DIRECTOR, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PROGRAM
Jeff Midgley, M.S., PA-C,
(845) 575-3592
Jeffrey.midgley@marist.edu

Mission 

The Marist Physician Assistant Studies program is committed to creating high-quality healthcare providers who are prepared to practice ethical and culturally sensitive medicine, committed to service, and committed to advancing the PA profession.

Goals

• Graduate high-quality healthcare providers
• Teach students to effectively interact with patients of different backgrounds
• Develop healthcare providers who function successfully within a team environment
• Ensure that all students engage in community service
• Exceed the national first-time pass rate for the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination (PANCE)
• Ensure that students are involved in professional advocacy
• Develop students committed to delivering patient-centered care

Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements for the M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies are:

• completion of undergraduate courses
• general biology I and II (with labs)
• microbiology (with lab)
• general chemistry I & II (with labs)
• organic chemistry I (with labs)
• biochemistry (preferably with lab Organic chemistry II (preferably with lab), may be substituted);
• anatomy & physiology I & II (with labs)
• statistics;
• earn a 3.0 cumulative undergraduate grade-point average (GPA) based on a system in which 4.0 is equivalent to an A grade
• earn a 3.0 GPA for the science courses listed above;
• earn a 3.0 GPA for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (BCP)

The following courses must be completed within seven (7) years of matriculation:

• Organic chemistry I (with lab), biochemistry [preferably with lab; organic chemistry II (preferably with lab), may be substituted], anatomy & physiology I & II (with labs).
• an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, prior to matriculation in the program;
• submission of TOEFL score (if high school graduate of non-English speaking country);
• minimum of 500 hours of hands-on healthcare experience;
• completed application through Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA);
• an on-campus interview; and
• completed background check prior to matriculation.

All pre-requisites must be completed by the program’s December 1st application close date in CASPA.

Degree Requirements

To qualify for the master’s degree in PA studies, a candidate must complete:

• all didactic phase courses and assignments
• all clinical year rotations, courses, and assignments.
• all summative clinical competency examinations (history-taking/physical examination and history-taking/patient counseling or education) within the four (4) months prior to graduation.
• all program equipment, books, and miscellaneous materials have been returned.
• all checkout procedures verifying that all PA program, institutional, library, or educational supplies have been returned, and that expenses and fees have been paid prior to awarding any degree, verification of attendance, or release of official transcripts.

Advisement

The principal faculty serve as the advisors for all matriculated students. Students will have regular meetings with their faculty advisor for purposes of discussing academic progress and planning. The advisement process is overseen by the Program Director.