Physician Assistant Studies, M.S.

Purpose

Mission

The mission of the Physician Assistant Studies Program at Northeastern State University is to produce qualified, compassionate, and competent physician  assistants for medically underserved populations of northeastern Oklahoma and the  surrounding region. Although the NSU PA program endeavors to care for all  underserved Oklahomans, populations that have historically been the focus of our mission include American Indians, as well as rural and Black communities in Oklahoma.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a high level of medical knowledge and effectively apply that knowledge to patient care.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity, inclusion, and respect for individual differences among colleagues and patients.
• Demonstrate proficiency in critical thinking and self-directed learning throughout the curriculum and in clinical settings.

Specialty Accreditation

At its March 2025 meeting, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) placed the Northeastern State University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Northeastern State University on Accreditation- Probation status until its following review in April 2027.

Probation accreditation is a temporary accreditation status initially of not less than two years. However, the period may be extended by the ARC-PA for up to an additional two years if the ARC-PA determines that the program is making substantial progress toward meeting all applicable standards but requires extra time to achieve full compliance.

Probation accreditation status is granted, at the sole discretion of the ARC-PA, when a program holding an accreditation status of Accreditation - Provisional or Accreditation - Continued does not, in the judgment of the ARC-PA, meet the Standards or when the capability of the program to provide an acceptable educational experience for its students is threatened.

Once placed on probation, a program that fails to comply with accreditation requirements promptly, as specified by the ARC-PA, may be scheduled for a focused site visit and is subject to having its accreditation withdrawn. Specific questions regarding the Program and its plans should be directed to the Program Director and/or the appropriate institutional official(s).

The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at https://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-northeastern-state-university/.


The College of Science and Health Professions and Northeastern State University fully support the Physician Assistant Studies Program and are actively addressing the concerns raised by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). We remain committed to student success and delivering a high-quality, nationally-ranked program.

FAQs About Accreditation

If I’m a current student in the NSU PA Program (Class of 2025 or Class of 2026), will I graduate from an accredited program and be able to take the PANCE?

Yes. ARC-PA defines a student as graduating from an accredited program if the program was accredited at the time of matriculation.

If I join the NSU PA program and start in October 2025 (Class of 2027), will I graduate from an accredited program and be able to take the PANCE?

Yes. ARC-PA defines a student as graduating from an accredited program if the program was accredited at the time of matriculation.

What happens if in November 2027, NSU PA does not come off probation? Will I still be able to graduate and take the PANCE?

Yes. NSU PA has the full support of the University and College of Health Sciences and intends to be fully accredited without probation in November 2027. In the event this is not the case, the program will continue to teach the current students through graduation, and students will still be able to take the PANCE.

Why is NSU PA on probation?

The ARC-PA provides an overview to ensure students are best prepared for clinical practice. This temporary status allows us time to make program improvements and ensure that we are aligning our activities with the expectations of the ARC-PA. Specific to NSU PA, the citations received are primarily related to our documents, such as clinical syllabi and data collection. Additionally, the accreditation commission requires a more robust assessment of student outcomes and the effectiveness of administrative processes. This effort is already underway, as the program has begun working with an external consultant to improve its assessment processes and evaluate how students meet the program’s learning outcomes.

Will the accreditation action affect my ability to obtain employment?

Employers look for board-certified PAs and rely heavily on recommendations and references from the program’s faculty and preceptors. NSU PA maintains strong relationships with its clinical partners and preceptors who provide excellent training. The curriculum will become even stronger with the addition of rotations in Pediatrics, Women’s Health, and Behavioral Health, involving board-certified physicians and PAs. NSU PA currently maintains a 100% all-time pass rate on the PANCE and has an excellent job placement record. The program is dedicated to supporting its students by offering high-quality clinical rotations and facilitating job placement opportunities.

Will I be able to obtain a state license to practice?

Yes. PA licensure requirements vary by state, but most states require graduation from an accredited program. For example, Wisconsin licensure states one must “have graduated from an accredited program,” then pass the licensure exam, and be certified by NCCPA. The definition of “graduate from an accredited program” will apply to students who matriculate to the program when it is fully accredited.

Is NSU PA accredited overall?

