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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about the MS in Physician Assistant Studies program.

Please click the arrows below to expand the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Where are the classes held?

First year, didactic classes and labs are held at the Philip H. Ryan Health Science Center in East Longmeadow, MA. This 58,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility houses a patient assessment lab that includes 11 patient exam stations, large general purpose
classrooms with the latest classroom technology, 12 group study rooms, and large common areas including a café.

Where are clinical clerkships located?

The majority of our Clinical Sites are within 90 miles of campus. However, the program has clinical sites nationwide and students will be required to travel to a minimum of two clerkships within the United States.

When do classes start for the PA Program?

Classes start in early June.

How long is the PA Program?

The PA Program is a full-time program which runs for 24 months. The first 12 months of is the didactic year. The following 12 months will consist of eleven clinical rotations that will provide you with hands on training in the following specialties: surgery, internal medicine, women’s health, ambulatory medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine, psychiatry, and an elective rotation.

Are there any breaks between class sessions?

While the schedule is subject to change, currently, there is a one week break between each 8 -10 week sessions.

What is the size of the PA Program?

Each cohort is 60 students.

What is the tuition of the two-year PA Program?

$114,570 tuition (includes $9,000 clinical fee) for 24 month program or $17,595/trimester

Please Note: Tuition and fees for the PA program are estimated for the 24 months as tuition is subject to change for 2023-2024.

PA Students can expect to spend upward of $1,500 for textbooks and educational resources throughout the program.

PA Students are also required to purchase an equipment kit which will be used in the instruction of history and physical examination techniques. The cost of the equipment kit is approximately $1,000. Some students may elect to purchase additional equipment in the clinical phase of the program. All costs are the responsibility of the student.

What credentials will I have upon completion of the program?

Upon completion of the program, students earn a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).

Can PA students work while in school?

Outside employment is strongly discouraged; didactic and clinical schedules do not accommodate employment.

What is the programs status with accreditation?

In July 2015 the BPU PA Program successfully completed the accreditation process with the following result: The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Bay Path University Physician Assistant Program. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards. Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The next validation review of the program by ARC-PA will be September 2025. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and the ARC-PA policy.

Is the PA Graduate Program co-ed?

Yes, all graduate programs at Bay Path University are co-ed.

Does the University offer housing options for graduate students?

The University does offer housing for graduate students. Visit our graduate housing page for more information.

The Bay Path University website provides some resources for off-campus housing; additional information can be obtained through the PA program.

How do I apply?

The Bay Path Physician Assistant Program utilizes the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). This is a web-based program that allows applicants to apply to multiple PA programs. CASPA will verify that your application is complete and forward to the programs you have designated.

I have submitted my application through CASPA and I was wondering if you could tell me the status?

CASPA defines a completed application as an e-submitted application, all official transcripts are posted each with a date received in your “Program Status”, payment marked as received, at least two letters of reference listed as complete, and you have received an email confirming that your application has been submitted. CASPA will then verify the documentation. Your application will not be released to your designated programs until the third letter of reference has been received. It is the applicant’s responsibility to check the CASPA application on a regular basis. Also, applicants are responsible for checking their messages in the “My Message” section on CASPA. For CASPA assistance, please call (617) 612-2080.

When is the application deadline for the BPU PA Program?

The BPU CASPA application deadline is December 1st - VERIFIED and Complete status.

Is a supplemental application required for CASPA submission?

Yes, the Bay Path University Physician Assistant Program requires the completion of our supplemental application along with a $60 application fee in order to be considered for admission. The supplemental application can be found on the CASPA website, on the Bay Path page.

What is the curriculum vitae?

A curriculum vitae is a brief written statement of your education, qualifications, and experience. A resume is acceptable.

Is there rolling admissions in the PA Program?

No, we do not offer rolling admissions. No decisions are made until after the application deadline.

Is preference given to in-state residents?

No, all applicants are selected for interviews based on their education, qualifications, and experience.

What are the requirements for international students?

Bachelors degree equivalent to U.S. Bachelor’s degree with an evaluation by World Education Services (WES). Transcript evaluation fees are the responsibility of the applicant and evaluations must be sent directly to CASPA.

All prerequisites must be completed within 10 years of matriculation and completed at a regionally accredited U.S. or Canadian institution.

English Second Language – TOEFL score of 90 int. – 233 computer – 550 paper

We do not enroll international students who have already completed a medical course of study in a foreign institution of higher education. Each applicant must have completed a
bachelor’s degree prior to matriculation.

