10 Best Physician Assistant Schools in New York in 2024

Are you in search of the best physician assistant schools in New York? Search no more; I got you covered.

New York is the fourth most populous state located in the Northeast of the U.S. of America, with a population of roughly 19,299,981. 

As the entertainment capital of the planet, the Big Apple is also known for its cultural blend, historic New York buildings, and credit, fielding many of the most effective PA schools that compete closely with others worldwide. 

Physicians’ role is essential within the health sector, and considering the workload, they can not handle all the tasks alone. 

That’s why there’s a requirement for physician assistants to produce treatment for patients by assisting doctors, surgeons, and other medical professionals with many styles of tasks. 

New York includes a few viable options for future P.A.s. 

With many colleges and universities within the N.Y. state, choosing PA schools can be frightening. 

If you’re an aspiring P.A. and attempting to find a faculty to send your application to, in this article, we compiled a list of the top 10 best physician assistant schools in New York.

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Are there PA Schools in New York? 

New York City is teeming with P.A. schools and is understood for being the middle of attraction alongside the steady increase in population, students inclusive. 

The Big Apple state needs the infrastructure to handle it. 

The options available to prospective P.A.s in the big apple are often quite overwhelming, so here’s an inventory to urge you to start and facilitate your reel in your options in no particular order. 

  • Clarkson University 
  • College Of Staten Island CUNY 
  • Daemen College 
  • Hofstra College 
  • Mercy College 
  • Cornell University 
  • New York Institute Of Technology
  • L.E. Moyne College 
  • Marist college 
  • Rochester Institute of Technology 
  • Albani Medical College 
  • Canisius College
  •  Long Island University
  •  Pace University 
  • St. John University 
  • St. Bonaventure University 
  • Touro College 
  • Wagner College 
  • D’youville College Pacific University

How Do I Get into PA Schools in New York? 

Like in every other state, there are requirements for admission into the tutorial system, and some schools have a more peculiar admission system. 

The accredited P.A. Schools in the big apple don’t require the GRE as a prerequisite for admissions. 

Although each school has peculiar admission requirements, this is often a general admission process guideline. 

Must be the age 21 or above 

International students whose linguistic communication isn’t English must take the TOEFL (Test of English as a far-off Language) Examination. 

IELTS 6.5 score is required. 

A CASPA cumulative undergraduate total GPA of 3.0 or above, likewise as a cumulative CUNY School of medication Physician Assistant Program prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or above. 

Letters of advice. 

Personal Statement. 

Any Two of the subsequent courses: 

  • Cell & biological science three credits 
  • Genetics 3 credits
  • Mammalian Physiology 3 credits 
  • Anatomy & Physiology I & II with laboratory (count joined course) 8 credits 
  • Biochemistry 3 credits 

How Long are PA Schools in New York? 

To be licensed as a P.A. in New York, a private person must graduate from an ARC-PA-accredited or New York State Department of Education-approved P.A. education program and pass the Physician Assistant National Certification.

Examination (PANCE). This takes around 2–3 years for completion, depending on the chosen program; on average, it takes about two years for those with a BSc.

Can Physician Assistants Practice Independently in New York?

No, a Physician Assistant can not work independently.

Reasons are a P.A.’s duties, including performing physicals, diagnosing, ordering and interpreting investigations, and formulating treatment plans. 

P.A.s also assist with surgeries and give detailed reports of a patient’s health progress; hence every Physician Assistant in New York is required to work under the supervision of a licensed Physician.

This licensed Physician is responsible for all HR medical services provided by the Physician Assistant.

What are the Best Physician Assistant Schools in New York? 

Finding the right school is the first step to realizing the dream of a lucrative and passionate career path.

What better place to start than New York City, known to welcome both international and domestic students, providing both with complete Physician Assistant educational experience?

Keep in mind that each of these schools carries its requirements for admission, so in no particular order, let’s get started.

Below are some of the best physician assistant schools in New York.

