Preparation for Careers in Today’s Rapidly Changing Medical Environment
Arcadia’s Physician Assistant (PA) program provides students from across the country with the foundation for professional growth through personal attention, quality instruction, diverse clinical experience, and a commitment to excellence. To that end, the program continues to enjoy an overall exceptional pass rate (A3.12c) on the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) board examinations, with a five-year first-time taker average pass rate for the program of 99%.
The program's mission and goals produce graduates that are well-equipped to deliver high-quality, cost-effective health care in a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, physicians' offices, and other community settings. Arcadia’s program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission of Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
The Arcadia University Physician Assistant Experience
- The PA Program is in the Department of Medical Science, in the College of Health Sciences which includes the departments of Physical Therapy and Public Health
- One program with two campuses: Glenside, Pa., and Christiana, Del.
- Option for Dual Degrees of Master of Medical Science—Physician Assistant and Master of Public Health (M.M.S., M.P.H.) at Glenside Campus
- Technologically advanced 3D anatomy visualization tables for anatomy and physiology education that complements the protected human cadaver experience
- Clinical simulation experiences including standardized patients, training models, and multiple clinical skills and procedures training opportunities throughout the two years
- Service and global opportunities in the didactic and clinical phases of the program
- Advanced technology to enhance the educational experience including video capture lecture for synchronous and asynchronous learning and electronic note service to promote a collaborative learning environment
- Eleven second-year program-secured clinical rotations consisting of seven required rotations (one of which is repeated) and three elective rotations
Accreditation
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Arcadia University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Arcadia University (A3.12a). Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.
Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be March 2028. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy. The program’s accreditation history can be viewed when you can click on the "document" on the ARC-PA website.
Coursework
(A3.12d) The first three semesters of the program consist of didactic and laboratory coursework in the basic and clinical sciences, including a 12-week anatomy course with a prosected cadaver experience. First-year, didactic phase, students are introduced into clinical settings as part of the Medical Interview and Counseling course in the summer semester and these encounters continue into the clinical year. At the conclusion of the didactic phase, students complete their core competency examinations, receive training in clinical procedures and participate in standardized patient simulation experiences. During the clinical phase, in addition to coursework, students participate in supervised clinical experiences, standardized patient simulation experiences and return to campus periodically for exams and professional development days.
This is a 24-month program. At the discretion of the program director, students in the clinical phase may take up to a three-month leave of absence only. All degree requirements must be completed within 27 months.
Clinical Rotations
(A3.12d)The clinical phase consists of eleven rotations. There are seven required rotations (one of which will be repeated) in Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Behavioral Medicine, Internal Medicine, Women’s Health, Pediatrics, and Surgery. In addition, there are three clinical electives. Prospective and enrolled students are not required to solicit clinical sites or preceptors. Students are still allowed to suggest clinical sites or preceptors, as long as the program evaluates and approves those suggestions for educational suitability. All clinical preceptors and sites must meet the requirements of the program. Each student’s clinical year schedule is at the discretion of the program. Changes to rotation schedules are not made at student’s request.” Faculty members perform site visits while the students attend their supervised clinical practical experiences. Every 12 weeks, the students return to campus for exams and professional development experiences.
Master of Public Health Dual Degree Option
Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) prepares graduate Physician Assistants for leadership roles in meeting community healthcare needs. The M.P.H. program focuses on population health and includes the disciplines of epidemiology and biostatistics with an in-depth fieldwork thesis project oriented toward a student’s primary area of research interest. Students complete the coursework for the M.P.H. in the year prior to entering the PA program. More information.
The Arcadia University Physician Assistant Program graduates students who may sit for licensure in all 50 states.
Accreditation
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Arcadia University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Arcadia University (A3.12a). Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.
Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be March 2028. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy. The program’s accreditation history can be viewed when you can click on the "document" on the ARC-PA website.
PANCE
Arcadia’s Physician Assistant (PA) program provides students from across the country with the foundation for professional growth through personal attention, quality instruction, diverse clinical experience, and a commitment to excellence. To that end, the program continues to enjoy an overall exceptional pass rate (A3.12c) on the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) board examinations, with a five-year first-time taker average pass rate for the program of 99%.
