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7 Shocking Facts About The Long Island University (LIU) PA Program You Must Know Before Applying

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Are you considering a career as a Physician Assistant (PA) and eyeing a top program in New York City? The Long Island University (LIU) Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program, based at the historic LIU Brooklyn campus, is one of the region's oldest and most respected, having been the first in the area to receive approval from the New York State Education Department. However, prospective students applying for the 2024-2025 cycle need to be aware of the program’s current, dynamic status, which includes an incredibly high PANCE pass rate alongside a critical accreditation update.

As of today, December 24, 2025, the LIU PA program remains a highly competitive 28-month professional program, known for its rigorous curriculum and location in a major metropolitan healthcare hub. This deep dive reveals the most crucial, up-to-date facts—from admission metrics to the latest accreditation status—that will directly impact your application and future career path.

Long Island University PA Program: Essential Facts and Latest Updates (2025)

The Long Island University Physician Assistant Studies program is structured as an intensive, 28-month curriculum designed to prepare compassionate and competent health practitioners. Located at the LIU Brooklyn campus, the program is a cornerstone of the university's School of Health Professions. Here is a complete breakdown of the program's vital statistics and recent updates.

  • Program Name: Master of Science (M.S.) in Physician Assistant Studies
  • Location: LIU Brooklyn, New York
  • Program Length: 28 months
  • Curriculum Structure: Divided into a 12-month Didactic Phase and a 12-month Clinical Phase, followed by a final four-month period.
  • Accrediting Body: Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA)
  • Historical Significance: The first PA program in the region to be approved by the New York State Education Department.
  • Application Cycle: Open for the 2024-2025 cycle via CASPA.
  • National Ranking: LIU is a nationally ranked university, emphasizing innovative programs and cutting-edge research.

1. The Critical Accreditation Status: What "Accreditation-Probation" Means

The most important and recent update for any prospective applicant concerns the program's accreditation. At its June 2025 meeting, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) placed the Long Island University Physician Assistant Program on Accreditation-Probation status.

This status is assigned when a program does not meet all ARC-PA Standards or when the capability of the program to provide an acceptable educational experience is threatened. It is a serious classification but does not mean the program is unaccredited. Students who graduate from a program on probation remain eligible to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). The program is required to submit a report to the ARC-PA, and its next review is scheduled for June 2025.

2. LIU’s PANCE Pass Rate is Exceptionally High

Despite the current Accreditation-Probation status, the program maintains an outstanding record of student success on the National Certifying Examination (PANCE), the final hurdle to becoming a certified PA. This is a powerful indicator of the quality of the education provided during both the didactic and clinical phases.

The Ultimate PANCE Pass Rate for the LIU PA program is 100%, meaning all graduates eventually pass the certification exam. Furthermore, the First-Time Taker PANCE Pass Rates are consistently well above the national average:

  • 2021: 100%
  • 2022: 97%
  • 2023: 97%

This impressive performance on the PANCE demonstrates the program's commitment to rigorous medical education and the quality of its student body.

3. The Non-Negotiable GPA and Prerequisite Requirements

Gaining admission to the LIU PA program is highly competitive, and applicants must meet strict academic thresholds. The program utilizes the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) and requires a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

The minimum required GPAs are:

  • Minimum Overall GPA: 3.00
  • Minimum Science GPA: 3.00
  • Minimum Prerequisite GPA: 3.00

A minimum grade of 'C' is required for all prerequisite coursework. The program also enforces a strict rule that most prerequisite courses must have been completed within the six years prior to application, with exceptions granted for courses like Statistics/Calculus and English Composition.

4. A Deep Dive into the Curriculum Structure

The 28-month professional program is split into two intensive phases: the didactic year and the clinical year.

The Didactic Phase (First 12 Months)

The initial phase is academically focused, involving traditional classroom and laboratory instruction. A key feature of the LIU PA curriculum is the use of physical cadavers for anatomy instruction, providing students with essential, hands-on learning that is crucial for a deep understanding of human anatomy. Medical courses are augmented with weekly clinical experiences, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge early on.

The Clinical Phase (Second 12 Months)

The clinical year consists of required clinical rotations across various medical specialties. These rotations are designed to expose students to a diverse patient population and a wide range of clinical settings, leveraging LIU's location in the healthcare-rich New York metropolitan area.

Core clinical rotation specialties include:

  • Behavioral Medicine/Psychiatry
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Family Medicine
  • Internal Medicine
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Surgical Medicine

5. Required Science Prerequisite Coursework

To be considered for admission, applicants must successfully complete a specific set of science and non-science courses. These courses ensure all incoming students have the foundational knowledge necessary to handle the intensity of the program.

Key science prerequisites include:

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology (must contain a laboratory component)
  • Chemistry (General and/or Organic)
  • General Microbiology (must contain a laboratory component)
  • Statistics or Calculus

Prospective students should verify the exact credit hours and course content directly with the LIU PA Division of Physician Assistant Studies to ensure compliance with the 6-year prerequisite rule.

6. Understanding the Tuition and Financial Commitment

As a private university graduate program, the financial commitment is substantial. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the graduate tuition for the Physician Assistant program is calculated on a per-credit basis.

  • Graduate Tuition Rate: $1,433 per credit

Given the program's 28-month structure, applicants should prepare a detailed financial plan that accounts for tuition, university fees, books, and living expenses in the high-cost New York City area. Total estimated costs, including tuition and other fees, can exceed $80,000 for the program's duration, though it is best to consult the university's official tuition and fees schedule for the most accurate, current figures.

7. The LIU PA Program’s Commitment to Community Service

Beyond the classroom and clinical rotations, the LIU PA Program emphasizes a commitment to public health and community engagement. The program actively encourages PA students to participate in community service initiatives. This focus aligns with the broader mission of training compassionate, high-quality healthcare providers ready to serve diverse populations, particularly in the Brooklyn and greater New York area.

The combination of a historically significant program, an intense curriculum, and consistently high PANCE success rates makes the LIU PA program a compelling, albeit challenging, choice. Applicants must weigh the program’s strong outcomes against its current accreditation status and be prepared for the rigorous demands of the didactic phase and subsequent clinical year.

7 Shocking Facts About the Long Island University (LIU) PA Program You Must Know Before Applying
long island university pa program
long island university pa program

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