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Physician Assistant Studies

Master of Science

Home » All Programs » Physician Assistant Studies
Physician Assistants are medical professionals who diagnose, treat, prescribe, and often serve as primary care providers with extensive training.

» Program Overview

Connecting on A Human Level, Delivering Expert Medical Care

Physician Assistants (PAs) play a critical role in health care, diagnosing illnesses, managing treatment plans, prescribing medications, and often acting as a patient’s primary provider. With thousands of hours of medical training, PAs are versatile, collaborative professionals essential to delivering high-quality care.

Why Become a Physician Assistant?
  • Hands-On Patient Care: PAs have the autonomy to diagnose and treat patients, forming meaningful connections while improving lives.
  • Collaboration with Experts: Work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals in a dynamic team environment.
  • Career Flexibility: Explore opportunities across specialties like surgery, pediatrics, emergency medicine, and more, with the ability to transition fields without additional certifications.
  • Impactful Work: PAs are integral to improving access to healthcare, particularly in underserved areas, ensuring patients receive timely, quality care.
Why LTU?

LTU’s PA program combines rigorous academics with a personalized learning experience, equipping you with the tools needed to excel in this high-demand profession.

  • Accreditation-Provisional Status: Recognized by the ARC-PA, highlighting LTU’s commitment to meeting the highest accreditation standards.
  • Rolling Admissions: Submit your application anytime during the open cycle, but apply early to secure one of only 30 spots per cohort.
  • Comprehensive Clinical Rotations: Gain hands-on experience in outpatient and hospital-based care settings across the greater Detroit area, fully arranged by LTU.
  • Advanced Simulation Lab, Henry Ford Health: Train with cutting-edge technology, including cadaver specimens, ultrasound simulators, and robotic surgery tools, to hone your procedural skills.
  • Integrated Learning Experience: Engage with case-based learning, where real-world scenarios develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Study in state-of-the-art facilities with recording capabilities for skill refinement and access to exam rooms for practice. Benefit from supportive faculty who mentor and guide you every step of the way.

» The Student Experience

LTU has implemented a student-first ideology with a focus on you. Your overall well-being and success is the driver behind our passion. The PA faculty at LTU is committed to your personal success and to providing the physical, mental and emotional support needed to assist you along the way. One of your PA professors will serve as your personal advisor and mentor throughout your journey at LTU and will guide you to other University resources should you need them.

Our curriculum often employs case-based learning, immersing students in real-world scenarios to foster critical thinking and practical problem-solving skills. By engaging with authentic cases, students not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also develop the ability to apply their expertise in complex and dynamic situations.

» Clinical Rotations

Clinical rotations are located in the greater Detroit and surrounding areas with preceptors committed to supporting the LTU Ascension partnership and vision. Your clinical experiences will be both outpatient and within the hospital setting and will be arranged entirely by LTU.

Our students participate in clinical experiences within the following local hospital systems:

  • Ascension
  • Corewell Health
  • Covenant Medical Center
  • Detroit Medical Center
  • Henry Ford Health
  • Hurley Medical Center
  • Memorial Hospital
  • MyMichigan Medical Center (Midland & West Branch)
  • Sparrow
  • Spectrum
  • Trinity Health Michigan
  • VA Healthcare
Ascension Simulation Lab

This lab allows students to acquire procedural skills with the most advanced models, cadaver specimens, and superior equipment used by Ascension medical professionals. Take advantage of ultrasound and robotic surgery simulators, access to an impressive library of radiologic images from actual studies performed, and an extensive exposure and education on a wide range of diagnostics and procedures.
Read more

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

LTU’s PA Program is dedicated to fostering an environment of mutual respect, and honors and embraces the value of every individual. Any violation of a person’s civil liberties may be subject to penalty by state or federal law. Harassment and discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, ethnicity, nationality, age, political ideology, socio-economic class, sexual orientation or intellectual or physical ability will not be tolerated. To report an incident, visit ltu.edu/about/title-ix/reporting/.

The Centralized Application Service For Physician Assistants (CASPA) application is open from June 1 – December 1, 2025.

Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis, allowing applicants to submit their materials at any time during the open application cycle. This means that as soon as your application is complete, it will be reviewed, and decisions will be made on an ongoing basis. LTU strongly encourages all applicants to apply as early as possible. Once all thirty spots have been filled, later applications will only be considered for the waitlist.

The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the Lawrence Technological University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Lawrence Technological University. Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students. Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class. The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at http://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-lawrence-technological-university/

PA_lab

» Curriculum

The LTU PA Program is a two-year program and results in the award of a Master’s of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) degree upon successful completion. The program focuses on patient-centered care. Compassion towards all patients across the lifespan is paramount to your success. A culture of humility will be present throughout, with a deep commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion of our patients, colleagues and community. You will learn to address barriers to providing optimal care related to personal bias, vulnerable and special populations. The ethical care of patients will be foundational to the program curriculum. The commitment to interprofessional collaboration will allow for a deeper understanding of the healthcare team which leads to better outcomes and more cost-effective and patient-centered care.

