PA Post-Professional: FAQs

  1. How can I get more information about the on-line program?
  2. When is the deadline for applying to the programs?
  3. Can I enroll in classes if I miss the deadline for application?
  4. Do I have to take the GREs to apply to the programs?
  5. Can I transfer credits into the programs?
  6. Will my degree from a foreign university be accepted as a pre-requisite?
  7. Can I receive graduate course credit for clinical or life experience as a PA?
  8. Can I apply if I do not have the preferred 3.0 cumulative GPA?
  9. What types of financial aid are available to part-time graduate students?
  10. Can I complete the PA Post-Professional Program completely online?
  11. What do our students say about the PPMP?
  12. Will I be able to work while attending classes?
  13. Do I receive CME credits for completion of any of the courses?
  14. What degree will I receive at graduation?
  15. How will this degree help me?
  16. What are the technical requirements for the two programs?
  17. Do you have an employment placement service for graduates of the program?

Question #1: How can I get more information about the on-line program?
Answer: We encourage you to contact us for a personal advisement or information session to learn about our program. These sessions will also provide the opportunity for you to review your career goals with an advisor from the program faculty/staff.
Question #2: When is the deadline for applying to the programs?
Answer: We are no longer accepting applications for this program.
Question #3: Can I enroll in classes if I miss the deadline for application?
Answer: We are no longer accepting applications for this program.
Question #4: Do I have to take the GREs to apply to the programs?
Answer: No, GREs are not required for admission.
Question #5: Can I transfer credits into the programs?
Answer: You may request to transfer up to 6 graduate credits from an accredited university. Approval is determined after evaluation by the Program Director and the Assistant Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of the School of Health Professions.
Question #6: Will my degree from a foreign university be accepted as a pre-requisite?
Answer: It can be accepted if it is equivalent to a baccalaureate degree from a United States university. Students should contact World Education Services (WES) to obtain a course by course evaluation of their foreign transcripts as well as their cumulative grade point average (both undergraduate and graduate coursework is taken into consideration in calculating a applicant’s GPA). Original transcripts must be received by WES and Stony Brook University.
Question #7: Can I receive graduate course credit for clinical or life experience as a PA?
Answer: No, Stony Brook University does not award graduate level credit for clinical or life experience. The credits must be achieved through coursework.
Question #8: Can I apply if I do not have the preferred 3.0 cumulative GPA?
Answer: Applicants who do not have the preferred 3.0 cumulative GPA can register for the post-professional program as non-matriculated students. After successful completion of six credits as a non-matriculated student, the post-professional program director and student will meet and discuss the option of acceptance to the program.
Question #9: What types of financial aid are available to part-time graduate students?
Answer: Students must be matriculated into the program and take a minimum of 6 credits to apply for federal aid; otherwise they can apply for personal or alternative loans from a bank. Financial aid advisors in the Health Sciences Center Office of Student Services at 631-444-2111 are available to discuss these issues with prospective applicants.
Question #10: Can I complete the PA Post-Professional Program completely online?
Answer: Yes. You can complete all of your coursework online. You are not required to visit the campus at all although we would love to see you at graduation.
 
Question #11: What do our students say about PPMP?
Answer:

-"I really loved learning the technology since starting the PPMP. I was thinking about the online environment today. I feel that there is actually more interaction between the instructor and your fellow class mates when taking a class online than in a standard class meeting once or twice a week. I have learned a lot from others during these classes."

-“On the crossroads of our profession, I decided to take the high road to Stony Brook…[which] maintains the prestige of being one of the leading schools in education. I could not ask any less of myself when it comes to my profession.”

-“I chose Stony Brook Post Professional PA Program for many reasons; it’s well-founded reputation, great variety of course offerings, different course schedules including weekends only and on-line course opportunities…the learning curve is high and some courses share students from different occupations, including PAs of many sub-specialties, nursing, management, occupational therapy just to name a few which provides a wonderful variety of experience and exchange of information.”

-“I was pleased by the friendly atmosphere, knowledgeable instructors and the very flexible schedule specifically designed for working physician assistants. The affordable tuition and convenient location [Manhattan and Long Island campus facilities] also help make the Stony Brook Post-Professional PA Program a front line of future PA education…It is a great opportunity to grow professionally and stay up to date with the most current events in this field.”

-"After being a Stony Brook alumni for over twenty years, I decided to finally attain my Masters but was so nervous about going back to school.  So far, it has been a wonderful educational experience and I would encourage any health care professional who is contemplating it, to go for it!!"

-“The Stony Brook post-professional master's program is designed for the busy professional PA to round out their education while continuing to practice clinically.  It is essential in modern medicine for a clinician to be educated in all aspects of the healthcare environment."

-“I've really enjoyed being back in a PA classroom. Interactions and class discussions with practicing PA's has made all the difference, not only are you learning to new material but the vast areas of expertise in each class are incredible. All of the professors are very knowledgeable in their field, and always willing to help. I'm really glad I made the decision to go back to for my graduate degree.”

- “The PA PPMP provides an exceptional quality education that applies to my clinical practice.”

-"As we all know SB has the best PA program and produces the best graduates.  The post professional program lives up to the standards they have set.  It is challenging but also geared to the working professional.”

-"By learning about the development and current challenges our health care system faces I have been able to analyze and interpret data more effectively...I also embraced my new role as a new mother as well as continued my full-time and part-time positions as a clinician while also fulfilling the requirements for my degree.  I am grateful to the program and its faculty for challenging me in many aspects of life and after going through this program I feel I am a more accomplished professional and individual"


Question #12: Will I be able to work while attending classes?
Answer: The program is designed to accommodate the schedule of working PAs. Courses are offered in the evenings, on-line, and as a hybrid of these two teaching formats.
Question #13: Do I receive CME credits for completion of any courses?
Answer: As of January 1, 2019, we can no longer provide CME credits in addition to academic credits for courses completed in the program.
Question #14: What degree will I receive at graduation?
Answer: Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a Master of Science Degree – Physician Assistant. This is the terminal degree for Physician Assistants, according to the Physician Assistant Education Association.
Question #15: How will this degree help me?
Answer: The program is specifically structured to enhance leadership capacity in the areas of clinical practice, administration, management, education, and research. Core and elective courses focus on the development of knowledge and skills that are most in demand by both PAs and their current or prospective employers. Optimizing patient care knowledge and skills is integral to the core curriculum. Finally, having a master’s degree has been noted by some PAs to increase their marketability in the work force. Of course, advisors are available to discuss other personal career goals with you as they pertain to the coursework that is offered.
Question #16: What are the computer requirements for the two programs?
Answer: You must have daily access to a computer, including email. Click here for a list of requirements.
Question #17: Do you have an employment placement service for graduates of the program?
Answer: The Department of PA Education maintains a listing of job opportunities for graduates (with weekly new listings) that is available to graduates from both our postgraduate and post-professional programs.