Graduate Program
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (NYC)
The Pace University - Lenox Hill Hospital Physician Assistant Program is a rigorous master of science program that fully integrates the educational components of the two institutions. Prior to admission you must have completed a bachelor's degree and meet admission criteria. Upon successful completion of the Program, students are awarded a master of science in physician assistant studies (MSPAS) degree from Pace University and a certificate of completion from Lenox Hill Hospital. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).
Didactic Phase
In the didactic phase students integrate courses in basic science, clinical medicine, behavioral medicine and pharmacology to provide a comprehensive approach to patient care. Clinical anatomy is also offered to the students, with a cadaver lab experience conducted at NYU Medical Center. Students also have opportunities to practice their examination techniques on patients at Lenox Hill Hospital.
Clinical Phase
During the clinical phase students rotate through 9 five-week clerkships: Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Ob/Gyn, Psychiatry, Emergency Medicine, Primary Care, Surgery, Long Term Care and a Free Elective. The Program has a number of clinical affiliations throughout the metropolitan area at which the students complete their clerkships. The clinical phase is designed to help the students apply skills learned during the didactic phase.
The Importance of Accreditation
Our accredited program is offered jointly with Manhattan’s Lenox Hill Hospital, giving you the chance to provide real-life patient care under the supervision of a physician. Program course offerings, laboratory experiences and clerkships comply with the requirements of the New York State Department of Education and the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). The Pace University-Lenox Hill Physician Assistant Program is fully accredited by ARC-PA and is a member of the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA). Only graduates of an accredited program are eligible for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) prepared by and administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) in conjunction with the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME).
As part of the licensing process in most states, including New York, the successful completion of an accredited program as well as passage of the PANCE are required to practice. Specific information regarding the licensing process can be obtained by contacting the licensing authority in the state in which you intend to practice.