Yes. NSU PA is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Credential Requirements

Upon completion of all program requirements and degree conferral, candidates are eligible to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE), developed by the the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). After passing PANCE, PAs are issued NCCPA certification and can use the PA-C designation until the certification expiration date (approximately ten years). Fees apply for the examination and licensure credential. Students are encouraged to talk with their faculty mentor about licensure requirements and to consult the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) organization for more information

Admission Standards and Application Procedures

Admission Requirements

To meet students’ expectations and satisfy accreditation requirements, the program has set a high bar for its applicants. Here are the steps each applicant needs to take to be considered:

1. An earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution within the United States must be completed prior to matriculation.
2. The following prerequisite coursework must be completed with a grade of “C” or better. All prerequisites must be completed at a regionally accredited college or university in the United States. Our program will not accept prerequisite courses completed outside of the United States. A single course cannot satisfy more than one prerequisite. Applicants may apply with outstanding prerequisite courses as long as a clear and reasonable plan is communicated to the program on completing the courses. Applicants may have no more than 2 remaining prerequisite courses (only 1 of which is a science prerequisite) after December 31 of the year preceding enrollment. Any outstanding prerequisites must be completed by June 15 of the following year. Preference is given to applicants who have fully completed their prerequisites prior to the October 1 deadline. If a course is intended to fulfill a prerequisite but has a different title than the one listed on our website, the Admissions Committee will review the course description to determine whether it sufficiently aligns with the required prerequisite, and then vote to accept the course.

Required Courses (credit hours)

• Microbiology with laboratory (4 credit hrs)
• General Chemistry I with laboratory (4 credit hrs)
• General Chemistry II with laboratory (4 credit hrs)
• Organic Chemistry I with laboratory (4 credit hrs)
• Mathematics, College Algebra or higher (3 credit hrs)
• Statistics (3 credit hrs)
• Psychology (6 credit hrs)⁺⁺

The following courses must be completed within the last seven years of the application deadline - no exceptions.

• Biochemistry (3 credit hrs)
• Genetics (3 credit hrs)
• Human Anatomy with laboratory (4 credit hrs)*
• Human Physiology with laboratory (4 credit hrs)*

*Combined Anatomy and Physiology courses (Anatomy & Physiology I with lab and Anatomy & Physiology II with lab) may be taken provided a minimum of 8 semester hours are completed.

⁺⁺Must complete a minimum of 6 semester hours. Recommended psychology courses include Introduction to Psychology, Abnormal Psychology or Developmental Psychology.

3. Applicants must be in good standing with all colleges or universities they have attended.
4. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. A minimum science GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is also required. No exceptions will be made. Those applicants not meeting the GPA requirements will be ineligible for admission and removed from further consideration.
5. Although not required for admission to the program, prior direct hands-on healthcare experience is considered a positive attribute in the program’s holistic consideration of an applicant. 
6. College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams may not be used to meet any of the PA program prerequisite requirements. 
7. Starting with the 2025-2026 application cycle, the program will accept advanced placement credit for only the following prerequisites: mathematics (college algebra or higher), statistics, and both psychology prerequisites.

Admission Preferences

Attributes that are not required, but receive preference include:

• Oklahoma residents. 
  • Defined as applicants who either have a current address, a permanent address, or went to school in Oklahoma. 
• Out-of-state residents with an address in a state near Oklahoma will receive preference over out-of-state applicants farther from Oklahoma.
• Applicants who have completed all prerequisite requirements by October 1st of the application cycle.

Highly qualified non-resident applicants are strongly encouraged to apply and may be successful in competing for admission.

Admission decisions are based on a holistic review of the entire application and interview. Other attributes that are viewed favorably and would strengthen an application include:

• Strong academic preparation (we consider GPA and the difficulty of the course load)
• Previous healthcare experience
• Knowledge of the PA profession
• Extracurricular activities
• Professionalism
• Leadership
• Alignment with NSU PA program’s mission
• Maturity
• Critical-thinking skills
• Life-enhancing experiences
• Commitment to the PA profession
• Understanding of the rigors of the program
• Strong letters of recommendation
• Applicant is from a health professional shortage area or medically underserved area
• Applicant is from a geographic area that is considered rural
• Applicant’s parent’s family income meets criteria for being economically disadvantaged
• Applicant is a first-generation college student

Attributes

Academic: The admissions committee will evaluate each applicant’s academic record, including the overall GPA, science GPA, and last 60-hour GPA as calculated by CASPA. In addition, the committee will review the complexity of the applicant’s undergraduate degree plan and performance. Competitive applicants will demonstrate not only a strong academic record, but also the ability to excel in the PA curriculum. Applicants should be aware that simply meeting the minimum GPA requirements does not guarantee an interview.

