to apply. Documentation of at least 200 hours is required for all students prior to starting the Physician Assistant Program.

Screening Procedure for Physician Assistant Program

1. Students who are eligible (see Eligibility for Screening into Physician Assistant Program) should apply.
2. Submission includes:
• Proof of Acceptance to York College for transfer students
• Transcripts for transfer students
• Three letters of reference
• Documentation of at least 100 hours of health care experience (Documentation of 200 hours is required for admission)
• Completed Physician Assistant Program Application
• Typed personal statement
3. Selected students will be invited for an interview
   

Acceptance into the Physician Assistant Program

Approval by the Physician Assistant Program Admissions Committee. This committee bases its recommendations on the following screening criteria;

1. Physician Assistant Program Application and three letters of reference
2. Interview
3. Grade point average and appropriate courses.

Applicants are not considered accepted into the program until they receive a letter of acceptance from the director of the Physician Assistant Program.

Outside Employment Policy

Applicants to the Physician Assistant Program must assess their ability to pay tuition, equipment expenses, book expenses, travel expenses and other living expenses for themselves and their dependents for the full two years of the program. The program is rigorous, and outside employment is strongly discouraged while attending the PA Program.

Outside Employment Policy

Applicants to the Physician Assistant Program must assess their ability to pay tuition, equipment expenses, book expenses, travel expenses and other living expenses for themselves and their dependents for the full two years of the program. The program is rigorous, and outside employment is strongly discouraged while attending the PA Program.

Promotion and Retention

1. Completion of courses in specific sequence, good academic & professional stranding in the College and in the Physician Assistant Program is required for promotion and graduation.
2. Retention is based on good academic standing as defined in the PA Program Student Handbook, matriculation at York College and continuing review by the Physician Assistant Program Academic Standing Committee.

Tuition and Fees

PA Program Tuition & Fees are equivalent to the Undergraduate Tuition & Fee schedule. Additional expenses specific to the Physician Assistant Program include books, supplies, equipment, travel, professional liability and memberships, field trips and other fees (totals approximate):

• First Semester: $750
• Second and Third Semester: $500
• Clinical Semesters: $250/semester

Financial Aid

In addition to the sources of financial aid available to all college students, there are some sources available specifically for students enrolled in Physician Assistant Programs. Information is available at the Physician Assistant office as early as possible. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Physician Assistant Program Affiliations

• Queens Hospital Center, Jamaica, NY
• St. Albans Veteran Administration Hospital, St. Albans, NY
• New York Hospital Queens, Flushing, NY
• Woodhull Hospital, Brooklyn, NY
• Damian Family Practice, Queens & Bronx, NY
• The Floating Hospital, Queens & Brooklyn, NY
• MS Family Medicine, Rosedale, NY
• Lowell Metabolic Health and Longevity Center, Great Neck, NY

Physician Assistant National Certification Examination Results:

• Class of 2006: Of the 16 graduates who took the examination, 10 passed on the first attempt, resulting in a first time pass rate of 63%
• Class of 2007: Of the 15 graduates who took the examination, 14 passed on the first attempt, resulting in a first time pass rate of 93%.
• Class of 2008: Of the 17 graduates who took the examination, 15 passed on the first attempt, resulting in a first time pass rate of 88%