Lake Erie College, having received provisional ARC-PA and The Ohio Department of High Education accreditation and approval from the Higher Learning Commission, admitted its first cohort of students for its inaugural Physician Assistant class in 2014. Students who successfully complete the program will be awarded a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (M.S.P.A.S.) degree.
Physician assistants work in all areas of medicine, including family medicine, emergency medicine, surgery, and psychiatry. The work of physician assistants depends in large part on their specialty and what their supervising physician needs them to do. His/her specific duties and the extent to which he/she must be supervised by physicians and surgeons differ from state to state.
Program Mission
To develop motivated, diverse individuals into Physician Assistants who practice patient-centered, evidence-based medicine, while creating an environment of academic excellence, leadership, and collaboration that is dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of the community.
Program Learning Objectives
- Matriculate diverse, highly qualified applicants who successfully complete the program
- Develop physician assistants who provide highly skilled healthcare
- Practice evidence-based medicine and utilize current guidelines
- Promote and foster collaborative teamwork
- Develop physician assistants who demonstrate interpersonal skills and professionalism necessary for patient-centered care
- Enrich the community through service
- Be committed to professional development
- Foster relationships to support Northeast Ohio regional health systems
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Admissions Criteria:
Application Process:
All application materials are to be submitted to the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) at https://portal.caspaonline.org/.
- Submit a personal statement on CASPA. This is a 500- 1000 word writing sample that is intended to give the applicant an opportunity to introduce themselves.
- Submit official transcripts to CASPA.
CASPA
P.O. Box 9108
Watertown, MA 02471
- Submit the names and e-mail addresses for three references to CASPA. The three references required should be from a (1) PA, MD, or DO, (2) a college professor or instructor, and (3) a personal reference.
- Submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) results to CASPA.
- Document healthcare experience and PA shadowing hours in CASPA. Proof of shadowing hours should be retained by the student.
All documents must be submitted before the deadline, December 1st. It is strongly encouraged to submit all documentation before October 15th to allow time for verification through CASPA.
Applicants will be contacted for an interview if selected.
Accepted applicants will be notified shortly after interviews. Students are required to pay a $1,000 non-refundable deposit within two weeks to hold their positions. A second non-refundable deposit of $500 is due before March 15th in order to continue to hold the position. Applicants receiving an admission offer after March 1st will be required to submit the entire non-refundable deposit of $1,500 to hold their position. The non-refundable deposit will be applied towards tuition.
Requirements:
All students must have received a minimum of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States with a 3.2 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale. All GPA calculations are done by CASPA.
Academic Course Pre-Requisites:
All required pre-requisite courses should be “B” or better with the exception of Organic Chemistry which must be “C” or better.
PLEASE NOTE: PREREQUISITE COURSE SUBSTITUTIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS. ADVANCED COURSEWORK OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE CONSIDERED FOR SUBSTITUTION. A GRADE OF “B” OR BETTER SHOULD BE OBTAINED IN ALL PREREQUISITE COURSES WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY IN WHICH A GRADE OF “C” OR BETTER SHOULD BE OBTAINED.
Coursework:
Completed within last 7 years:
- Human Anatomy & Physiology with lab (2 courses)
- Microbiology with lab (1 course)
- Genetics with lab (1 course)
- General Chemistry I and II with labs (1 course each)
- Organic Chemistry with lab (1 course)
- Biology I and II with labs (1 course each)
- Statistics (1 course)
Note: Preference given to students with advanced statistics, biostatistics or health-related statistics courses
- Psychology (1 course)
No Time Limit:
- English Communication (1 courses)
- College Algebra or higher (1 course)
Tested out during interviews:
- Medical Terminology (course recommended)
And
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) in last 5 years
Healthcare Experience Requirement:
Applicants are required to complete a minimum of 250 hours observing or participating in the delivery of healthcare in a clinical environment.
