Daemen College : Academics & Research : Division of Health & Human Services : Physician Assistant : Graduate Programs

Graduate Programs

Degrees Offered

• Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (BS/MS)
• Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MS)

Admission Requirements

The College offers two degree programs: BS/MS and MS. Applicants may be accepted as freshmen, transfer sophomores, transfer juniors, or graduate students. All successful applicants must demonstrate evidence of strong mathematics and science preparation, knowledge of the profession, and superior communication skills. Faculty interview required. Documentation of completion of a minimum of 120 hours of employment and/or volunteer work in a medical setting with direct patient contact prior to matriculating in the professional phase of the program.
 
The Admissions Committees will consider, at a minimum, strength of mathematics and science coursework, extracurricular activities, leadership skills, interpersonal communication skills, motivation, recommendations, healthcare experience, and employment experience. The number of seats available for transfer and graduate students depends on freshman acceptance and retention. All applicants possessing, or planning to possess, a BA or BS prior to matriculation must apply to the MS program. The BS/MS is reserved for traditional freshmen and transfer applicants without an undergraduate degree.

High School Graduates

Applicants for admission to the BS/MS degree program who are currently enrolled in high school should apply directly to the Daemen College Office of Admissions.

For freshmen applicants, the Admissions Committee will also consider high school grade point average, rank in class, Regents examination scores, and standardized test scores.

For Transfer and Graduate Applicants

Daemen College is a participant in the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).   Apply at www.caspaonline.org.

For transfer and graduate applicants, the Admissions Committee will also consider overall college grade point average and mathematics/science grade point average. Minimum overall and mathematics/science grade point average 3.0.  Most successful applicants have credentials above the minimum.

For Graduate Applicants

In addition to a bachelor degree, entrance requirements include:

• 12 credits in chemistry (including 4 credits of organic or biochemistry)
• 8 credits in biology (with labs)
• 8 credits in anatomy/physiology (with labs) (300 level)
• 6 credits in psychology
• 6 credits in sociology or anthropology 
• 3 credits in calculus
• 4 credits in microbiology

Admission to Professional Phase

Students enrolled in the BS/MS Physician Assistant program are guaranteed admission into the professional phase provided they have completed all the prerequisites, including core curriculum course work, with the exception of NSC 310 Biostatistics and PHI 321 Medical Ethics. Students must submit a verification form to the Physician Assistant Department by the established deadline for admission to professional phase.

Professional Phase Prerequisites

A minimum grade of C in all required courses. The minimum grade of C and a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better in the 35 credit hours of specified mathematics and science courses listed: BCH 317, BIO 109-110, BIO 315, BIO 330, BIO 340, CHE 110-111, MTH 144. A maximum of three course repeats is allowed.

Residency Requirement

Once a student is enrolled at Daemen, all outstanding prerequisite mathematics and science courses must be completed at Daemen College. The student must successfully complete a full-time course load (minimum 12 credits) in the spring semester prior to the onset of professional phase studies.

Please Note

Daemen College reserves the right to make changes to the Physician Assistant curriculum, and/or professional phase entrance criteria, and/or professional phase and graduation requirements. All enrolled students must meet all requirements if changed or amended by Daemen College.

Minimum Technical Standards for Admission and Matriculation:

Additional non-academic criteria apply to students enrolled in the Physician Assistant Program. Contact the Physician Assistant Department for a copy of the Technical Standards.