Guide to PA Programs on Long Island
Hofstra, Stony Brook, LIU, Touro, and NYIT — with accreditation status, admissions requirements, curriculum structure, PANCE outcomes, and what it takes to build a competitive application.
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Book my free auditLong Island has several established PA programs — Hofstra University, Stony Brook University, Long Island University, Touro, and NYIT — with most programs lasting 24 to 30 months, clinical training sites clustered across the region, and curricula designed to meet New York licensure requirements. PA school admissions in New York are competitive and each program has its own prerequisites, deadlines, and expectations. Understanding the Long Island landscape early helps you build a stronger school list, prepare for required experiences, and avoid application mistakes.
ARC-PA Accreditation and New York Program Status
All PA programs must be accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Accreditation-Continued status means the program is in ongoing compliance with ARC-PA standards. Accreditation-Probation means the program has been found out of compliance and must demonstrate corrective action — probation may extend up to two additional years if needed. Accreditation remains in effect unless a program withdraws or fails to comply. Always verify current status at arc-pa.org before applying. arc-pa.org before applying.
Accreditation-Continued · Next review September 2026
Accreditation-Probation · Until June 2027 (may extend)
ARC-PA Accredited · Next review July 2027
Long Island PA Programs: Full Profiles
Each program's department, accreditation status, curriculum length, prerequisites, and admissions notes.
Hofstra University PA Program
Hempstead, Nassau County · Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies · ~27 months
One of the few PA programs directly on Long Island. Strong clinical rotations through the Northwell Health network — one of the largest health systems in New York. Competitive admissions; expect a 3.3+ GPA and 1,000+ hours of direct patient care.
Stony Brook University PA Program
Stony Brook, Suffolk County · School of Health Professions
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies · ~27 months
Part of Stony Brook Medicine — one of the most competitive PA programs in New York. Clinical rotations through Stony Brook University Hospital and affiliated sites. Research experience is preferred and distinguishes competitive applicants.
Long Island University (LIU) PA Program
Brooklyn · School of Health Professions
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies · 28 months
LIU follows a 28-month curriculum with ten 5-week clerkships during the clinical year. Currently on ARC-PA Accreditation-Probation until June 2027 — probation may extend up to two additional years if compliance issues are not resolved. Graduation rates: Class of 2023 (88.6%), Class of 2024 (100%), Class of 2025 (89.7%). Prospective students should monitor accreditation status before applying.
Touro University PA Program
Bay Shore, Suffolk County · Touro College of Health Sciences
Dual Degree BS/MS in Physician Assistant Studies · ~27 months (MS phase)
Located in Bay Shore, making it one of the most accessible PA programs for Suffolk County students. Touro offers a dual degree BS/MS pathway for undergraduate students. Strong clinical training with diverse rotation sites. Graduation rate: 99% (reported). PANCE outcomes consistently strong.
New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) PA Program
Old Westbury, Nassau County · NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies · ~27 months
NYIT's on-campus osteopathic medical school creates a unique interprofessional environment for PA students. Strong simulation facilities and clinical training infrastructure. The NYIT setting provides additional PA pathway options for students considering programs on Long Island.
Admissions Requirements for Long Island PA Programs
Admission to a physician assistant program is highly competitive. Most Long Island programs share a common set of baseline requirements, though specific thresholds vary. Science prerequisites are typically expected to have been completed within 5 to 10 years of application.
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 baseline; 3.3–3.5+ competitive |
| Direct patient care hours | 500–1,000+ hours (varies by program) |
| Undergraduate credits | At least 90 credits before applying (CASPA standard) |
| Science prerequisites | Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Statistics |
| Prerequisite recency | Most programs require prerequisites completed within 5–10 years |
| Application system | CASPA (Centralized Application Service for PAs) |
| Letters of recommendation | Typically 3; PA supervisor letter strongly preferred |
| Bachelor's degree | Required at most programs; some offer combined BS/MS tracks |
Application Timeline and CASPA Checklist
CASPA opens in late April each year. PA programs practice rolling admissions — applying early is one of the highest-leverage decisions you can make. Here is a semester-by-semester framework and a materials checklist.
