Current-cycle decision support
Turn confirmed information into a first practice
Resolve a disagreement on the care team
Practise resolving disagreement without dismissing either colleague. Review whether you clarify the clinical risk, invite both perspectives, protect the patient, and name a practical next step; then record again with one improvement.
Quick facts
- Degree: Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.
- Location: Buffalo, New York.
- Cycle: 2026-27 review cycle.
- Deadline: CASPA verified by September 1, 2026.
- Interview: virtual, including one scored small-group interview.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued.
Admission requirements
Applicants need an accredited bachelor's degree, the published prerequisite coursework and GPAs, three recommendations, and at least 500 hours of direct patient contact. The current page removes PA shadowing as a scored requirement. Its community-service wording is internally inconsistent: it calls 100 hours a minimum but also says applicants with fewer than 100 hours may still be considered, while applicants with no service are ineligible. Official requirements
Important dates
- April 30, 2026: 2026-27 review cycle opened.
- September 1, 2026: CASPA verified deadline.
- Entry timing: not labelled on the reviewed admissions page.
The university does not publish all interview dates on the reviewed page. Official admissions page
How selection works
Applications meeting the requirements are compared with the applicant pool. Final selection uses the overall scores from the application and interview rubrics. Canisius and University at Buffalo applicants who meet all requirements receive an initial interview, not guaranteed admission. Official selection process
Interview details
Confirmed
Interviews are virtual. The day includes opening remarks, a current-student information session, a small-group interview, and a candidate Q&A. Only the small-group interview is scored. Seat offers are typically made within one to two weeks. Official interview process
Not published
Canisius does not publish the group size, interview duration, questions, interviewer file access, scoring rubric, or quantitative application-versus-interview weighting.
Who this program may suit
This program may suit applicants seeking a Buffalo-based PA program with a clearly described virtual group interview. Check the current service-hour language directly because the official page contains a material internal inconsistency. Official admissions page
Practice and next step
Practise resolving a disagreement on a care team in a small-group setting. State the shared goal, invite the other perspective, explain your reasoning without dominating the discussion, and close with a safe next step. Review whether you listened and collaborated, adjust one weakness, record a second attempt, and compare the two responses.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canisius PA interview virtual?
Yes. The current page describes a virtual interview day. Official interview process
Which interview component is scored?
The small-group interview is scored; opening remarks, the student session, and the Q&A are not.
When was the CASPA deadline?
The 2026-27 application had to be verified by September 1, 2026.
Sources
Recommended preparation
Physician Assistant Interview Essentials
Build a credible PA interview foundation through four focused spoken responses: profession-specific motivation, interprofessional teamwork, fair clinical decision-making, and reflective use of feedback.
Page history
- Published