Healthcare experience: Although prior healthcare experience is not required for admission, a competitive applicant is expected to provide evidence of direct, hands-on patient care. The admissions committee will evaluate each applicant’s number of hours and type of direct hands-on patient care experience. It is important to note that applicants with more hours of direct patient care experience are considered stronger applicants. Direct patient care experience includes any position that actively cares for patients in a pre-hospital, hospital, or clinic setting. The program recognizes applicants who work as medical scribes as an acceptable type of healthcare experience. The admissions committee examines each application comprehensively, and applicants with no patient care experience are strongly encouraged to apply despite the competitive nature of this personal attribute.

Regional: Consistent with the PA program’s Mission Statement, applicants with a demonstrated commitment to northeastern Oklahoma, rural communities, and American Indian populations will be viewed favorably.

Knowledge of the profession: Applicants considering a career as a PA must demonstrate knowledge of the profession. The PA program encourages each applicant to seek out an opportunity to examine the role of the physician assistant within the healthcare system.

Extracurricular activities: The admissions committee will consider each applicant’s level of commitment to service within the community, and those who have demonstrated a commitment to service of rural communities and American Indian populations. Applicants are encouraged to seek out opportunities to volunteer or demonstrate a strong desire to serve.

Professional references: NSU requires three letters of recommendation. The applicant is encouraged to find professional references that can comment on academic standards, professionalism, commitment to the medical profession, leadership abilities, and service. All three references must be received by the application deadline.

Application Procedure

All applicants to the NSU Physician Assistant program must apply through CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants). In addition, applicants will need to pay the PA program’s application fee. The NSU Physician Assistant Program does not require the GRE or other standardized tests. If selected for further consideration, an on-campus interview will be required.

Application deadline: Applications are available through CASPA beginning each April. Applicants must submit their completed application to CASPA on or before 11:59 p.m. CST on October 1. All required documents, including transcripts, must be received by CASPA by October 1. There will be a period from October 1 to October 20 during which CASPA will attempt to verify the remaining completed applications (verification isn’t guaranteed during this timeframe). All applications not verified by CASPA by October 20 will not be considered by the NSU PA program, and those applicants are ineligible for an interview. The deadline to pay NSU’s supplemental application fee is also October 20. There are no exceptions to the posted deadlines; if any are missed, the application will be considered incomplete and removed from further consideration.

Supplemental application fee: A link for the NSU application fee will be provided after the applicant’s CASPA application has been verified.

Applying for Admission

1. Submit an online application through CASPA during the application period of April through October 1 of the year prior to intended entry to the program.  https://portal.caspaonline.org/
2. Submit the required NSU PA Program application fee. A link to pay this fee will be provided once your application has been verified by CASPA. PLEASE NOTE: The NSU PA Program application fee is separate from the Graduate College application fee. You should not apply to the Graduate College until you are offered a seat in the program. Any fee paid to the Graduate College cannot be transferred to the PA Program to cover the NSU PA Program application fee.
3. Three letters of reference are to be submitted directly to CASPA.
4. Official transcripts from all higher education institutions attended (including NSU) must be submitted directly to CASPA. For applicants offered an interview, updates to grades for courses completed after the application deadline (as allowed above) must be submitted directly to the Physician Assistant Studies program.
5. An on-campus interview will be required of those selected for final consideration from the CASPA applicant pool. Meeting all prerequisites does not guarantee the applicant an interview.
6. Applicants who are offered a position will be formally admitted to the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program after completing all prerequisites and admission to the NSU Graduate College.
7. Applicants who are offered a position must review post-acceptance requirements and affirm their ability to meet each one before matriculation into the program (immunization requirements, technical standards, health insurance verification, drug screen, and background check). All post-acceptance requirements and forms must be completed before matriculation.

Academic Retention Standards

Physician assistant education is competency-based, meaning students must achieve an acceptable final grade in each course. Every student is expected to meet the following standards of academic progress in each semester and/or enrollment period in order to be designated as making satisfactory academic progress in the program and to be considered “in good standing” in the program. Failure to meet all standards in any semester will result in consequences described in the following section.

