Current-cycle decision support
Turn confirmed information into a first practice
Why the physician assistant profession?
Practise explaining why the PA role fits your experiences and goals. Review whether you distinguish the profession clearly, use specific evidence, and connect your motivation to patient care; then record again with a sharper answer.
Quick facts
- Degree: Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.
- Duration: 28 months; 82 credits.
- Location: Potsdam, New York.
- Cohort: 30, including five reserved direct-entry seats.
- Entry: January each year.
- Interview: virtual with faculty, staff and alumni.
- Experience: 500 care hours at application; 1,000 by matriculation.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued; next validation review March 2035.
Admission requirements
Applicants need 3.0 overall, science and prerequisite GPAs, 500 care hours at application and 1,000 by matriculation, three recommendations and B-or-better prerequisites. Official program
Important dates
- April through March: recurring rolling CASPA cycle.
- Throughout the cycle: applications are reviewed and candidates selected for interview on multiple occasions.
- January: program entry.
The official page does not label a specific entry year. Official program
How selection works
Review considers overall and prerequisite GPAs, direct patient care, narratives and references. The most-qualified candidates attend a virtual interview with faculty, staff and alumni, plus a current-student meeting. Five seats are reserved for eligible direct-entry students. Official program
Interview details
Confirmed
Selected applicants complete a virtual interview with faculty, staff and alumni plus a current-student meeting.
Not published
Exact dates, question sequence, interview count and duration, file access, rubric and quantitative weights are not public. Official program
Who this program may suit
Clarkson may suit applicants with strong care experience and interest in northern New York or underserved communities. Official program
Practice and next step
Record a first response explaining why the PA profession fits your goals. Review whether your example is specific and evidence-based. Record it again and compare.
Frequently asked questions
How much patient care is required?
Five hundred verified hours at application and 1,000 by matriculation.
What is the interview format?
A virtual interview with faculty, staff and alumni, plus a current-student meeting.
When does the program begin?
Each January; the current page does not label a year.
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