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: 27 months.
- Location: Syracuse, New York.
- Cohort: up to 35 students.
- Entry: recurring June orientation and matriculation.
- Interview: virtual seven-station MMI.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA currently lists Accreditation-Continued.
Admission requirements
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree, C-or-better prerequisites, 1,000 care hours by entry, three to five recommendations and current statements; GRE is not required. Official program
Important dates
- Last Thursday in April: recurring CASPA opening.
- November 1: CASPA and supporting-material deadline.
- November 20: supplemental application and fee deadline.
- First week of June: mandatory orientation, followed by matriculation.
The official admissions process publishes a recurring schedule without calendar years. Official admissions process
How selection works
A seven-member committee combines academics, healthcare experience, MMI, personal and professional attributes and recommendations. Official program
Interview details
Confirmed
The virtual MMI has seven independently scored stations with trained faculty, staff and standardized-patient evaluators.
Not published
Exact dates, station duration and prompts, evaluator file access and final factor weights are not public. Official program
Who this program may suit
Upstate may suit applicants seeking a Syracuse program with a well-defined virtual MMI and substantial care expectations. 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
What is the application deadline?
CASPA and supporting materials are due November 1, followed by a November 20 supplemental deadline.
What is the interview format?
A virtual seven-station MMI.
Is the GRE required?
No.
What is the accreditation status?
ARC-PA's current directory lists Accreditation-Continued. Its listed July 2026 next-review date has passed without a posted status change.
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