Semester-by-Semester Timeline
12–18 months before applying
Complete remaining prerequisites. Begin accumulating direct patient care hours. Identify PA supervisors for letters of recommendation.
9–12 months before applying
Shadow a PA in your target specialty. Research programs and build your school list. Attend open houses if available.
6–9 months before applying
Request letters of recommendation — give recommenders at least 6–8 weeks. Begin drafting your personal statement.
3–6 months before applying
Finalize personal statement. Complete CASPA application. Submit as early as possible after CASPA opens (late April).
After submission
Complete supplemental applications within 2 weeks of receipt. Prepare for interviews. Follow up on any missing materials.
CASPA Materials Checklist
Didactic Year and Clinical Year Structure
What to expect across the two phases of PA school at Long Island programs.
Didactic Year
- • Usually 12–15 months, approximately 40–60 credits
- • Intensive classroom instruction in core medical subjects
- • Covers pathophysiology, pharmacology, clinical medicine, physical examination, and diagnostic reasoning
- • Prepares students for patient care responsibilities and PANCE board content
- • LIU follows a 28-month total curriculum with a structured didactic phase
Clinical Year
- • Usually 12 months of supervised rotations across multiple specialties
- • Typically 8–10 rotations lasting 4–6 weeks each
- • LIU students complete ten 5-week clerkships during the clinical year
- • Some programs include a two-day End-of-Rotation Meeting during the clinical year
- • Rotations at hospitals, outpatient clinics, and specialty practices
Core Clinical Clerkships
Transitioning to the Clinical Phase
Shifting from classroom to patient care
The clinical year requires a different kind of thinking. You are no longer memorizing — you are applying. Practice presenting patients clearly and concisely. Learn to communicate effectively with attendings, nurses, and patients from day one.
Building preceptor relationships
Your preceptors shape your clinical education. Show up prepared, ask thoughtful questions, and demonstrate that you take feedback seriously. Strong preceptor relationships often lead to better rotation experiences and stronger references.
Time management and professionalism
Clinical rotations are demanding. Prioritize sleep, stay organized, and treat every patient encounter as a learning opportunity. Exercise good judgment, adapt to varied clinical situations, and maintain professionalism in every setting.
Clinical Placements and Patient Care Experience
During the clinical year, PA students work across hospitals, outpatient clinics, and specialty practices as part of the health care team. Understanding what is expected — and how to position yourself for strong placements — matters before you start.
Patient care responsibilities during rotations
- Taking patient histories and conducting physical examinations
- Assisting with procedures under attending supervision
- Helping interpret diagnostic tests and imaging
- Documenting patient encounters and writing notes
- Presenting patients on rounds and in clinic
- Participating in care planning as part of the health care team
Strategies to secure competitive rotation slots
- Apply for rotation slots early — popular sites fill quickly
- Stay flexible on location and specialty, especially early in the year
- Build strong preceptor relationships from your first rotation
- Demonstrate reliability and preparation — preceptors talk to each other
- Express interest in specific sites or specialties to your program coordinator
- Strong clinical placements improve readiness for direct patient care after graduation
Program Outcomes: PANCE, Graduation Rates, and Attrition
Completing an accredited PA program makes graduates eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). PANCE first-time pass rates and graduation rates are the primary outcome metrics for PA programs. Always verify current data directly with each program — ARC-PA requires programs to publish this information.
LIU PA Program
Currently on Accreditation-Probation — monitor status before applying.
Touro University PA Program
One of the stronger outcome profiles among Long Island programs.
Hofstra, Stony Brook, NYIT
All programs are required to publish PANCE pass rates and graduation data.
