Physician Assistant Studies MS

To progress normally within the program, students must pass each course with a 73% (C) or better and maintain a GPA of 3.0. For details pertaining to academic standing, progression, remediation, deceleration, withdrawal and dismissal, please see the section on progress and remediation in the drop-down menu below.

*Students must complete the program within five years

Standards A3.14a, A3.14b

To be considered for admission to the MS in Physician Assistant Studies program at ACPHS, students must have completed the following pre-requisites:

• Bachelor’s degree earned prior to matriculation
• Overall GPA must each be 3.3 or greater on a 4.0 scale
• Overall Science GPA must be 3.2 or greater on a 4.0 scale
• At least 20 hours of shadowing a practicing PA
• At least 1,000 hours of acceptable documented patient contact
• A minimum of two letters of recommendation are required as part of the application
  • one submitted by a clinician (PA, M.D., D.O., NP, CNS) who has observed you in a clinical setting and can attest to your readiness for a career in medicine
  • one submitted by an individual who has instructed or supervised you in an academic setting

Acceptable patient contact hours (paid or unpaid) include:

• Emergency Medicine Technician (EMT) or Paramedic

• Nurse or Nursing Assistant/Patient Care Technician

• Medical Assistant

• Medical Scribe

• Inpatient Phlebotomist (Outpatient Phlebotomist will not be accepted)

• Athletic Trainer

• Dental Assistant

• Physical Therapist/Physical Therapy Assistant

• Occupational Therapist/Occupational Therapy Assistant

• Dietician

• Sonographer

• Surgical Technician

• Emergency Department Technician

• Optometry Assistant

• Military Corpsman or Medic

*Other patient care hours will be considered on a case-by-case basis

Patient contact hours that will NOT be accepted include:

• Home Health Aide or Personal Home Care Attendant/Companion

• Research Assistant/Technician

• Patient Transporter

• Patient Advocate or Child Life Specialist

• Pharmacy Technician

• Lifeguard

• Medical Interpreter

• Medical Secretary/Administrator

• Patient Observer/Sitter

• Mental Health/Substance Abuse Worker

• COVID Screener/Tester/Vaccinator

The following pre-requisite courses must be completed at an accredited educational institution within the United States. Students must have earned a grade of C or better in each of the pre-requisite courses.

• General Biology with lab (two semesters)

• General Chemistry with lab (two semesters)

• Organic Chemistry with lab (one semester)

• Biochemistry (one semester)

• Microbiology (one semester)

• Genetics (one semester)

• Statistics (one semester)

• General Psychology (one semester)

• Anatomy and Physiology (two semesters)

Other courses that are recommended, but not required for admission, include:

• Abnormal Psychology/Psychopathology

• Introduction to Pharmacology

• Public Health

• Immunology

*Preferential consideration will be given to candidates with the highest overall and science GPA, and the highest number of patient contact hours. Please note, a science GPA will be weighted higher than overall GPA for admissions considerations.

*The ACPHS PA program does not offer advanced placement in the program or give transfer credit for courses taken outside of ACPHS

Standards A3.12a, A3.12b, A3.12c, A3.12d

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted ACPHS Physician Assistant Program (“Program”) permission to apply for Accreditation – Provisional. Provisional Accreditation is a status conferred when the proposed program’s plans and resource allocation, if executed as intended, indicate the program’s capacity to meet the ARC-PA Standards, even though it has not yet enrolled students. Similarly, a program holding accreditation-provisional status may demonstrate ongoing progress in adhering to the Standards as it readies for the graduation of its inaugural class (cohort) of students.

The provisional accreditation process begins with a thorough review of the planning, organization, and proposed content of a program that is in the advanced planning stages, but not yet operational.  The provisional accreditation pathway is the only entry way for proposed new programs into the accreditation process.

Prospective students and others can access more information about the ARC-PA online at https://www.arc-pa.org.