One of the teaching methods employed in our program is the flipped classroom, where students are given the opportunity to preview key concepts in advance so that class time can be spent on problem-solving and in-depth exploration of the content. This approach significantly enhances learning as compared to a more traditional lecture-only approach and transforms the classroom into a dynamic, interactive learning environment where your professors can guide you in applying concepts and engaging creatively in the subject matter.

Fall Semester

COURSE NAME COURSE # CREDITS
Clinical Medicine I
PAS5016
6
PAE I
PAS5114
4
Health Care Issues I
PAS5212
2
Pharmacology I
PAS5312
2
Anatomy
PAS5413
3
Pathophysiology
PAS5513
3

Total Credit Hours

20

Spring Semester

COURSE NAME COURSE # CREDITS
Clinical Medicine I
PAS5027
7
PAE II
PAS5124
4
Health Care Issues II
PAS5222
2
Pharmacology II
PAS5322
2
Behavioral Medicine
PAS5423
3
Special Populations
PAS5533
3

Total Credit Hours

21

Summer Semester

COURSE NAME COURSE # CREDITS
Clinical Medicine III
PAS5035
5
PAE III
PAS5134
4
Health Care Issues III
PAS5232
2
Pharmacology III
PAS5332
2
Medical Diag. & Procedures
PAS5433
3
Emergency Medicine
PAS5523
3

Total Credit Hours

19

Fall Semester

COURSE NAME COURSE # CREDITS
Family Medicine Rotation
PAS6015
5
Internal Medicine Rotation
PAS6025
5
Surgery Rotation
PAS6035
5

Total Credit Hours

15

Spring Semester

COURSE NAME COURSE # CREDITS
Pediatrics Rotation
PAS6045
5
Women’s Health Rotation
PAS6055
5
Behavioral Medicine Rotation
PAS6065
5

Total Credit Hours

15

Summer Semester

COURSE NAME COURSE # CREDITS
Emergency Medicine Rotation
PAS6075
5
Elective Medicine I Rotation
PAS6085
5
Elective Medicine II Rotation
PAS6095
5

Total Credit Hours

6

*Student rotation schedule may differ from displayed sample curriculum.

Clinical rotations are located in the greater Detroit area, surrounding regions, and underserved areas with preceptors that are dedicated to upholding the LTU PA Program’s Mission and Vision. Your clinical experiences will encompass both outpatient and hospital settings, all arranged by the LTU PA Program.

End of Rotation days “EOR-days”

Each rotation will be 5 weeks. Students will spend on average 4 weeks and 2 days at the clinical site and the last two days of every rotation will be spent on campus or at the SIM lab. You will take an EOR (End Of Rotation) exam for all core rotations. You will spend the last three days of every rotation “EOR-days” having review sessions in both clinical medicine and physical exam skills as preparation for the PANCE, learning topics related to your future practice, covering other didactic year topics in greater depth and having the opportunities to practice skills you will potentially be utilizing during your next rotation. There will be professional topics such as CV building and interview strategies. There will also be an opportunity to meet with your advisor, participate in stress management and group activities in these three days. Your repeat PACKRAT and summative exams will give you insight into your PANCE preparedness and will also be part of this time during your summer semester.

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Healthcare Violence Reduction Center

We provide healthcare providers with strategies to reduce violence, enhance safety, and improve patient care.

» Admission Requirements

As a candidate for admission to the Physician Assistant Program (2025-26 Application Cycle), please see the following:

To ensure your application is reviewed by the PA Admissions Committee, the items listed in Sections A & B must be completed as specified. Missing materials will result in an incomplete submission and delay the review process.

Section A

MUST BE COMPLETED AT THE TIME OF YOUR APPLICATION SUBMISSION
If any of the items in Section A are incomplete upon application submission, your application will be rejected.

  • Minimum of four (4) prerequisites completed with a course grade of a ‘B minus’ or higher
  • Minimum 20 hours of shadowing a Physician Assistant (Refer to + Practical Experience Requirements)
  • Minimum of 750 PCE hours (Refer to + Practical Experience Requirements)
  • Three (3) Letters of Recommendation (Evaluation) (Refer to + Letters of Recommendation)
  • Supporting documentation (if applicable) (Refer to + Special Considerations)
  • TOEFL (if applicable) (Refer to + Permanent Residents & International Students)

Section B

MUST BE COMPLETED AS SPECIFIED BELOW
Once you submit your application, if any of the items in Section B are pending, your application will be put in a ‘Waiting for Materials’ status. Any items in Section B that are not completed by the date specified, your application will be rejected.

