The Long Island University Physician Assistant (PA) program requires applicants to complete specific prerequisite courses, accumulate documented clinical experience, and submit competitive GRE or MCAT scores. Admission is selective, with a focus on academic performance, healthcare exposure, and personal attributes aligned with the program's mission of training compassionate, competent PAs.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. The program does not accept transfer credits from non-accredited schools or online-only courses. All prerequisite coursework must be completed with a minimum grade of B (3.0 GPA equivalent) in each course. Required science courses include human anatomy and physiology (with lab), microbiology (with lab), chemistry (general and organic, both with labs), and statistics. Additional required courses are psychology, sociology, and English composition.
Each applicant must provide at least 200 hours of direct patient care experience (PCE) completed within the past five years. PCE includes roles such as medical assistant, EMT, paramedic, nurse aide, or scribe. Experience must be documented with a signed verification form from a supervising healthcare provider. The program prioritizes hands-on, patient-facing roles over administrative or research support.
| Prerequisite Course | Credit Hours | Required Lab? |
|---|---|---|
| Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II | 8 | Yes |
| Microbiology | 4 | Yes |
| General Chemistry I & II | 8 | Yes |
| Organic Chemistry I & II | 8 | Yes |
| Statistics | 3 | No |
| Psychology | 3 | No |
| Sociology | 3 | No |
| English Composition | 3 | No |
Applicants must submit either a GRE General Test score or an MCAT score. The average GRE Verbal Reasoning score for admitted students in 2023 was 152 (75th percentile), Quantitative Reasoning 150 (70th percentile), and Analytical Writing 4.0 (50th percentile). The program does not accept MCAT scores older than three years. Applicants who have taken the GRE more than once must submit all scores for review.
Personal statements must address the applicant's motivation for pursuing a career as a PA, their understanding of the PA role, and how their experiences align with LIU's values of service, integrity, and cultural competence. Statements should be no longer than 500 words and written in formal English. The program uses a complete review process, meaning no single factor determines acceptance.
Interviews are conducted in person or via video conference. Finalists are selected based on academic record, PCE, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and interview performance. The program admits approximately 30 students annually through a rolling admissions process. Waitlist notifications are sent within four weeks of the decision date.
A common misconception is that LIU accepts applicants with only a 3.0 GPA. While a 3.0 is the minimum threshold, the average cumulative GPA of accepted students in 2023 was 3.6. The program does not offer conditional admission or bridge programs for students who fall below the required thresholds.
Another frequent error is assuming that volunteer work counts as direct patient care. LIU defines PCE as time spent providing hands-on patient care under the supervision of a licensed clinician. Volunteer roles such as hospital greeter, fundraiser, or administrative assistant do not qualify. Only roles involving physical assessment, treatment assistance, or patient interaction count toward the 200-hour requirement.
For example, a student who worked 120 hours as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in a long-term care facility and 100 hours as a medical scribe in an outpatient clinic met the PCE requirement. Both roles were verified by supervisors using the official LIU PCE form. The student submitted transcripts showing a 3.7 GPA in science prerequisites and a GRE score of 154 in Verbal and 151 in Quantitative. They were invited to interview and accepted into the class of 2026.
LIU's PA program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for Physician Assistants (ARC-PA). As of 2024, the program's first-time pass rate on the PANCE exam was 94%, above the national average of 88%. This reflects the rigor of the curriculum and the quality of clinical training.
Applicants should note that the program does not offer online or hybrid formats. All didactic and clinical rotations are held on-site at LIU's campuses in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Students must relocate to New York City during the program. Housing and transportation costs are not covered by the program.
For comparison, South University's PA program requires 250 hours of PCE and allows online prerequisite coursework with proctored exams. LIU does not permit online-only courses for prerequisites. The difference underscores the importance of reviewing each program's specific requirements rather than assuming they are similar.
If you are offloading South University PA program requirements, consider how institutional policies differ even among similarly structured programs.
Long Island University PA program requirements are designed to ensure candidates possess the academic foundation, clinical exposure, and personal qualities needed to succeed in a demanding graduate program and in patient care. Meeting the listed criteria is necessary but not sufficient for admission. The selection process remains highly competitive.