#1. College of Staten Island CUNY

The College of Staten Island Cuny is a public University founded in 1976. Their academic calendar follows a double semester pattern with summer and winter sessions. It takes about two years to complete a P.A. program. 

They do not discriminate between in-state or out-of-state students; having students from over 80 different countries, you would most likely receive a warm welcome.

With a total enrollment number of 12,797, The College of Staten Island Cuny is committed to providing top-notch teaching services.

Their PA program is divided into 2 phases: five semesters of clinical phase and four semesters of study. 

In the clinical phase, the students are often called on duty to stay overnight at clinical sites.

Admissions Requirements 

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school
  • The average GPA at the College of Staten Island is 2.99.
  • An Average SAT score of 1089 or an Average ACT score of 20.
  • Letters of Recommendations
  • Transcripts
  • 500 hours of healthcare experience

The College of Staten will occasionally admit students with a lower CGPA, but be careful not to have a lot of Ds and Fs.

Tuition Fee: $6,930 for In-state students, $14,880 for international students

Location: Staten Island, New York

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#2. Daemen College

Daemen College is a private university with a lot of history since its founding in 1947. It takes three years to complete a P.A. program.

They are also not discriminatory in their admission standards 

They also offer financial and personal support to their students to further prepare them for life and responsibility outside the school.

Their PA program is divided into dual stages the didactic phase, which is two academic years, and the clinical degree, which is the 3rd year of study.

The clinical phase is about nine months of clinical practice, all under close supervision.

Admission Requirements.

  • Two letters of recommendation
  • SAT score between 1060 and 1250 or an ACT score of 21 and 28.
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5.

Tuition Fee: $29,700 for in-state, $29,700 for international students

Location: Amherst, New York

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#3. Le Moyne College

Le Moyne College is a small, private nonprofit, four-year university in the suburbs; It takes an average of 2 years to complete a Physician Assistant program.

Furthermore, their P.A. program is divided into 2 phases- the didactic phase, two years, and the clinical stage, two years of study.

Admission Requirements

  • GPA of 3.49. Although the GPA requirement is necessary, it isn’t absolute. Students lacking can make it up with their SAT results.
  • SATs aren’t necessary for admission into the school; it simply increases your chances.
  • Only specific departments require the SAT or ACT.

Tuition Fee: $34,910 for in-state and international students

Location: Syracuse, NY 13214-1301

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#4. Long Island University

It’s a large, private nonprofit, four-year university in the suburbs founded in 1926.

It has two main campuses-LIU posts and LIU Brooklyn; it takes about two years to complete a P.A. program.

Furthermore, their P.A. program is divided into 2 phases – the didactic and clinical phases. In the didactic phase, prospective P.A.’s medical courses are mixed with weekly clinical experiences. Also, their clinical rotation takes about a year and two months.

Admissions Requirements

  • GPA of 2.50 minimum.
  • Application forms.
  • New student’s Application (high school students or applicants with lower than 24 credits).
  • Transfer Application 

Conditional Requirements

  • An official copy of TOEFL if English is not your native language.

Tuition Fee: $37,182 for in-state and international students

Location: Brookville, New York

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#5. Marist College

Marist College is a private university founded in 1905. The PA program takes 24 months to complete, and they have a highly non-discriminatory policy. 

Furthermore, their P.A. program is divided into 2 phases- the didactic phase (12 months) and the clinical phase (12 months) of study.

The Marist PA program students are taught leadership and communication skills essential in the medical field.

Admissions Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • A minimum of 3.0 GPA
  • GRE Scores
  • Letters of recommendations
  • Transcripts
  • 500 hours of healthcare experience

Tuition Fee: $100,800 for both residents and non-residents

Location: 3399 North Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

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#6. Mercy College

Mercy College is a private university founded in 1918. The institution’s P.A. program is comprehensive and intense, taking 28 months to complete.

Also, the mission of Mercy College is to educate P.A.s to provide quality, cost-effective, attainable health care, especially to underserved patients in the Tri-state area.

Mercy College is one of the few P.A. schools that do not require the GRE as an admission prerequisite. So, if you do not want to write the GRE, be sure to apply to this institution.