  • CASPA application deadline:  December 1, 2025
  • PA-CAT or GRE:  completed prior to December 1, 2025
  • CASPer:  completed prior to December 1, 2025

Section C

MUST BE COMPLETED AS SPECIFIED BELOW
You may submit your application with any of the items in Section C pending. Your application will be forwarded for review with the understanding that, if accepted, the remaining items in Section C must be completed as specified.

  • Bachelor’s Degree:  completed/graduated by June 15, 2026
  • Outstanding Prerequisites [up to two (2)]:  completed by June 15, 2026
  • All prerequisite courses must be taken at a U.S. regionally accredited institution.
  • You may have 2 outstanding prerequisites at the time of application submission/completion but must successfully complete all by June 15, 2025 with a course grade of a “B minus” or higher.
  • Required minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (either original or last 60; whichever is better*)
  • Required minimum prerequisite course GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Recommended minimum science GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • A grade of “B minus” or higher is required with all prerequisite coursework.
  • Prerequisite courses (Except Anatomy and Physiology courses) must be completed within 10 years of matriculation . (taken before Summer 2015 = expired, may need to be repeated unless higher level coursework in same course subjects – contact pa-admissions@ltu.edu for questions on this matter).
  • *Anatomy & *Physiology prerequisites must be completed within *5 years of matriculation (taken before Summer 2020 = expired)
  • CLEP credits and P/F credits will not be considered for prerequisites.  AP credits and Credit/No Credit will be reviewed on a case by case basis but must have a calculated grade determined by the course director/instructor.
  • *  Last 60 credits of coursework will be calculated in an attempt to improve your cumulative GPA; LTU will consider whichever GPA is higher for your application. This is calculated automatically
    • Anatomy + Lab – one full course in human anatomy with lab is required (or may complete a 2-semester series of anatomy and physiology with a minimum of one lab to meet both the anatomy and physiology prerequisites)
    • Physiology + Lab – one full course with lab in human physiology is required (see above)
    • Biochemistry or Organic Chemistry – one course is required
    • Microbiology + Lab – one course with lab is required
    • Statistics or Biostatistics – one course is required
    • Developmental Psychology – one course in required
  • You are strongly encouraged to verify your prerequisite equivalencies (those you have already taken and those you plan to take) by going to our ” Transfer Equivalency System ” and searching for your school.
  • If you are unable to verify your courses or still have additional questions about course equivalencies please contact our admissions office at  pa-admissions@ltu.edu .

Other Encouraged Courses:

Pathophysiology – This course integrates the specific characteristics and mechanisms of normal and abnormal functioning of tissues and organs of the human body organized in a systems-based approach. Students will learn the relationships of function and dysfunction at the molecular, cellular, tissue organ and systemic levels.

Medical terminology is not required but strongly encouraged as you will be testing on your medical terminology knowledge the first week of classes. This course is available in a variety of settings including online courses that would prepare you for the exam.

Genetics is strongly encouraged as a foundational class for the PA curriculum and the understanding of new treatments targeted at the genetics of individuals.

Ethics or Medical Ethics  – The LTU PA program is committed to the ethical considerations of medicine and a foundation in ethics is invaluable in providing a framework from which to build and integrate this approach.

Waivers

  1. If the applicant has been continuously employed in a field that demonstrates ongoing knowledge and application of the materials covered then a waiver may be considered for one specific prerequisite course. (Example – a professor in Microbiology could apply a waiver towards the Microbiology prerequisite)
  2. The applicant has completed a higher-level course(s) in the subject of the prerequisite requirement with a minimum of a B average within the past three years.

*This is defined as direct, hands on care of patients and the most competitive candidates will have 1000+ hours of direct patient care experience with the required hours completed at the time of application.

**Medical scribe experience can account for up to 500 hours of the total hours required but must be combined with actual hands on experience of at least 250 hours.

PA Shadowing

  • Shadow a physician assistant (must include name, title, address, email, and phone number of each provider listed)
  • Minimum of 20 hours, in person shadowing strongly preferred, maximum virtual shadowing of 10 hrs allowed

Direct Patient Care Experience

As an applicant, you must have completed at least 750 hours of direct patient care experience* as an employee in a medical office, hospital, or extended-care facility. Acceptable roles include CNA (certified nursing assistant), medical assistant, EMT (emergency medical technician) or paramedic, radiology technician, ECG technician, LPN or RN,  phlebotomist, medical scribe**, physical therapy assistant, surgical tech, respiratory therapist, chiropractor, athletic trainer and others. Patient care experiences obtained through the military (combat medic, field medical tech, etc.) are also competitive. Please contact the program with any questions regarding qualifying patient care experience.  You must have a minimum of 500 hours completed in order for your application to be reviewed and a plan to reach the required 750 by June 15, 2025.  Please make timely updates in your CASPA application. 