The program produces graduates well-equipped to deliver high-quality, cost-effective health care in a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, physicians' offices, and other community settings. Arcadia’s program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission of Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
Attrition
Goal 2: Recruit and retain highly qualified students
- Outcome 1: The program received 3, 349 applications for 103 seats during the admission cycle for Class 2023. The matriculated students had a mean GPA of 3.66 and a mean of 2,036 patient care hours. The program received 3,349 applications for 104 seats during the admission cycle of Class of 2023. The matriculated students had overall average GPA of 3.66 and a mean of 1,868 patient care hours.
- Outcome 2: With an average class size of 102 over the last three graduating classes, the average attrition rate for Arcadia University’s PA program over the last three graduated classes is 2.9%, which is below the national average.
We are facing an unprecedented and challenging time in academia. Arcadia University has offered the student-centered approach of adopting a revised pass/fail grading policy for the Spring 2020 semester. The Physician Assistant Program recognizes that many undergraduate institutions from across the country have adopted this policy as well. Please note that a passing grade for any prerequisite course taken this semester will meet guidelines for admissions criteria. This will include guidelines for our assured admission pathways.
Please note that we will NOT accept Pass/Fail for any prerequisite courses required to enter the Program that have been taken before or after the spring semester of 2020. This applies to both the assured admissions pathway AND the regular applicant pool. If a student chooses the option of Pass/Fail for a prerequisite course after this time they will need to take it over so that we may see the final grade and factor that into their GPA. Please contact admissions with any questions.
While an interview is not required for acceptance into the Program, we do offer several opportunities for accepted students to speak with faculty and current students in-person or virtually prior to the deposit deadline.
Prerequisites for Admission
(A3.13b) Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a recommended GPA of 3.0 or better. The program does not allow students to waive courses, nor does it accept students with advanced standing. Information posted is for the 2022-2023 application cycle and will be updated for the 2023-2024 cycle fall 2022.
- Biological Sciences—five courses with labs to include Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology.
- Chemistry—three courses with labs to include at least one semester of Organic Chemistry.
- Psychology—one course.
- Statistics—one course..
Applying for Admission
All applications are processed by the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA, www.caspaonline.org).
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Application Deadline
All applications are processed by the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) at www.caspaonline.org. Official transcripts and references are considered part of the CASPA application and should be sent directly to CASPA.
Applications will not be accepted by CASPA after October 1. Students are accepted on a rolling basis and encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Arcadia students applying for assured admissions must submit their application no later than August 1.
An initial $500 deposit must accompany the acceptance reply with an additional $1000 deposit to secure the seat two weeks later. These deposits are applied to the first semester’s tuition and are nonrefundable. While an interview is not required for acceptance into the Program, we do offer several opportunities for accepted students to speak with faculty and current students in-person or virtually prior to the deposit deadline.
(A3.12f) Tuition for 2022-23 is $16,455 per semester (x 6 semesters). More information.
Information on Graduate Tuition and Fees. www.arcadia.edu/gradtuition
Other Expenses
- Mandatory clearances, which include criminal background checks, immunization tracking, child abuse screening, etc. Additional costs associated with drug screening varies upon clinical rotation: $225
- Books, supplies and medical equipment Didactic phase: $1,500
- Students are required to cover housing and transportation costs related to all off-campus and clinical experiences.
- Student health insurance annual premium: cost varies*
- Additional expenses will be incurred by students electing to participate in global service-learning or international clinical experiences.
- PA Program Estimated Fees and Costs (2021-2022) document (updated annually in April)
*Medical Insurance: Upon enrollment into their programs, all students must provide proof of medical insurance and also provide information about their health and medical history. Students who do not provide proof of adequate health insurance will be required to purchase health insurance through the University. Information and applications are available at Student Health Services.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Students are automatically considered for merit scholarships and graduate assistantships based on their academic records upon applying for admission to the program. More information.
Financial Aid
Information on current costs is available at www.arcadia.edu/finaid. Financial aid is available to assist qualified students in covering tuition and related expenses, as well as living costs. Students in Arcadia University's Physician Assistant program are discouraged from outside employment while enrolled due to the rigors of the program. Upon review for admission, students automatically will be reviewed by the academic department for a limited number of merit scholarships.
Additionally, students can apply to receive up to $20,500 annually through the Federal Direct Stafford Loan at a fixed interest rate. In addition to the Stafford Loan, students can choose to borrow either a Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan or a private alternative student loan to cover remaining expenses. Graduate assistant positions also may be available to those who qualify. More information on available financial aid and how to apply.