At least 50 of the 250 hours must be from direct shadowing of a licensed Physician Assistant. This requirement may be met through paid or volunteer experiences. While shadowing a physician assistant or physician will meet this requirement, priority consideration is given to applicants with prior experiences where the applicant has assumed direct responsibility for patient care. Proof of shadowing hours and healthcare experience should be retained by the student and could be requested at any time by Lake Erie College for verification purposes.
Students may use the following items to meet this requirement and include, but are not limited to:
- Shadowing a PA or physician in an office or hospital
- Volunteering or working as an emergency Medical technician
- Working as a nurse, nurse’s aide, respiratory therapist, paramedic, athletic trainer or other healthcare provider
- Volunteering in a healthcare facility
The healthcare experience is intended to strengthen interpersonal skills and to develop an understanding of the role of healthcare provider.
References:
Applicants are required to submit three references from sources who are familiar with the qualifications of the candidate. Each reference must comment on his belief that the candidate can successfully complete a rigorous didactic and clinical program such as the Physician Assistant sciences program. The reference is also expected to comment on other attributes he or she feels will ensure the success of the candidate in the Medical profession. References from relatives, even if they are healthcare professionals, are highly discouraged.
One reference is required from EACH category:
- A person holding the PA-C, MD, or DO designation and who also holds a current license to practice.
- A college or university professor holding a doctorate degree in any discipline where the candidate has been a student in one or more of the classes taught by the faculty member. References from persons holding doctorate level degrees in the sciences such as biology, chemistry, or health sciences will be given higher priority.
- A reference of your choice of someone who has knowledge of your work ethic, academic record, volunteer work or other activities and can comment on your ability to succeed in the physician assistant program.
Interview:
Following the initial review of applications, a limited number of applicants will be invited for a personal interview. Verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills will be assessed during the interview as well as the candidate’s qualifications overall. The interview score is an important component for determining admission to the program. Medical Terminology knowledge will also be assessed through a written test during the interview process, although, a failing score will not preclude admission.
Criminal Record:
All prospective students must be honest about their criminal record. Background checks will be performed Including Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCII) report and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) report. The Lake Erie College Physician Assistant Program has the right to deny enrollment based on previous convictions or false information. Appeals to any Information found during the background check or drug screening must be made directly through CastleBranch.com according to their listed policies and procedures. All cases will be reviewed individually. Background checks will need to be updated during the program.
Immunizations:
The immunization records are submitted to CastleBranch.com who will review and notify the program of student Immunization records. The Lake Erie College Physician Assistant Program follows the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations for health care providers.
Lake Erie College Physician Assistant Program takes seriously its responsibility to maximally protect students, staff, and patients from all potential health threats including infections. This is accomplished, in part, by requiring proof of all of the following immunizations PRIOR to matriculation into the Lake Erie College Physician Assistant Program:
- Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) Vaccines
Documentation of vaccination with 2 doses of live measles, mumps, and rubella virus-containing vaccine,
OR
Laboratory evidence of immunity
If a student has 2 documented doses of the MMR vaccine and has a negative or inconclusive/equivocal titer, than the student will be required to receive a booster dose of the MMR vaccine. If the student cannot provide proof of prior vaccination and has a negative or inconclusive/ equivocal titer, then the student will be required to complete the MMR vaccination series.
- Hepatitis B Vaccines
Documentation of dates of immunizations (3 doses).
- Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Titer
Proof of immunity with anti-HBs titer (lab report required).
If a student has 3 documented doses of the Hepatitis B vaccination and the titer is negative or inconclusive/ equivocal, then the student will be required to repeat the vaccination series and obtain repeat titers after the series is completed.
- Varicella (Chicken Pox)
Documentation of one of the following:
Dates of immunizations (2 doses) OR dates of history of the disease
- Varicella (Chicken Pox) Titer
Proof of immunity with IgG titer (lab report required).
If titer is negative or inconclusive/equivocal, the student will be required to obtain vaccination with 2 doses of varicella vaccine. Repeat titers after completion of the 2-dose series are not required.
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, & Pertussis (Tdap)
Documentation of dates of immunizations AND a Tdap booster within the past 10 years.