*This is defined as direct, hands on care of patients and the most competitive candidates will have 1000+ hours of direct patient care experience with the required hours completed at the time of application.

**Medical scribe experience can account for up to 500 hours of the total hours required but must be combined with actual hands on experience of at least 250 hours.

PA Shadowing

Shadow a physician assistant (must include name, title, address, email, and phone number of each provider listed)
Minimum of 20 hours, in person shadowing strongly preferred, maximum virtual shadowing of 10 hrs allowed

Lawrence Technological University PA program strongly encourages all applicants to take the PA-CAT (Physician Assistant College Admission Test). The PA-CAT is a specialized test designed to measure applicant knowledge in key prerequisite science subjects typically required for PA school. The PA-CAT will highlight an applicant’s areas of weakness and provide materials prior to matriculation to assist the applicants to be better prepared to start LTUs PA program.

For information about the PA-CAT and to schedule your exam, visit their website at  www.PA-CAT.com.
For PA-CAT Fee Assistance Program information visit their website at   exammaster.aweb.page/feeassistance.

PA-CAT OR GRE Test (Only one is needed to Apply, However, the PA-CAT is STRONGLY recommended)

Register early to ensure site availability & receipt of results, which can take up to 6 weeks.

LTU’s GRE Designated Code: 2863

For the GRE link, click here!

LTU’s PA-CAT Designated Institution Code: MI2205

Step 1: Go to PA-CAT, click here! to register, pay and schedule your exam date for the PA-CAT.
Step 2: Study for the PA-CAT with resources provided on their website: www.PA-CAT.com . Instructions on how to access the resources are included in your registration confirmation email.

PA-CAT format:

  • 240 multiple-choice test items
  • 9 prerequisite science subjects presented randomly
  • 4.5-hour total exam window
  • Electronically administered by Prometric

ACUITY INSIGHTS – CASPER (supports the holistic approach of applicants, going beyond GPA’s and test scores)

  • Provides a standardized evaluation of social intelligence and professionalism
  • Is an open-response format that elicits authentic answers, with less chance of “gaming” the system
  • Gives a single score which is easily integrated into your admissions process
  • Video and word-based scenarios, each with open-ended questions that need timed response
  • Applicants respond to questions using video and written formats
  • Each applicant is scored by multiple human raters, who go through extensive training
  • Single z-score provided to programs, applicants receive quartile score
  • 90-110 minutes for applicants to complete

To take the Casper test, click here!  (create an account and register to complete the following assessment):   

You will register for Acuity Insights (Casper) for the US Professional Health Sciences test (CSP-10101).

NOTE: Snapshot & Duet (part of Acuity Insights) are NOT required to apply.

Technical Standards for Admission, Academic Promotion and Graduation

The purpose of this document is to specify the technical standards the University deems necessary for a student to matriculate, remain in good standing and ultimately achieve all the competencies/outcomes necessary for graduation within the PA program. The University, therefore, requires candidates to confirm their ability to comply with these standards, with or without accommodation, as a condition of admission and on an annual basis thereafter.

Fulfillment of the technical standards for graduation does not guarantee that a graduate will be able to fulfill the technical requirements of any specific residency program or employment settings.

Read the Document [PDF]

Accepted students must complete a criminal background check, which may include a drug screen, through the LTU preferred vendor. Results must be released to LTU prior to matriculation. Students are required to disclose all past or present charges, convictions, dismissals, deferred judgments and expunged records as related to a misdemeanor or felony. They are also obligated to disclose any additional charges and convictions which occur following completion of the initial criminal background check. Admission to the program may be revoked if misrepresentations or omissions from the application are noted in the background check. LTU students may be required to complete annual criminal background checks, which may include drug screening, while enrolled in the LTU PA Program.

Three (3) letters of reference are required. Additional letters will not be considered by the program. Reference letters should not be from personal friends or family members. Letters of reference must be submitted directly to CASPA and postmarked prior to the application deadline. Letters of reference will only be accepted through CASPA. No exceptions. Examples include physician assistant, science professor, physician, nurse, previous employer (preferred in healthcare) and mentors.

The program does not accept transfer credits or advanced placement into the program.

The LTU PA Program requires all incoming students to demonstrate a history of all required vaccinations and immunizations being up to date. Students are not permitted to register for classes or begin clinical rotations until all required immunizations and vaccinations are complete. This policy is based on the current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for health professionals found at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/  

Vaccine Requirements

COVID-19 Vaccination

All accepted LTU PA students must be fully immunized by May 15, 2024 to matriculate in August. All students must remain in compliance and will follow the CDCs recommendations for boosters throughout the PA program.