• To remain in good academic standing, students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0. 
• Any final course grade below a “C” will be considered a failure of that course or SCPE.
• Every student must achieve a “Pass” or “Satisfactory” evaluation on all non-letter graded assignments and projects designated as required.
• Any exam or assignment grade a student receives below a “C” will constitute a failing grade and will result in a consultation with the assigned faculty advisor. The exam or assignment may require remediation.
• A course grade of “F” cannot be remediated, but must be corrected by retaking the course at the discretion of the Student Progress Committee.

Students are advised against holding a regular job while enrolled in the PAS program due to the time commitment required to succeed in the program. Additionally, students may not work for the program, nor may they substitute for or function as instructional faculty, clinical, or administrative staff.

Graduation Standards

In order to graduate from the Northeastern State University Physician Assistant Studies program, each student must satisfactorily complete the following.  “Satisfactory completion” means completing all courses, clinical rotations, and summative evaluation with a letter grade of “C” or higher and demonstrating professionalism appropriate for an entry-level physician assistant.

• All didactic coursework
• All Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences (SCPEs; required and elective)
• Patient logging rubric
• All assignments designated by the program as required including any assigned remediation
• A summative evaluation of all medical knowledge, interpersonal skills, clinical and technical skills, professional behaviors, and clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities. The summative evaluation will consist of a comprehensive objective examination and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) skill performance exercises
• Cumulative GPA equal to or greater than 3.0. Students must pass all courses with a grade of “C” or higher to graduate from the program.

Standards for completing any course are determined by the instructor or course coordinator. The instructor or course coordinator determines the criteria for earning each letter grade. Course syllabi will outline the evaluation methods and the required performance scale that will be used. Standards for completing any SCPE are based on preceptor evaluations, end-of-SCPE examination results, professionalism evaluations, and time and patient encounter logging requirements. Standards for completion of the summative evaluation are described in the syllabus for the Summative Seminar. Students are notified in advance of all performance criteria.

All students who have successfully completed the Physician Assistant Studies program graduation requirements are recommended for graduation by the Program Director to the Dean of the College of Science and Health Professions.

Required Didactic - 75 hours

Didactic courses are primarily in person with occasional online or hybrid sessions.

• PAS 5003 - PA Practice, Policy and Ethics
• PAS 5015 - Clinical Anatomy
• PAS 5023 - Medical Physiology
• PAS 5113 - Clinical Assessment and Counseling I
• PAS 5123 - Clinical Assessment and Counseling II
• PAS 5133 - Clinical Assessment and Counseling III
• PAS 5213 - Laboratory Medicine and Radiologic Principles I
• PAS 5218 - Clinical Medicine I
• PAS 5223 - Laboratory Medicine and Radiologic Principles II
• PAS 5226 - Clinical Medicine II
• PAS 5233 - Laboratory Medicine and Radiologic Principles III
• PAS 5238 - Clinical Medicine III
• PAS 5253 - Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics I
• PAS 5273 - Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics II
• PAS 5293 - Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics III
• PAS 5302 - Evidence-Based Medicine and Research
• PAS 5313 - Medical Practice Management
• PAS 5333 - Diversity and Population Health
• PAS 5501 - Advanced Clinical Procedures
• PAS 5551 - Interprofessional Education (3 credit hrs)
• PAS 5611 - Pathophysiology I
• PAS 5631 - Pathophysiology II
• PAS 5651 - Pathophysiology III

Required Clinical - 35 hours

Clinical courses are conducted primarily in person, with possible telemedicine experiences in which preceptors are present in the room, except for the behavioral health rotation, which may be primarily via telemedicine.

• PAS 5704 - Internal Medicine Rotation
• PAS 5714 - Surgery Rotation
• PAS 5724 - Pediatrics Rotation
• PAS 5734 - Women’s Health Rotation
• PAS 5744 - Behavioral Health Rotation
• PAS 5754 - Emergency Medicine Rotation
• PAS 5764 - Family Medicine Rotation
• PAS 5804 - Elective Rotation
• PAS 5993 - Summative Seminar

Remediation Courses

• PAS 5910 - Special Studies-Didactic (1-8 credit hours)
• PAS 5920 - Special Studies-Clinical (1-4 credit hours)

Total Hours - 110