Program-Specific Loan Options
The National Health Service Corps offers loan repayment programs for primary care physician assistants who agree to provide service in a priority health-professional shortage area (HPSA) for a two-year period following graduation. Other loan programs are available through the Allied Health Education Loan Program.
Scholarships
Minimum Technical Standards for Admissions, Continuation, and Graduation
(A3.13e) Technical standards are defined as the attributes considered necessary for students to complete their education and training and subsequently enter clinical practice. These standards are prerequisites for entrance to, continuation within, and graduation from the Arcadia University Physician Assistant program. They are also prerequisites to licensure by various state professional boards. Reasonable accommodation will be offered for persons with disabilities in conjunction with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Enrolled Student Profile
Class of 2023 (will be updated in May)
- Total number of applications: 3349
- Total number enrolled: 104
- Average Overall GPA: 3.66
- Average Science GPA: 3.60
- Average GRE: 313 verbal and quantitative combined, 4.4 analytical
- Average patient care hours: 1,868
*Approximately 95% of admitted students have GPAs that fall within this range. Applicants with exceptional clinical experience, defined as working three years or longer as a health professional (i.e. RN, PT, OT, Pharmacist) with a GPA outside of this range are also encouraged to apply.
Articulation Agreement
Arcadia University has articulation agreements with the University of Delaware and Cabrini University. Interested students should contact Arcadia's Enrollment Management office for details.
The Arcadia University Department of Medical Science has a history of success in educating compassionate and highly qualified medical professionals who are lifelong learners. We are invested in creating a diverse, learner-centered, collaborative environment. We maintain this mission by meeting our Program goals.
Our Physician Assistant Programs are committed to fostering resilience in an increasingly complex and interrelated global society. We prepare our students to excel in professionalism, leadership, and service.
View Requirements
Health Forms for New Students
(A3.07) Every full-time student at Arcadia University is required to fill out health forms before the start of class to be in compliance with University Policy. More information and instructions.
PA Program Policy and Procedures
A student accepted into the Physician Assistant (PA) program is expected to abide by the regulations set forth by Arcadia University and the written policies of the Physician Assistant program. For a discussion of the general academic policies and procedures for graduate students, see the Academic Policies section and the Student Handbook. The policies of the PA program are published in the Physician Assistant Policies and Guidelines Handbook, revised annually and provided to students at orientation.
(A3.15a/A3.15b) To remain in good academic standing, students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.70 in each semester. Failure to meet this standard for two consecutive semesters will result in the student being dismissed from the program.
All courses in the PA curriculum are required and are sequential, and students must receive a minimum grade of “C” in courses before progressing in the program. If a grade lower than a “C” is earned in a course, it is considered a failing grade and the student will be dismissed from the program.
In order to progress to the clinical phase of the program, the student must have no course grades below “C” and a minimum GPA of 2.70 (“B–”). The student also must successfully complete the core competency examination, and obtain permission of the PA program. If this minimum GPA requirement has not been met by the end of the didactic phase, students will not be allowed to enter the clinical phase and will be dismissed from the program. The student also must meet all compliance issues, which include immunizations and physical examination, criminal background checks and drug screening.
In the second year of the program, the student must continue to maintain a minimum 2.70 cumulative GPA. In addition, students must pass a comprehensive written and practical exam. Students who fail one clinical rotation may be allowed to repeat the clinical rotation and must meet all academic requirements, and receive departmental permission before continuing into the next clinical affiliation. Permission to continue is dependent upon the cause of the unsatisfactory performance and is determined by the program in consultation with clinical preceptors, the clinical coordinators, the program director, and the student. Failure of an additional clinical rotation experience will result in the student being dismissed from the program. Students who must repeat a rotation will be billed at the prevailing credit fee.
(A3.15d) Students who withdraw or are dismissed from the program and who want to re-enter must apply for readmission within six months of departure. Permission to do so will be determined by the Academic Review Committee after careful, deliberate consideration. Based upon a review of their performance, those students may be re-admitted with the possibility of advanced standing.
Student Work Policy
(A3.15e) Due to the intensity of the PA program, students are discouraged from outside employment while enrolled in the PA program. Employment during this program makes it difficult to have time for social activities, hobbies, and recreational activities, and rest. Students are prohibited from applying compensated clinical experience toward academic credit.
(A3.05) Additionally, students may not provide services within a preceptor’s practice apart from those rendered as part of the clinical year of the program. Students are not permitted to have clerical or teaching responsibilities within the PA program. Students may not receive compensation for any work performed within the preceptor’s site or practice.