Does your program accept baccalaureate degrees from another country?

Yes, we accept bachelors degrees equivalent to U.S. Bachelor’s degree with an evaluation by World Education Services (WES). Transcript evaluation fees are the responsibility of the applicant and evaluations must be sent directly to CASPA.

Is a specific undergraduate degree required for acceptance into the PA Program?

No, applicants apply and are accepted with an assortment of degrees which allows for diverse experiences within the program. Regardless of your degree, you are required to complete the prerequisite courses to be considered for admission.

Where can I take my prerequisite courses?

Prerequisite courses can be completed at any accredited college or university in the United States. We also accept online courses and courses taken at community colleges as long as the institutions are accredited.

Do you accept prerequisite courses from community colleges?

Yes.

Are labs required as part of prerequisite biology and chemistry courses?

Human Anatomy & Physiology I and II require labs. All other prerequisite biology courses do not require labs. Organic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry require labs.

Is there a time expiration on prerequisites?

All prerequisite courses must have been completed within 10 years of matriculation.

What would count toward the requirements for direct patient contact hours?

A minimum of 500 patient contact hours are required. Examples of patient contact hours can include but are not limited to EMT, Paramedic, CNA, Nurses Aid, Respiratory
Therapist, Medical Assistant, Phlebotomist, Medical Scribe, Pharmacy Technician or clinical experiences with direct patient contact, paid or unpaid.

Can you still apply for the PA Program if you have not completed all of your prerequisite requirements?

Applicants can have up to two pending or outstanding prerequisites at the time of application and still be eligible for consideration for admission. The outstanding prerequisites must be successfully completed prior to matriculation (start of classes in
June). Please make sure to list the pending course(s) on the BPU Supplemental application.

What courses qualify as Biological Science or Chemical/Physical Science requirements?

Biological Science courses that would qualify are Biology I and II, Botany, Comparative Anatomy, Kinesiology, Genetics, Animal Science, or Pharmacology. Chemical or Physical Science courses that would qualify are Advanced level Chemistry, Physics I or II, and Chemistry I or II.

Do you need to have all of your patient contact hours completed prior to applying to the program?

Direct patient contact hours can be calculated up until the December 1st application
deadline.

Is the GRE or GMAT required for the PA Program?

No.

What is the GPA requirement for the PA Program?

The minimum cumulative GPA is 3.0.

How is the GPA determined?

We utilize the Cumulative Grade Point Average calculated and provided by CASPA.

How does CASPA calculate your GPA?

“CASPA uses the information which you have entered in the coursework section of your application to calculate several tables of GPAs in multiple categories for each applicant. Each category is calculated by adding up the total number of quality points in that category (your credits multiplied by the numeric value of your grade) and dividing this number by the total credits you attempted to earn in this same category. ALL CASPA GPAs ARE CALCULATED IN SEMESTER HOURS. The result of these calculations is several different types of GPAs.” This information has been provided directly from the CASPA website. Please refer to the CASPA website for additional information.

If I had a previous prerequisite course with a grade of C or less and I retake the course, will my cumulative GPA be calculated using both grades?

Yes, CASPA calculates your GPA using both grades. This process occurs since the procedure for each programs “forgiveness” policy varies.

What documentation does the program require for patient contact hours?

Bay Path requires a minimum of 500 hours of direct patient contact to be completed by the application deadline of December 1st. Patient care hours are documented in CASPA and on CV/resume, but no signed documentation is required.

Are PA shadowing hours required?

Would experience in graduate level academic and clinical studies count toward the PA Program?

The Bay Path PA program does not allow advanced standing for any professional courses or clinical experiences.

When will I know if I have been selected for an interview?

Interviews will be scheduled in February or early March.

When can I expect to receive an admission decision?

Acceptances will be sent out by mid-March at the latest. Once accepted, a $1000 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your admission into the program.

Who would I contact if I needed additional information or wish to set up a meeting to learn more about the PA program?

From March through November, the PA Program hosts monthly information sessions, either on the ground at the Philip H. Ryan Health Science Center in East Longmeadow, MA, or virtually via Zoom, to provide information about our program and answer any questions that you may have. For additional information, please contact Lisa Adams, Executive Program Manager at ladams@baypath.edu.

What does an average class look like?

The Bay Path University Physician Assistant Program students come from diverse cultural, ethnic, and educational backgrounds. Learn more by reviewing our class profiles.