PA Entry-Level: Requirements

Academic Prerequisites

Please note that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview or admission to the program.

All applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for an interview.:

  • Complete a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution prior to August 1st.
  • Have a cumulative CASPA Total Grade Point Average of 3.0 or above.
  • Have a cumulative CASPA Science Grade Point Average of 3.0 or above.
  • Have achieved a grade of C or better in the following courses with the minimum number of credits listed below and completed by August 1st.
Subject (Credits vary by institution)

Minimum Credit Hours

(quarter credits are acceptable)

Statistics or Biostatistics
Courses in statistics taken under certain majors such as psychology, sociology, and economics are acceptable
3
General Chemistry
Two semesters of general chemistry. Credits may vary by institution. 
In lieu of general chemistry, you may use other upper-division Chemistry.
8
Organic Chemistry 3
Biochemistry 3
General Biology
Two semesters of general biology, Credits may vary by institution.
Cannot use anatomy and physiology for this requirement
In lieu of General Biology, you may use other upper-division Biology.
8
General Microbiology 3
Genetics 3
Anatomy 3
Physiology 3

**AP courses may not be used to substitute any science prerequisites.**

 

The program stipulates that coursework in the natural sciences be designated for science/pre-med majors.  We prefer that science prerequisites be taken at a four-year science-intensive University. It is strongly suggested that 1) all-natural science coursework be completed within seven years of application, 2) all prerequisites noted above be completed by August 1st, and 3) a Baccalaureate degree be completed by August 1st.

World Education Services (WES) must evaluate all foreign coursework and include a course-by-course evaluation. All applicants whose native or first language is not English must also score at least 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, or an iBT total score of 90 (with no subscore lower than the minimums listed: Reading: 22, Listening: 21, Writing: 25, Speaking: 22) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) within two years prior to admission. 

Advanced Placement 

The Stony Brook University PA Program does not award advanced placement credit for courses completed prior to enrolling in our program. All components and courses within the program must be completed by all students.

Direct Patient Care Requirements

Prior to the interview, 500 hours of documented, direct patient care (either full or part-time) is required. Work experience as a paramedic, medical corpsman, respiratory therapist, emergency medical technician, nurse, certified nursing assistant, medical assistant, medical laboratory technologist, counselor in a health care setting, scribe, etc., can meet this requirement. Up to 250 hours may be satisfied by direct patient-care experiences completed during clinical training in the health professions (e.g., practicums in nursing, clinical practice clerkships in allied health, graduate psychology internships, etc.). Volunteer direct patient care experiences may meet this requirement. We do not accept shadowing toward this requirement.

Other Admission Requirements

  • Three references must be submitted through CASPA.
  • Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS for Health Care Providers). Information on BLS is available through the American Heart Association
  • The program requires a supplemental application.  There is a $100 non-refundable processing fee for the supplemental application, which is located under the "program materials" section on CASPA. 
  • We do not require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), PA-CAT, or MCAT scores.
  • If you are offered an interview with the program, you will sign a condition form that you acknowledge that you have to send official transcripts to the program, show proof of current BLS certification, and successfully pass a criminal background check by June 1st (of the year you will be starting). Also, if you are offered a seat in the program, you will be required to complete a specified online Medical Terminology course prior to beginning the program. The inability to meet the conditions of acceptance will result in the program rescinding the seat. 

All applicants who are interviewed are evaluated on the strength of their:

  • Academic Preparation
  • Clinical Experience
  • Personal Statements
  • References
  • Interview
  • Commitment to serving under-represented populations
  • Leadership potential
  • Commitment to primary care

You may also email us at paprogram@stonybrook.edu