Hepatitis B

If you don’t have documented evidence of a complete hepB vaccine series, or if you don’t have a blood test that shows you are immune to hepatitis B (i.e., no serologic evidence of immunity or prior vaccination) then you should

  • Get a 3-dose series of Recombivax HB or Engerix-B (dose #1 now, #2 in 1 month, #3 approximately 5 months after #2) or a 2-dose series of Heplisav-B, with the doses separated by at least 4 weeks.
  • Get an anti-HBs serologic test 1-2 months after the final dose.

See Prevention of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the United States: Recommendations of the ACIP.

Flu (Influenza)Get 1 dose of influenza vaccine annually.
MMR (Measles, Mumps, & Rubella)

If you were born in 1957 or later and have not had the MMR vaccine, or if you don’t have a blood test that shows you are immune to measles or mumps (i.e., no serologic evidence of immunity or prior vaccination), get 2 doses of MMR (1 dose now and the 2nd dose at least 28 days later).

If you were born in 1957 or later and have not had the MMR vaccine, or if you don’t have a blood test that shows you are immune to rubella, only 1 dose of MMR is recommended. However, you may end up receiving 2 doses, because the rubella component is in the combination vaccine with measles and mumps. For HCWs born before 1957, see the MMR ACIP vaccine recommendations .

Varicella (Chickenpox)If you have not had chickenpox (varicella), if you haven’t had varicella vaccine, or if you don’t have a blood test that shows you are immune to varicella (i.e., no serologic evidence of immunity or prior vaccination) get 2 doses of varicella vaccine, 4 weeks apart.
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)

Get a one-time dose of Tdap as soon as possible if you have not received Tdap previously (regardless of when previous dose of Td was received).

Get either a Td or Tdap booster shot every 10 years thereafter.

Pregnant HCWs need to get a dose of Tdap during each pregnancy.


Tuberculosis Requirement

A tuberculin skin test OR Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) blood test must be completed no more than three months prior to matriculation. Students with latent TB please follow CDC guidelines:  www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/testing/

Permanent Residents

Applicants who are legal permanent residents of the U.S. will be required to provide a copy of their permanent resident card (“green card”) prior to admission. Permanent residents will apply through the standard application process. If admitted to LTU, a notarized copy of your permanent resident card (green card) will be required as part of your conditions of enrollment. It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide appropriate documentation with valid expiration date which covers the duration of your degree program.

NOTE: Applicants with permanent residency status “pending” are not eligible for admission.

Transcripts for degrees earned outside of the U.S.

Applicants with degrees earned outside the U.S. should plan to fulfill all standard application requirements, and additionally are required to submit a course-by-course Foreign Transcript Evaluation per one of the services listed below:

Coursework taken at foreign institutions must be evaluated for U.S. equivalence by one of these evaluation services and an official copy must be sent from the service directly to CASPA and LTU. Your application will not be complete and cannot be verified without an official course-by-course evaluation. ECFMG certification does not waive this requirement. In addition, please follow the instructions provided by CASPA regarding transcript or evaluation submission.

TOEFL iBT Score

TOEFL iBT is required of all international applicants unless the applicant has earned all credits from courses needed to earn their bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited University within the United States. Results from the IELTS or USMLE are not accepted in lieu of TOEFL iBT. There is no waiver for this requirement. The minimum TOEFL iBT score is 95.

LTU school code is 1399

Take the Test

Our program does not require supplemental applications. To apply, please proceed to the CASPA portal and complete your application. The LTU PA Program Admissions Committee evaluates all completed applications and extends interviews to competitive applicants who align with the program’s Mission and Vision, as determined by the committee. Not all applicants will qualify for an interview, and not all interviewed candidates will secure a spot in the program.

The LTU PA Program Admissions Committee will communicate with you via CASPA regarding the status of your application. A total of 30 students will be selected to join the cohort, with additional students selected for the waitlist. We do not disclose information about an applicant’s ranking or position. The Admissions Committee will strive to communicate promptly.

Potential outcomes for each applicant include:

  • Missing materials (if CASPA deadline passes, your application is incomplete)
  • Does not meet minimum requirements
  • No offer for interview
  • Offer for interview
  • No offer following interview
  • Offer for seat in cohort
  • Offer for waitlist

Factors that our Admissions Committee values and that strengthen a candidate’s application include:

Traits desirable in a future physician assistant such as empathy, compassion advocacy, previous accomplishments, diverse life experiences, a comprehensive knowledge of the PA profession and significant knowledge of how to deliver health care. Additional experiences not listed above which demonstrate these traits may include: mission work, unique life experiences and unique leadership positions. Alignment between the applicant’s Mission and Vision and that of the program can significantly impact the decision regarding interview and/or admission.