Standard A3.11a

To graduate from the program, students must successfully and sufficiently fulfill the following requirements:

• Pass a medical terminology competency
• Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA

• Pass all required didactic courses

• Pass all required supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPEs)

• Pass the End-of Curriculum Comprehensive Written Examination (EOCE)

• Pass the Summative Clinical Skills Examination (SSE)

• Log the minimum number of patient encounters to ensure sufficient exposure to each core specialty (see Clinical Year Handbook for details)

• Complete any outstanding requirements of the Registrar or Student Financial Services

• All requirements must be completed within five academic years

Standard A3.14b

ACPHS PA Program Plan for measuring success at achieving goals

Goal 1. Provide students with a strong foundation in the basic sciences

Outcome Measure: Student performance in foundational science courses

Benchmark: Average final course grade for each cohort in the following courses is above 80%

• Clinical Anatomy
• Human Physiology & Pathophysiology I
• Human Physiology & Pathophysiology II
• Clinical Pharmacology I
• Clinical Pharmacology II
• Medical Genetics

Goal 2. Provide students with a strong foundation in clinical sciences 

Outcome Measure: Student performance in the clinical medicine courses

Benchmark: Average final course grade for each cohort in the following courses is above 80%

• Clinical Medicine I
• Clinical Medicine II
• Clinical Medicine III
• Clinical Medicine IV

Goal 3. Provide students with the ability to conduct focused and complete physical examinations 

Outcome Measure I: Student performance in the Physical exam course and lab

Benchmark I: Average final course grade for each cohort in the PE course and PE lab is above 80%

• Physical Examination
• Physical Examination Lab

Outcome Measure II: Student performance in the Physical Exam section of the Summative Skills Examination (SSE)

Benchmark II: Average score of each student cohort is ≥3 on the Physical Examination section of the SSE (Scale 1-5)

Goal 4. Provide students with a strong foundation in health maintenance, patient education, and preventative healthcare 

Outcome Measure I: Student performance in Clinical Seminar I

Benchmark: Average Comprehensive Final Examination Grade above 80%

• Clinical Seminar I

Outcome Measure II: PANCE performance in the task area of health maintenance, patient education, and preventative measures

Benchmark: Each graduating cohort on average meets the national average score in the task area of health maintenance, patient education, and preventative measures on PANCE.

Goal 5. Provide students with the skills to create management plans for medical conditions using pharmaceuticals 

Outcome Measure: Student performance on the PANCE content area of pharmacotherapeutics

Benchmark: Each cohort on average meets the national average score in the task area of pharmaceutical therapeutics on PANCE

Goal 6. Facilitate clinical decision-making skills 

Outcome Measure I: Student Performance in the patient assessment courses

Benchmark II: Average final course grades of each cohort above 80%

• Patient Assessment I
• Patient Assessment II

Outcome Measure II: Student Performance in the SCPEs pertaining to clinical reasoning & problem-solving

Benchmark II: Average Preceptor evaluation score in clinical reasoning and problem-solving across each cohort is at least 3 (proficient) on the scale of 1-5.

Goal 7. Develop skills to function as a competent member of an interprofessional team

Outcome Measure: Graduating students’ rating on the exit survey

Benchmark: Average exit survey responses ≥4 to the question, “I have developed skills to function as a competent member of an interprofessional team.” (Likert Scale 1-5).

Standard A3.11b

• Possess a foundation of medical knowledge
• Demonstrate effective clinical skills
• Demonstrate clinical reasoning & problem-solving
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills
• Demonstrates professional behaviors
• Demonstrate accurate and appropriate technical skills

Standard A3.11g

The required immunizations for enrollment at ACPHS include:

• Measles, mumps, Rubella (MMR)

• Meningococcal meningitis

• Varicella

• Hepatitis B

Required immunizations for the clinical year of the PA Program also include:

• Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap)

• Influenza

• Specific clinical sites will require Mantoux Test (Tuberculosis screening)

Immunization requirements are based on CDC recommendations.

Standard A3.09

Students who remain on Academic Probation for more than one semester are subject to dismissal. The Academic Standing Committee will make dismissal decisions based on the student’s overall performance in the program. Students may retake PA courses only once. Failure to successfully pass any PA course after the second attempt will result in dismissal. Students who fail two or more separate courses at any point within the program are subject to dismissal. Students have the right to appeal dismissal decisions by submitting a form and supporting documentation to the Academic Standards and Progression Committee at academicappeals@acphs.edu. The appeal letter should clearly describe the basis for the appeal and should include:

• Explanation/justification surrounding the student’s inability to meet the College-wide or program academic standards

• Appropriate documentation by a competent, qualified professional in the event extenuating life circumstances are identified

• Student Success Plan: plan for coping with unresolved issues and for remediating academic deficiencies

The College reserves the right to require further evaluation and/or documentation.

For more information see the Academic Appeals webpage Academic Appeal Process

Standard A3.14h

Students are discouraged from holding employment during the PA program due to the rigorous nature and time commitment required of the program, as students will always be expected to be available for clinical shifts, including nights, weekends and some holidays. PA students must not substitute for, or function as, instructional faculty, clinical or administrative staff. PA students are not required to work for the program.

