Frequently Asked Questions
What degree will I receive at graduation?
Students can earn either a Master of Science in Physician Assistant or a combined Bachelor of Science/ Master of Science in Physician Assistant at graduation. With the B.S./M.S. program, both degrees are awarded at completion of the entire curriculum.
How many seats are available in the Seton Hill University Physician Assistant program?
We have 26 seats in our program.
Do you wait-list students?
Yes. We will wait-list students so that in the event that another student withdraws and a seat becomes available, a person from the wait list can take that spot. Students are wait-listed for one year.
What is the accreditation status of the program?
Our program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
How do Seton Hill students perform on the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination (PANCE)?
Our students perform well on their board exam. We have an overall PANCE pass rate of 100%. For the last 5 years, our aggregate average first attempt after graduation pass rate is 96%.
What is the faculty to student ratio?
In lecture-based courses, our ratio is 1 instructor to 26 students. In our lab-based courses, the faculty to student ratio is 1 instructor for every 7 or 8 students. In our problem-based learning course, we work in small groups of 6 to 9 students.
Can I complete the program in a part-time status?
No. We do not offer a part-time status in our program.
What is the class schedule like?
During the didactic - learning in the classroom - phase, classes occur usually between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. There are occasional evening classes and occasional Saturday classes as well. During the clinical phase of the program, students are on-site seeing patients a minimum of 40 hours per week. During some rotations, there are evening, night call, or weekend requirements.
Do I have to find my own rotation sites?
No, our clinical coordinators schedule all required rotations in sites where we have affiliation agreements. Most of the rotations are located in Pennsylvania's Westmoreland, Fayette, Indiana, and Greene counties and are within driving distance of our campus.
Are there health care and shadowing requirements for admission?
Yes, students must complete 300 hours of health care experience before entering the graduate Physician Assistant Program. The health care experience can be paid or voluntary, but must involve direct work with patients. There is a shadowing requirement for entrance to the graduate program as well. You need to shadow at least three physician assistants in different practice settings for 3-4 hours per experience. Once accepted, if you need help finding physician assistants to shadow, we can help you with this requirement. We keep a list of physician assistants who are willing to be shadowed.
What are the admission requirements for the Physician Assistant Program?
Admission requirements include:
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
- Prerequisite course GPA of 3.0 or better
- High school applicants: SAT of 1100 or better
- High school applicants: overall and science GPA of 3.0 or better
- Successful completion of all prerequisite courses/undergraduate level courses before acceptance into the graduate level program
- Minimum of 300 hours of health care experience prior to beginning the graduate level program
- Shadowing of at least 3 physician assistants in different practice settings prior to beginning the graduate level program
- Strong oral and written language skills
- Evidence of ability to complete an intensive program of study and training
- Maturity and professional qualities required for the physician assistant profession as outlined in the Technical Standards
If I am accepted is there a fee to hold my seat?
Yes, a $450.00 deposit is required to hold your seat. That deposit will then be applied to tuition when you matriculate.
How much does the Physician Assistant Program cost to attend?
Can I work while attending the Physician Assistant Program?
Working while enrolled in the PA program is not forbidden but it is strongly discouraged due to the rigorous nature of the program.
I don't have a bachelor's degree. Can I still apply?
Yes, you may still apply because Seton Hill offers a B.S./M.S. program. If you have earned college credit beyond high school you will apply using the CASPA. If you are a high school student you will apply using the Seton Hill University freshman application.
Do you require the GRE?
No.
Do you offer a cadaver based anatomy course?
Yes. Human Gross Anatomy is a cadaver based course that is offered in the first semester of the program.
Is advanced placement offered in the Physician Assistant program?
No, advanced placement is not offered in the PA program.
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