To enhance an applicant’s chances of being interviewed or admitted, consider the following factors:

  • Students that have taken the PA-CAT prior to application review
  • Higher number of direct patient care hours
  • First-generation college student
  • Economically disadvantaged student
  • Underserved area (urban or rural)
  • Underrepresented (in the PA profession)
  • Veterans or active military
  • Volunteer service
  • Leadership/Research experience
  • Advanced Healthcare Training (PT, OT, Paramedic, Rad Tech, Exercise Physiologist, etc.)

Applicants who have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher, may consider the following factors to enhance their chances of being interviewed or admitted:

  • LTU graduates
  • Current full-time LTU students
  • Employees of LTU
  • Children or spouse of LTU employees
  • Employees of Ascension Health
  • Children or spouse of Ascension Health employees
5-Year Integrated Bachelor + Master of Science Biology and Physician Assistant Studies

Are you a motivated high school student eager to become a Physician Assistant to begin your journey as a transformative healthcare professional? Apply to LTU’s new accelerated program and earn your Bachelor of Science in Biology AND your Master of Physician Assistant Studies in 5 years!

Learn More

Mission Statement

The mission of the Physician Assistant program at LTU is to train exceptional, compassionate healthcare professionals in a supportive academic and clinical environment. To prepare future PAs to provide outstanding holistic patient-centered care throughout the healthcare continuum, embrace diversity, invite interprofessional collaboration and approach the complex and ever changing face of technology in healthcare with confidence. To inspire a generation of clinicians to be lifelong learners dedicated to evidence-based medical practice. They will be passionate advocates of their patients, their profession and their community, and explore opportunities to serve underserved populations.

Vision

The Physician Assistant program at LTU embodies innovation, aligning with two core principles. Firstly, Theory and Practice education translates abstract concepts into real-world applications, preparing students to address future challenges. Secondly, the program emphasizes the seamless and proficient incorporation of healthcare technology into students’ future practice, ensuring they are well-equipped for the evolving landscape of healthcare.

1. To achieve first-time PANCE pass rates that are at or above the national average and student confidence in their ability to succeed.

Criteria #1 PANCE Performance

Measures/Benchmark

  • PANCE Performance 1 st   time test takers at or above national average

Success

CriteriaCohort 2024Nat’l Ave 2024 Cohort 2025Nat’l Ave 2025 Cohort 2026Nat’l Ave 2026
PANCE Performance 1st time test takersNot Available       

Criteria #2 – Student Confidence

Measures/Benchmarks

  • Preceptor Evaluation of Student (Student Confidence)/   > 3.5 out of 5 for cohort average

Success

CriteriaCohort 2024Cohort 2025Cohort 2026
Preceptor Evaluation of Student (Student Confidence)In progress  

2. To prepare students to actively and effectively participate in interprofessional healthcare teams and the care of diverse patient populations across the lifespan.

Criteria #1 Interprofessional Healthcare

Measures/Benchmarks

  1. Preceptor Evaluation of Student (Interprofessional Healthcare)/ >3.5 out of 5 for cohort average
  2. Student End of Didactic Phase evaluation (Preparation in Interprofessional Healthcare)/ > 3.5 out of 5 for cohort average
  3. Faculty Evaluation of Curriculum (Student Preparation in Interprofessional Healthcare)/ > 3.5 out of 5 for cohort average
CriteriaCohort 2024Cohort 2025Cohort 2026
Preceptor Evaluation of Student (Interprofessional Healthcare)   
Student End of Didactic Phase evaluation (Preparation in Interprofessional Healthcare)4.27  
Faculty Evaluation of Curriculum (Student Preparation in Interprofessional Healthcare)4.5  

Criteria #2 Care for Diverse Patients

Measures/Benchmarks

  1. Preceptor Evaluation of Student (Care for Diverse Patients)/ > 3.5 out of 5 for cohort average
  2. Student End of Didactic Phase evaluation (Preparation in Care for Diverse Patients)/ > 3.5 out of 5 for cohort average
  3. Faculty Evaluation of Curriculum (Student Preparation in Care for Diverse Patients)/ > 3.5 out of 5 for cohort average
CriteriaCohort 2024Cohort 2025Cohort 2026
Preceptor Evaluation of Student (Care for Diverse Patients)   
Student End of Didactic Phase evaluation (Preparation in Care for Diverse Patients)4.27  
Faculty Evaluation of Curriculum (Student Preparation in Care for Diverse Patients)4.5  

3. To prepare students to provide compassionate and patient centered care to patients across the lifespan.

Criteria #1 Compassionate care

Measures/Benchmarks

  1. Preceptor Evaluation of Student (Compassionate care)/ > 3.5 out of 5 for cohort average
  2. Student End of Didactic Phase evaluation (Preparation in Compassionate care)/ > 3.5 out of 5 for cohort average
  3. Faculty Evaluation of Curriculum (Student Preparation in Compassionate care)/ > 3.5 out of 5 for cohort average