Standards A3.14i, A3.03a, A3.03b, A3.02

Environmental Hazards

Prior to attending clinical rotations, students will receive training on environmental hazards in the clinical environment including hazardous chemicals, infectious waste, radioactive materials and physical injury. Students will learn methods to prevent exposure to hazardous substances and physical injury. Students will learn to manage chemical spills and leaks, to handle and store cylinders and steps to take when exposed to hazardous substances, and after injury.

Exposure to Hazardous Environmental Substances 

If exposed to hazardous substances, students should follow these steps as recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):

• Remove personal protective equipment
• Read the safety data sheet (SDS) pertaining to the substance for guidance
• Blot the skin if wet, brush off the skin if it is a solid substance, flush the area copiously with water unless the substance is water reactive
• If the eye is exposed, rinse the eye with water or other approved eyewash solution for at least 15 minutes
• Remove and dispose of contaminated clothing
• Alert the preceptor and/or supervisor
• Seek medical attention at the Occupational Health office associated with the clinical site, or another medical clinic. Students are responsible for the cost of any associated healthcare.
• Complete the site and school reporting forms

Universal Precautions 

Prior to attending clinical rotations, students will receive training on universal precautions. This training will include the appropriate methods of preventing the spread of communicable diseases, and handling and disposing of body fluids and body tissues. Students will also learn to handle and dispose of sharps (needles and other tools that penetrate skin). Students are responsible for applying their training in clinical practice during clinical rotations.

Accidental Exposure to Body Fluids 

Each clinical site has policies and procedures to guide students who have been exposed to body fluids. Students should immediately notify their preceptor or another responsible individual if they have been exposed to body fluids via a needle stick or another method. Students should seek medical attention if required and are responsible for the cost of any required healthcare. Common procedures for exposure include immediate washing or rinsing of the exposed area, testing the patient, if consented, for communicable diseases, and may involve testing the student for communicable diseases.

Physical Injury 

Physical injury can occur in the healthcare setting due to falls or lifting and twisting and other mechanisms. If a student sustains an injury at a clinical rotation site, the student should notify the preceptor and the program director. The student should seek medical attention at the Occupational Health office associated with the clinical site, or another medical clinical or emergency department. Students are responsible for the cost of the associated healthcare.

Standards A3.05a, A3.05b, A3.05c

For student complaints related to course grading, please refer to the Course Concern Procedure section of the ACPHS catalog 2025-26-College-Catalog-V2.2.pdf.

PA students are encouraged to communicate directly with faculty members or preceptors to resolve conflicts, express grievances, or address perceptions of harassment or mistreatment. If PA students are not comfortable communicating with these individuals directly, they are encouraged to report grievances to the Program Director. If students are not satisfied with the outcome of those discussions, they may complete the Student Complaint Form. See the ACPHS catalog for detailed information pertaining to filing grievances 2025-26-College-Catalog-V2.2.pdf.

The Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences does not tolerate discrimination regardless of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, veteran status, or disability status. At ACPHS, students have the right to freedom from discrimination. Complaints of discrimination pertaining to other students will be handled through the Student Code of Conduct process.

ACPHS is committed to creating and maintaining an academic and workplace environment free of illegal sexual misconduct and sexual harassment for all its students and employees. Violation of the Sexual Harassment Policies and Procedures for Students and Employees will result in responsive action, as prescribed under applicable law and college policies, which may include suspension, dismissal, or termination from the College. Incidents falling within the Title IX Grievance Policy’s jurisdiction elements will be investigated by the Title IX coordinator.

Students who feel they may have experienced sexual harassment or discrimination based upon their sex should contact the ACPHS Title IX coordinator, Amanda Bastiani at Amanda.Bastiani@acphs.edu or 518-244-4809. Information pertaining to Title IX can be found on this web page Title IX – Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

Standard A3.14g

Students must always wear a name tag during clinical rotations that is visible and identifies themselves as PA students. Students must always introduce themselves as PA students at clinical sites.

Standard A3.04

To maintain good academic standing and progress normally within the Program, students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 each semester of the PA program and pass each course. The passing grade for each course in the program is a C (73%).