Health Requirements, Background Checks, and Drug Testing
Immunizations and physical exam
- MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B series
- Annual TB test or IGRA
- Influenza vaccine (seasonal)
- COVID-19 vaccination (most programs)
- Physical exam confirming fitness for clinical duties
Criminal background check
- Required by all programs before clinical year
- Conducted through a third-party vendor
- Certain convictions may affect clinical placement eligibility
- Disclose proactively — programs evaluate on a case-by-case basis
Drug screening
- Required before clinical rotations begin
- Positive screens are handled per program policy
- Some rotation sites conduct their own screening
- Consult program leadership if you have concerns before applying
Tuition, Fees, and Financial Planning
PA programs on Long Island are private institutions — tuition is significant. Plan your finances before you apply.
Typical tuition range
$80K–$130K+
Total program cost; varies by school and year
Additional expenses
- • Housing and living costs
- • CASPA application fees
- • Supplemental application fees
- • Background check and drug screen
- • Immunizations and physical exam
- • Clinical rotation travel costs
Financial resources
- • Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
- • Graduate PLUS Loans
- • AAPA Foundation scholarships
- • New York State TAP (if eligible)
- • Institutional scholarships (check each program)
- • Loan counseling through your program's financial aid office
MD/DO vs. PA: A Quick Comparison
| Factor | MD/DO | PA |
|---|---|---|
| Training length | 4 years medical school + 3–7 years residency | 2–3 years PA school |
| Autonomy | Full independent practice | Collaborative practice with physician oversight |
| Specialty flexibility | Specialty-specific after residency | Can change specialties more easily |
| Typical debt | $200,000–$350,000+ | $80,000–$150,000 |
| Median salary | $230,000+ | $125,000+ |
Student Life, Support Services, and Housing
Academic support
Most programs offer tutoring, faculty office hours, and academic advising. The program director is typically the primary contact for academic concerns. Check the program handbook for detailed support policies specific to each school.
Mental health and wellness
PA school is demanding. All Long Island programs are affiliated with universities that offer counseling and wellness services. Use them. Student grievances are handled through program leadership or the institution's academic complaint procedures.
Housing and commuting
Long Island programs are spread across Nassau and Suffolk counties. Hofstra and NYIT are in Nassau; Stony Brook, Touro, and LIU are in Suffolk. Most students commute or rent locally. On-campus housing is limited — plan early.
Long Island University PA Program: Spotlight
Accreditation-Probation — Active as of this writing
LIU's PA program is currently on ARC-PA Accreditation-Probation until June 2027. Probation status may extend up to two additional years if compliance issues are not resolved. Verify current status at arc-pa.org before applying.
Curriculum
28-month program. Ten 5-week clerkships during the clinical year. Minimum GPA of 3.0 required for progression.
Graduation rates
Class of 2023: 88.6% · Class of 2024: 100% · Class of 2025: 89.7%
Application preparation
Complete prerequisites, accumulate direct patient care hours, prepare for the LIU-specific interview, and be ready to meet progression standards including the 3.0 GPA minimum.
Contact
Visit liu.edu — MS Physician Assistant for current admissions coordinator contact information.
Next Steps for Prospective PA Students on Long Island
Visit campuses and attend open houses
Most Long Island PA programs host open houses and information sessions for prospective students. Attending in person gives you a sense of the program culture, facilities, and faculty — and demonstrates genuine interest. Check each program's admissions page for upcoming events.
Review each program's admissions page
Requirements, deadlines, and supplemental materials vary by program. Bookmark the admissions pages for Hofstra, Stony Brook, LIU, Touro, and NYIT and check them regularly — programs update prerequisites and deadlines each cycle.
Schedule a free 20-minute application audit
If you are unsure which programs fit your profile, how to build your school list, or how to approach your CASPA application, a free 20-minute application audit with MedTrack Mentors can help you map out a clear plan before the cycle opens.
How MedTrack Mentors Helps Long Island PA Applicants
We offer personalized CASPA strategy sessions, targeted personal statement feedback, PA interview coaching and mock interviews, and school selection and timeline planning — everything you need to build a competitive PA application.
See the full PA admissions advising service for a complete breakdown of what is included.