Admissions Requirement

  • A CASPA Application
  • Bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited college or university
  • A minimum of 3.0 GPA
  • Prerequisite Course work
  • Three letters of recommendations
  • Personal statements
  • 500 hours of healthcare experience

Tuition Fee: $97,560 for both local and international students

Location: 1200 glasses of water Place Bronx, NY 10461

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#7. Stony Brook University

Stony Brook is a large public university on Long Island, New York, stretching across 1,454 acres and 213 facilities. The School of Health Professions offers a Master of Science Physician Assistant degree program with an extensive Pre-Clinical Phase of Instruction, followed by a master’s project and a clinical rotation.

Stony Brook also features a Physician Assistant Post-Professional Masters Program for certified PAs with an online optionAlthough it doesn’t require GRE, its 24-month P.A. program is highly competitive.

Admissions requirements

  • A CASPA Application
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • 3.0 GPA and more
  • Prerequisite courses
  • Transcripts
  • TOEFL or iBT within two years before admission(for applicants whose native or first language is not English)
  • Criminal Background Checkup
  • Letters of recommendations
  • 500 hours of direct patient care

Tuition Fee: $59,089 for residents and $97,491 for non-residents

Location: 101 Nicolls Road, Health Sciences Center, NY 11794

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#8. Cornell University

Cornell University is one of the Ivy League institutions that was established in 1865. The university’s P.A. program is listed as one of the top 30 P.A. programs in the United States.

The MSHS PA Program commences in early March each year. The Cornell University PA Program offers students an opportunity to apply the foundations of medicine acquired in the classroom to patient care in various practice settings by utilizing abundant academic and clinical resources.

Furthermore, they develop highly competent and compassionate PAs with high research skills, which will be relevant in day-to-day activities.

Admissions Requirement

  • CASPA Application
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • 3.6 GPA minimum
  • GRE Scores
  • Letters of reference
  • TOEFL ( for applicants whose native language is not English)
  • Prerequisite coursework
  • 500 hours of healthcare experience
  • Interviews

Tuition Fee: $34,135 for both resident and non-resident students 

Location: 570 Lexington Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10022

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#9. St. John’s University – New York

St. John’s University has one of the best PA programs in New York. The 33-month intensive program encompasses class tool learning, clinical placements, leadership, and teamwork assessments.

Graduates of the P.A. program are some of the most acceptable physician assistants in the State. The university strives to ensure that its students are well-grounded with the necessary knowledge and skills needed in the medical field.

Admissions Requirement

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • 3.0 GPA minimum
  • Prerequisite coursework
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal statements 

Tuition Fee: $122,640 for both local and international students

Location: 175-05 Horace Harding Expressway Fresh Meadows, NY 11365

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#10. New York Institute of Technology

New York Institute of Technology is a private university founded in 1955. It has two main campuses, one in Old Westbury on Long Island and the other in Manhattan.

The PA program is a 30-month on-site training that comprises classroom learning, clinical placements, and rotations. The best instructors and licensed physicians in New York teach aspiring PAs.

The institution aims to provide educational opportunities for students to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to function as primary care physician assistants.

Admissions Requirements 

  • Bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited institution
  • A minimum of 3.0 GPA
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of Reference
  • Personal Statements

Tuition Fee: $129,360 for resident and non-resident students.

Location: 352 Northern Boulevard, P.O. Box 8000, Old Westbury, NY 11568-8000 

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You might also want to check out: The Best Physician Assistant PA Schools In Virginia.

What is the Easiest New York, PA Schools to Get into? 

According to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Physician Assistants (PA) in the states are likely to increase by 37% in the next ten (10) years, therefore, making the profession one of the fastest-growing career paths in the medical field.

All PA schools have admissions requirements, which often tend to be strict. Candidates who fail to have one of the prerequisites will not be considered for the school. This act has left prospective PAs in dismay.

However, there are P.A. schools in New York that have high acceptance rates and are easy to get into, either with a low GPA or the non-availability of specific prerequisites.