This Student Handbook is the University's official notification of its policies, rules, regulations, and standards of conduct and applies to all students including those visiting or auditing courses. The Student Handbook also contains student rights and responsibilities along with campus services and resources. Students are responsible for knowing and understanding the contents of this handbook. Enrollment is considered as acceptance of all conditions specified in this handbook. Students should also familiarize themselves with all the University Policies located in the Policy Library.
The policies, rules, regulations, and standards of conduct are under continual examination and revision and the University reserves the right to change them at any time as may be necessary for the interest of the University. This handbook merely presents the information in effect at the time of publication; it is not a contract and does not guarantee that the materials contained within it will not change. The University also reserves the right to modify or discontinue any of the services, programs, or activities described in this handbook. Changes to the handbook apply to prospective students and students currently enrolled.
This handbook remains in force and effect in between terms of the academic year and during holidays and other periods of the academic year when classes are not in session.
The Policy Library serves as the official, centralized depository for all university policies. All officially approved policies having institution-wide applications throughout the university community (those generally pertaining to more than one division or department) will be contained within this library.
The most current version of a policy will be found here. Any copies (print or online) of policies that are inconsistent with the official version found in this library should be disregarded.
To maintain an organized system of change control and to ensure consistency throughout the university, individual departmental websites should not contain separate copies or versions of university policies or applicable procedures. Instead, departmental web pages that reference university policies and procedures must use hyperlinks to the web pages and/or documents in the Policy Library.
Policies are organized by category and alphabetical order. Related procedures, if any, are linked to the applicable policy.
Online Textbooks and Journals
All students enrolled in Arcadia University's PA program (both campuses) have access to an extensive array of online full-text medical journals and textbooks through Landman Library.
Laptop Computer
Students are required to bring their own laptop computer to all classes. Specifics for computer recommendations can be found at the following website: https://www.arcadia.edu/life-arcadia/campus-services/information-technology/information-technology-resources/computer
The faculty and staff here at Arcadia PA program will serve as your mentors and advisors through your academic journey to becoming a physician assistant. As members of the both the academic and healthcare communities, we are dedicated and committed to your success and growth as you become leaders in the PA profession and your communities.
Arcadia University PA Admissions FAQs
When can I apply and what are your deadlines?
All applicants must apply through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) portal. The CASPA portal opens in late April. The application deadline is October 1 and admissions are on a rolling basis. Applying early in the admissions cycle is strongly recommended given the program’s rolling admission process. While an interview is not required for acceptance into the Program, we do offer several opportunities for accepted students to speak with faculty and current students in-person or virtually prior to the deposit deadline.
Are GRE scores required?
Test scores from either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), taken within the last five years (Arcadia’s GRE code is 1578.) These tests are required for all applicants, including those who already have a graduate degree.
Do you accept prerequisite courses from a community college?
Yes, as long as the institution is regionally accredited, prerequisite courses from a community college are accepted. Please note that some required courses may not be offered at two-year colleges due to the academic level of the curriculum.
Do you accept prerequisite courses taken online?
Some prerequisite courses may be taken online, however, they must be taken at a regionally accredited institution. Please note science prerequisite courses must be taken with a lab component.
Do you accept Advanced Placement (AP) credits?
(A3.13c) Yes, as long as your undergraduate institution granted AP credits and they are listed on your transcript.
What types of experiences do you accept as patient care hours?
Patient care experiences should involve direct contact with and care for patients in a medical setting. Examples of experiences that qualify as direct patient care include work as an EMT, CNA, PT aide, and home health aide. The goal is to gain exposure to, and experience in, direct patient care. There are many scenarios in which this can be accomplished.
Administrative and research experiences, although valuable, do not qualify as patient care experiences. Hours spent shadowing physicians and/or physician assistants (PAs) are recommended, but are not accepted as direct patient care hours. Hours of patient care experience gained as part of a degree or certificate training program are also not accepted as patient care experience hours. Some examples of direct patient care experiences include:
- CNA
- Rehab Aide
- Physical Therapy Aide
- EMT
- Paramedic
- Medical Assistant
- Patient Care Technician
- Clinical Assistant
- Clinical Care Technician
- Clinical Medical Assistant
- Personal Care Assistant
- Personal Attendant
- Athletic Trainer
- Neurotology Assistant
- Ophthalmic Technician
- EKG Technician
- First Aid Responder
- Emergency Technician
- Phlebotomist
Do you accept multiple applications from one individual (for the two-year program - Glenside Pa., the two-year program - Christiana Del., and the dual degree program)?