Success

CriteriaCohort 2024Cohort 2025Cohort 2026
Preceptor Evaluation of Student (Compassionate care)   
Student End of Didactic Phase evaluation (Preparation in Compassionate care)4.55  
Faculty Evaluation of Curriculum (Student Preparation in Compassionate care)4.75  

Criteria #2 Patient-centered Care

Measures/Benchmarks

  1. Preceptor Evaluation of Student (Patient-centered Care)/ > 3.5 out of 5 for cohort average
  2. Student End of Didactic Phase evaluation (Preparation in Patient-centered Care)/ > 3.5 out of 5 for cohort average
  3. Faculty Evaluation of Curriculum (Student Preparation in Patient-centered Care)/ > 3.5 out of 5 for cohort average
CriteriaCohort 2024Cohort 2025Cohort 2026
Preceptor Evaluation of Student (Patient-centered Care)   
Student End of Didactic Phase evaluation (Preparation in Patient-centered Care)4.55  
Faculty Evaluation of Curriculum (Student Preparation in Patient-centered Care)4.75  

4. To create a culture of advocacy for the PA profession.

Criteria #1 Advocacy for PA Profession

Measures/Benchmarks

  1. Membership in the AAPA/ 100% of cohort
  2. Membership in the MAPA/ 100% of cohort
  3. Attendance at the state conference – MAPA/ >50% of cohort
CriteriaCohort 2024Cohort 2025Cohort 2026
Membership in the AAPA100%  
Membership in the MAPA100%  
Attendance at MAPA conference65.6%  

5. To promote service to the university and surrounding community on behalf of faculty and students.

Criteria #1 Advocacy for Community

Measures/Benchmarks

  1. PA student community service in PA Program/ >30 hrs ave per cohort
  2. PA faculty service to university and or community/ 80% of principal  faculty

Success

CriteriaYear 2024Year 2025Year 2026
PA student community service hrs in PA Program In Progress  
Principal faculty service to University/community 100%  

6. To prepare students to effectively utilize available healthcare technology in order to enhance patient care and better prepare them for future practice.

Criteria #1 Use of healthcare technology
Measures/Benchmarks

  1. Preceptor Evaluation of Student (Use of healthcare technology)/ > 3.5 out of 5 for cohort average
  2. Student End of Didactic Phase evaluation (Preparation in healthcare technology)/ > 3.5 out of 5 for cohort average
  3. Faculty Evaluation of Curriculum (Student Preparation in healthcare technology)/ > 3.5 out of 5 for cohort average

Success

CriteriaCohort 2024Cohort 2025Cohort 2026
Preceptor Evaluation of Student (Use of healthcare technology)   
Student End of Didactic Phase evaluation (Preparation in healthcare technology) 4.31  
Faculty Evaluation of Curriculum (Student Preparation in healthcare technology) 4.75  

LTU PA Program Competencies for New PA Graduates – Entry Level Practicing PA

The LTU PA Program identified the following competencies of new PA graduates at entry level practice to align with those expected in the PA profession. These competencies are monitored during the students’ education and are expected to be achieved by all graduates.

Clinical & Technical Skills (B4.03a)
Program graduates are expected to:

  1. Perform with competence clinical procedures common for a practicing PA and educate patients regarding procedure, side effects, follow-up care, and informed consent.
  2. Accurately document SOAP notes, orders and referrals to other specialty care providers using the Electronic Medical Record.
  3. Perform a problem focused and comprehensive physical examination recognizing normal and abnormal health states.
  4. Elicit a patient-centered problem-focused and comprehensive history taking into account cultural awareness.
  5. Recognize the signs of abuse and neglect in patients across the life span.

Clinical Reasoning & Problem-Solving Abilities (B4.03b)
Program graduates are expected to:

  1. Recognize emergent medical/surgical conditions versus non-emergent medical conditions by appropriately triaging patients.
  2. Foster preventive care including age-appropriate screening, immunization recommendations, patient education, behavioral modifications
  3. Order and interpret appropriate lab and diagnostic studies taking into account the financial implications for patients.
  4. Incorporate patient safety strategies, reduce medical errors and practice quality improvement in medical care.
  5. Develop management strategies for acute & chronic conditions for patients across the life span while encouraging goal setting.

Interpersonal Skills (B4.03c)
Program graduates are expected to:

  1. Communicate effectively with patients and families by utilizing patient-centered interpersonal skills that incorporate mutual respect with the patient.
  2. Perform patient education which considers health literacy and other social determinants and encourages treatment adherence and lifestyle modification.
  3. Effectively present patient information to supervising physicians and other healthcare providers.
  4. Practice interprofessional team care and embrace the value of a collaborative physician/PA relationship.
  5. Appropriately coordinate patient care while fostering patient advocacy.