Students must pass each assessment worth at least 10% of the total course grade in each didactic course. Students must remediate the content they missed on any such assessment. Remediation entails receiving the topics and instructional objectives missed, meeting with instructors as needed to clarify concepts and taking another assessment on the missed objectives. Students will have two opportunities to take the remediation assessment throughout the semester and must pass with a 73% or better. The original assessment grade will not be changed after remediation. Students who do not pass the remediation assessment during the semester will earn an “I” (Incomplete) in the course and remediation will continue for another 30 days into the following semester until successful, at which point the course grade will be changed to the grade earned. If the student remains unsuccessful after 30 days into the next semester, the student will earn a failing grade (“F”) in the course.

Course coordinators reserve the right to require remediation of assessments worth less than 10% of the total course grade, and the same policy will be applied.

Academic Standing 

Students who do not meet the minimum academic progression requirements of the program as outlined above will be referred to the Academic Standing Committee (ASC) at the end of the semester. The ASC will consider the PA Program and College policies on progress and remediation to decide as to the appropriate course of action. The ASC may recommend academic probation, remediation, deceleration, or dismissal from the program.

Academic Probation 

Students who do not meet program progression requirements will be placed on Academic Probation. A student on Academic Probation is required to make improvements in performance that are specified in the terms and conditions developed by the program director. Students placed on Academic Probation will be given a status of either “Progression”, or “Non-Progression”. A status of “Progression” allows the student to continue in the program with specific conditions that must be met (such as increasing the student’s GPA). A status of “Non-Progression” is applied to a student who is required to delay progression to remediate specific content, or to decelerate within the program to retake courses in which the student was not successful.

Deceleration  

Students who do not meet the minimum standards for progression may be recommended for deceleration in the program. Deceleration may occur during any phase of the curriculum and may be required to repeat PA courses. Individualized curricula may be created based on academic deficiencies. Classes in the PA studies program are offered once yearly. Students who are required to decelerate must take a leave-of-absence and return when the course(s) are next offered to retake them. Repeated courses must take place at ACPHS. Each course within the PA program may be repeated only once. Students who do not pass a course after the second attempt will be dismissed.

All students must complete all didactic and clinical year phases of the program within five years from the matriculation date.  Students who fail to complete the course of study in five years are subject to dismissal from the program.

Dismissal 

Students who remain on Academic Probation for more than one semester are subject to dismissal. The Academic Standing Committee will make dismissal decisions based on the student’s overall performance in the program. Students may retake PA courses only once. Failure to successfully pass any PA course after the second attempt will result in dismissal. Students who fail two or more separate courses at any point within the program are subject to dismissal.

Withdrawal 

Students who wish to withdraw from the College must contact the Registrar’s Office to complete the withdrawal form and submit it to the Registrar’s Office. If the withdrawal is planned to occur after the first nine weeks of a semester, students must also meet with the program director. For more information, see ACPHS’ Catalog 2025-26-College-Catalog-Fall-2025.pdf or contact the Registrar’s Office at 518-694-7222 or by email at registrar@acphs.edu.

Standards A3.14a, A3.14c, A3.14d,A3.14e,A3.14f

Technical Standards for Admission, Progression, and Graduation of the PA Program

Observation 

Candidates and students must have sufficient capacity to observe in the classroom, laboratories and clinical settings. Students must possess sensory skills to perform required procedures. In any case where a candidate’s or student’s ability to observe or acquire information through sensory modalities is compromised, the candidate or student must be able to demonstrate alternative means to acquire the information conveyed in this fashion.

Communication

Candidates and students must be able to communicate effectively in both academic and healthcare settings. Candidates and students must show evidence of effective written and oral communication skills, and must be able to effectively communicate with patients, their family members and other members of the healthcare system.

Motor Skills 

Candidates and students must have sufficient motor function, with or without assistive device(s) to execute movements reasonably required to properly care for patients including participating in diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers and procedures.

Intellectual Abilities

Candidates and students must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize information. Candidates and students must be able to read and interpret medical texts, problem-solve and think critically.

Behavioral and Social Characteristics

Candidates and students must possess emotional resiliency and stability for full utilization of their intellectual abilities and to exercise good judgment. Candidates and students must possess maturity, sensitivity and compassion to create appropriate relationships with patients, their loved ones and other healthcare team members. Candidates and students must possess flexibility and adjust to times of unpredictability and uncertainty. They must be willing and able to take initiative and maintain accountability and transparency.

Standard A3.12e

Clinical rotations (SCPEs) may occur throughout the United States. Students are responsible for the cost of travel, housing and living expenses for all rotation locations.

Standard A3.14j