Let’s look at the most accessible P.A. schools to get into in New York City.

  • St John’s University
  • Albany Medical College
  • Touro College

How Much Does a Physician Assistant Make in New York?

The salary rates of a physician assistant usually vary as it is affected by certain factors such as location, experience, and industry( private or public). 

The average annual salary for a physician assistant is $121,700 in New York. Also, It ranges from $83,893 – $176,544.

The highest-paying cities for Physician Assistants in New York are 

1 Syracuse, NY

Average Salary: $201,597 per year

2. Queens, NY

Average Salary: $147,978 per year

3. Manhattan, NY

Average Salary: $128,828 per year

4. Brooklyn, NY

Average Salary: $123,788 per year

What are the Best Physician Assistant Programs in New York? 

Becoming a physician assistant is excellent for your financial benefit and overall job security. The U.S. News and World Report indicate that the physician assistant position is the third-best job in the United States.

According to Wallet’s hub data, New York is ranked 13th in the USA’s educational quality distribution. With such a ranking, New York is the right fit for your physician assistant career, as its P.A. schools will help train and equip you with the knowledge needed to excel.

Below is a list of the best physician assistant schools in New York.

  1. Clarkson University
  2. College of Staten Island CUNY
  3. Daemen College
  4. Hofstra University
  5. Le Moyne College
  6. Long Island University
  7. Marist College
  8. Mercy College
  9. New York Institute of Technology
  10. Rochester Institute of Technology

What Physician Assistant Schools in New York don’t Require the GRE?

Wouldn’t it be incredible if you could find PA schools that don’t require the GRE and avoid the GRE altogether?

Some PA schools in New York have individual policies to waive the GRE score requirement. 

However, it is generally the case that non-GRE P.A. programs are more competitive since many applicants don’t want to take the GRE. Thus, candidates will have to work extremely hard on their overall application if you plan to apply only to them.

Below is the list of schools that do not require the GRE in New York City

  • Canisius College
  • D’youville College
  • Daemen College
  • Hofstra University
  • Le Moyne College
  • Mercy College
  • New York Institute of Technology
  • Pace University
  • St. Bonaventure University
  • Stony Brook University
  • SUNY Downstate
  • The CUNY School of Medicine
  • Touro College – Bay Shore
  • Touro College – Manhattan

See also:10 Best Physician Assistant PA Schools In Oklahoma

Are there Physician Assistant Master’s Programs in New York? 

To become a physician assistant, you will need all the knowledge and skill necessary for practice in healthcare delivery. After the completion of a P.A. program, a master’s degree is a requirement for most physicians. 

Master’s degrees for these positions are, thus, quite rigorous and extensive. Most master’s programs are designed for working professionals who already have a lot of medical facility experience or want to become physician assistants right after graduation.

The master’s program in New York takes about two years to complete. If you are interested in a physician assistant master’s program, here’s a list of P.A. master’s programs in New York.

  • Clarkson University – M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies Program
  • Albany Medical College – M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies Program
  • Pace University – M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies Program – Pleasantville
  • SUNY – Upstate Medical University – M.S. Physician Assistant Program
  • New York Institute of Technology – M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies Program
  • Daemen College – BSHS + M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies Program
  • St. Bonaventure University – M.S. Physician Assistant Studies Program
  • Long Island University (LIU) – Brooklyn – M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies Program
  • Hofstra University – BS/MS in Physician Assistant Studies

Are there Online Physician Assistant Courses in New York for International Students? 

New York City has always been the study destination for most international students. The State has top-ranked colleges and universities in the United States and beyond.

However, the burden of relocating can be pretty overwhelming. With online courses, aspiring PAs can attend classes at their convenience and earn their certification to practice.

The following schools offer online P.A. courses for international students

  • Pace University – Physician Assistant Master’s Degree Completion Program Online
  • Touro College – Physician Assistant Master’s Completion Program Online

What are the Cheapest PA Schools in New York? 