Medical Knowledge (B4.03d)
Program graduates are expected to:

  1. Using the history and physical exam findings, develop a differential diagnosis for both acute and chronic medical conditions of a patient.
  2. Apply critical thinking and medical decision-making strategies to all aspects of patient care.
  3. Utilize medical knowledge of acute and chronic medical/behavioral health conditions including etiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, incidence, risk factors, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and treatment strategies to effectively manage a patient across the life span.
  4. Formulate a diagnosis which integrates clinical presentation, results of diagnostic tests and cultural and environmental aspects.
  5. Possess knowledge of commonly used pharmaceutical agents including indications, contraindications, dosing, side effects, drug interactions and costs to patients.

Professional Behaviors (B4.03e)

  1. Embrace professionalism in all aspects of clinical practice incorporating accountability, altruism, and patient confidentiality.
  2. Practice evidence-based medicine which incorporates life-long learning and current clinical guidelines.
  3. Possess a thorough understanding of medical ethics and the legal aspects of healthcare.
  4. Embrace the role of a physician assistant and recognize personal limitations and personal bias while practicing.
  5. Embrace cultural diversity including gender identity while providing compassionate medical care.

LTU PA student attrition and graduation rates

 Graduated Classes
 Class of 2024Class of 2025Class of 2026
Maximum entering class size (as approved by ARC-PA)303030
Entering class size2930TBD
GraduatesTBDTBDTBD
*Attrition rate0%0%N/A
**Graduation rateN/AN/AN/A

*Attrition rate calculation: Number of students who attritted from cohort divided by the entering class size
**Graduation rate: Number of cohort graduates divided by the entering class size
This inaugural cohort will begin on August 29th, 2022. Information on attrition will be updated to this table if any changes occur. Information on graduation rate will not be available until after graduation, September 2024

Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination Exam Performance Summary Report

Definitions of the report headings are provided at the end of the report. All information is current as of the date the report was generated unless otherwise specified.

ClassClass Graduation YearNumber of candidates who took the PANCENumber of Exams PassedProgram Exam Pass RateNational Exam Pass Rate for the Class Graduation Year% of Candidates Who Ultimately Passed PANCE
Class 20242024     
Class 20252025     
Class 20262026     
Class 20272027     
Class 20282028     

**Report update date: 06.16.2021

**All data will be reported prior to April 1 st of each year as required by ARC-PA standard A3.12c

Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination Exam Performance Summary Report

Definitions of Report Headings
ClassClass nomenclature and the individuals included in each class are determined by LTUs PA program when assigning students to a particular class
Class Graduation YearGraduation year for the majority of the individuals in the specific class based on the confirmed graduation date provided by LTU
Number of candidates who took the PANCENumber of individuals from the class who have taken the PANCE
Number of Exams PassedNumber of exams administered that resulted in a passing score
Program Exam Pass RatePercent of exams that were passed as compared to the number of exams that were administered to this class, including multiple exams taken by individual candidates if applicable
National Exam Pass Rate for the Class Graduation YearPercent of exams that were passed at the national level as compared to the number of exams that were administered. The calculation is based on the total number exams administered and passed, not the number of individual candidates. The reporting period is based on the calendar year corresponding with the class graduation year and will only be provided after the end of the current calendar year
% of Candidates in the Class Who Ultimately Passed the PANCE examPercent of candidates from the specified class that have passed PANCE as of the date the report was generated, regardless of the number of attempts or the calendar year in which the PANCE was passed

» Faculty + Staff

» Awards + Accreditation


The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the Lawrence Technological University Physician Assistant Program.


As a part of the NC-Sara Reciprocity agreement, Lawrence Technological University is required to disclose publicly, the educational requirements for professions that require a license or certification to practice in that field.

» Document Viewer

Use Your Cell Phone as a Document Camera in Zoom

  • What you will need to have and do
  • Download the mobile Zoom app (either App Store or Google Play)
  • Have your phone plugged in
  • Set up video stand phone holder

From Computer

Log in and start your Zoom session with participants

From Phone

  • Start the Zoom session on your phone app (suggest setting your phone to “Do not disturb” since your phone screen will be seen in Zoom)
  • Type in the Meeting ID and Join
  • Do not use phone audio option to avoid feedback
  • Select “share content” and “screen” to share your cell phone’s screen in your Zoom session
  • Select “start broadcast” from Zoom app. The home screen of your cell phone is now being shared with your participants.

To use your cell phone as a makeshift document camera

  • Open (swipe to switch apps) and select the camera app on your phone
  • Start in photo mode and aim the camera at whatever materials you would like to share
  • This is where you will have to position what you want to share to get the best view – but you will see ‘how you are doing’ in the main Zoom session.