Applicants interested in the two-year PA program, without a preference for either campus, are encouraged to apply to both campuses. We recommend that applicants with a campus preference apply only to their campus of choice. Each applicant who applies to both campuses will be considered for one campus at the discretion of the Arcadia Physician Assistant program after a holistic review of his/her application.
Applicants with a strong interest in public health who are considering the three-year dual degree program may choose to only apply to this program or may apply to the two-year program as well. Again, each applicant will be considered for one program at the discretion of the Arcadia Physician Assistant program after a holistic review of his/her application.
How many students attend the two-year PA program at each campus?
The program is accredited for 56 students at the Glenside campus and 49 students at the Christiana campus for a total enrollment of 105.
Is there a supplemental application?
No.
I have not completed all of the prerequisite courses, can I apply with any in progress?
Yes. However, you may have no more than two prerequisite courses outstanding at the time of application if you are in the regular applicant pool. Arcadia University undergraduate students who are assured admission candidates may have no more than one prerequisite course outstanding at the time of application.
Biochemistry is listed under biological sciences as a recommended prerequisite. If I have five additional biological science courses, can this course be considered a chemistry prerequisite?
Yes, it can be.
Do I need a Bachelor’s degree prior to applying?
No, however, all applicants must have completed their bachelor’s degree prior to matriculation into the program. If you have completed most prerequisites and are in the process of finishing your bachelor’s degree you may apply and be granted conditional acceptance. Proof of your degree will be required prior to matriculation.
Can prerequisites be waived if I have extensive healthcare experience?
No. The stated prerequisites are required of all applicants.
Do you accept foreign applicants?
Arcadia welcomes applications from non-U.S. citizens. Official results with acceptable scores from the TOEFL IELTS, or Duolingo are required for all students for whom English is a second language, except for non-native speakers of English who hold degrees or diplomas from post-secondary institutions in English-speaking countries (e.g. the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand). A course-by-course evaluation of all transcripts by an independent evaluation service based in the United States also is required. It is strongly recommended that all science prerequisites be taken at an accredited U.S. institution. Individuals applying for admission to the PA program who have completed their education outside the United States or Canada are required to submit to CASPA a World Education Service (WES) foreign evaluation of their coursework taken outside of the United States or Canada. The scores must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to CASPA in electronic format and be no more than two years old.
Do you accept pass/fail credits?
Arcadia will only accept pass/fail credits for the Spring 2020 semester.
What is your COVID-19 Vaccination Policy?
Most clinical sites that accept students in our Department of Medical Science now require that students receive COVID-19 vaccination and booster prior to attending their site for clinical training; while sites accepting students in our Department of Physical Therapy have required this to a lesser extent, we anticipate that the requirement will only become more prevalent over time. The University currently has a vaccination requirement. However, all screening and mitigation guidelines will follow the University and clinical site requirements. All clinical site guidelines will be posted to the aforementioned site within Exxat, and all University guidelines will be sent to students from the University Covid Care Team to your Arcadia email. Students should be aware that, at present, if they do not receive the vaccine, their options for clinical site placements, and, consequently, pathways for program completion, may be severely limited.
Exemptions based on medical need or sincerely-held religious belief may be available at clinical sites, and CHS personnel will support students in seeking an accommodation on these bases from any site to which the student has been assigned to complete their training. However, the University has no authority over outside entities and the policies that they choose to enforce or decisions made pursuant to those policies. Therefore, Arcadia cannot guarantee that required clinical training experiences will be available for the unvaccinated student to complete their degree.
While the University will attempt to work with students who are unable to get the vaccine for medical or religious reasons in terms of program completion, students must be aware that an inability to participate in clinical experiences will most likely result in their inability to successfully complete clinical phase requirements and therefore not graduate from the College of Health Sciences program in which they are enrolled.
Students who refuse the vaccine for other reasons are not entitled to any programmatic accommodations, including any changes to the clinical year schedule. But, any student in the Department of Medical Science has the option to request a maximum 12 week leave of absence during their clinical phase of training as outlined on page 18 of the Clinical Phase Handbook. Each request will be reviewed by the Academic Review Committee with decisions being rendered on an individual basis.