Becoming a physician’s assistant can also be an excellent choice if you’re interested in pursuing a full-time career in the healthcare sector. There are many reasons to go down this path. The only downside is that P.A. schools in New York can be expensive. 

A P.A. school’s Tuition and significant expenses can alter from one school or program to another. The average cost of Tuition for cheap P.A. schools can vary from $40,918 at the lowest to $81,555 on average.

However, you can also find some cheapest P.A. schools in New York City in the list below.

  • CUNY York College
  • SUNY Upstate Medical University
  • CUNY City College
  • Cornell University 

Check Out: The Best Physician Assistant PA Schools in Minnesota

What are the Accredited PA Programs in New York? 

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) is responsible for defining standards for P.A. education and assessing programs to ensure they conform with established standards. 

Committed to protecting the interests of the public and current and prospective P.A. students, the ARC-PA works to maintain the respectability and value of the P.A. profession by serving as the sole accrediting agency for physician assistant graduate programs in the United States.

Aspiring PAs should ensure they apply to P.A. schools that have been accredited so they can be licensed to practice after completing their P.A. program.

Arranged alphabetically, the following are the accredited P.A. school in New York City.

  • Albany Medical College, Albany
  • CCNY Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, New York
  • Clarkson University, Potsdam
  • Cornell University, New York
  • CUNY York College, Jamaica
  • Daemen College, Amherst
  • Hofstra University, Hempstead
  • LeMoyne College, Syracuse
  • Long Island University, Brooklyn
  • Marist College, Poughkeepsie
  • Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, Manhattan, Bronx
  • New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury
  • St. John’s University, Queens, Staten Island
  • Stony Brook University, Stony Brook
  • SUNY Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse
  • Touro College, Manhattan

How to Become a Physician Assistant in New York 

Becoming a physician assistant in the Big Apple State is one of the highlights of one’s career, as the state has produced some of the best physician assistants with excellent work ethics in the medical field.

However, aspiring PAs are sometimes so confused about becoming physician assistants that they stand a standstill in pursuing their careers.

Do not fret! These general tips, if adhered to, will help you successfully become a physician assistant in New York City. 

Earn your Physician Assistant Degree 

After completing your bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, the next step is to look for physician assistant programs accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) to ensure you meet certification requirements in the future.

The PA program in New York takes between 23-28 months to complete. Also, aspiring PAs should apply for their master’s degree to earn an M.S. in Physician Assistant.

Pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE)

Graduates of a P.A. program are expected to write and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). Passing the PANCE confers on you the privilege of becoming a physician assistant in New York. Students who fail the PANCE are given another trial.

Get Licensed 

Check with the New York Office of the P.A. Professions as early as possible to make sure you are on track to meet all current requirements for licensure.

According to the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), licensure in New York requires graduation from an accredited bachelor and physician assistant program and passage of the PANCE exam. 

Maintain Certification

Physician Assistants must ensure they maintain their certification. In New York, PAs must attain at least 100 continuing education credits every two years. 

Also, physician assistants must pass the PANCE during the tenth year of their recertification cycle. P.A.s who do not pass the PANCE on their first attempt can repeat the exam up to three more times.

See also: 10 Best Physician Assistant PA Schools in the United States

Physician Assistant Certification Council of New York 

The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) is the only certification provider and council for physician assistants in the United States. The NCCPA covers all federal states, including New York. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a P.A. in New York?

It takes 23-28 months to become a P.A. in New York.

How difficult is getting into P.A. school?

Physician assistant programs are complicated to get into for most students. Statistics have shown that the average acceptance rate into a P.A. school is around 20%.

How much does a physician assistant earn in New York?

The average salary for a physician assistant in New York is $121,700 per year.

How many P.A. programs can I apply to at once?

You can apply to a maximum of 6 P.A. programs.

Conclusion

Getting into any profession in the medical field can be very competitive, often because of how lucrative and profitable the area is. As a physician assistant, you are a trained medical professional who administers primary care to patients under the supervision of a physician.

We hope this article helps you discover the best physician assistant schools in New York. Good luck!

References

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