- Tuberculosis
Documentation of dates of negative baseline 2-step tuberculin skin test (TST) administered within the year prior to entering the PA Program with subsequent annual TST testing (2 negative TB tests at least 1 week, but no longer than 3 weeks apart)
OR
Negative QuantiFERON TB Gold (QFT-G)
If a TST or QFT-G test is positive, a clear baseline chest X-Ray (lab report) is required. TB testing must be done annually with no more than 12 months between tests and must be current at all times. Student is responsible for obtaining annual TB testing and must provide the program with all updated information through CastleBranch.com.
- Influenza
Students must show proof of having received the Influenza vaccine annually, due each fall. Immunization information will be provided to CastleBranch.com.
- Physical Exam
A Physical Exam must be completed and submitted to CastleBranch.com. Confirmation of the receipt of this exam will be forwarded to the PA Program Admission Coordinator but the actual exam will not be reviewed. The “Student Health Evaluation” form can be downloaded from CastleBranch.com. This form should be copied and kept on file by the student’s health care provider. A copy of the technical standards attestation form should be uploaded to CastleBranch.com for confirmation that a complete physical was performed and that the student has met the technical standards and health requirements to continue in the program. This physical exam is required annually. The purpose of the examination is to ensure the student is free of infectious disease of medical conditions that could impair their ability to perform clinical rotations. Without completed medical forms and evidence of medical insurance, students are ineligible to be on clinical rotations and could be dismissed from the PA program. Students are responsible for any costs incurred for any health screening. (Standard A3.07)
- Student Health Insurance
Students are required to maintain private health insurance for the duration of the PA program including the didactic and clinical phases. Students must provide proof of insurance to CastleBranch for verification annually. Students are responsible for any costs incurred for health insurance.
Drug Screen Policy
Students are required to complete a drug screening at the start of the PA program. Drug screening will need to be updated during the program. Additionally, some clinical sites may require extra screenings. Program administration may require situational and random drug screening. Students will utilize CastleBranch for this service. Students are responsible for the costs of this service.
Technical Standards
Students will be required to sign a form attesting that they are able to meet the technical standards of the LEC Physician Assistant Program. Technical standards can be found below and are also available for review on the Lake Erie College Physician Assistant Program website at http://www.lec.edu/pa-admissions.
Yearly Physical Exam: physician signs tech standards form.
Advanced Placement
The program does not offer advanced placement.
Transfer Credits M.S.P.A.S.
The Master of Physician Assistant Program does not accept transfer credits.
Early Acceptance Opportunity (EAO)
The LEC PA Program will reserve up to 4 seats per cohort for current qualifying Lake Erie College undergraduate students. See Early Acceptance Opportunity page for details at: https://www.lec.edu/pa-early-acceptance-opportunity.
Disclosure of Admission Practices
All Lake Erie College current students and graduates who meet the minimum requirements will be granted an interview. Lake Erie College current students and graduates will be awarded preferential points during the initial selection process. In addition, the PA Program also will reserve 4 seats per cohort for current qualifying Lake Erie College undergraduate students. See Early Acceptance Opportunity page for details. In the event that a Lake Erie College student is not admitted through either the guaranteed interview or Early Acceptance Opportunity, that individual may apply again in future years, but may not take advantage of the guaranteed interview (and is not eligible for the Early Acceptance Opportunity). Instead, repeat applicants will be reviewed in accordance with the standard admissions policies.
Because of the Program’s rolling admissions process, some preference will be given to applicants that apply early in the admissions cycle, meet all of the prerequisites including the GRE requirement before application, and have completed all required shadowing hours.
Applicants with higher GRE scores, applicants with more healthcare experience, and applicants with a record of strong academic performance are given some preference.
The Lake Erie College PA Program respects the growing diversity of the population in the United States. As such, we are committed to matriculating students from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. This includes students from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds and those who have served in the military or demonstrated other forms of service. We appreciate applicants from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds as this enhances the collaborative process and enriches the classroom experience. In addition, the PA Program strongly considers applicants who demonstrate characteristics that align with our mission and goals. Community service, volunteering, and a history of serving others are strongly considered during the evaluation process.
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