Physician Assistant Schools In New York

To become a Physician Assistant (PA) in New York (NY) you must complete an accredited PA program, typically lasting around two years. Prerequisites include a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience.

After graduation, passing a national certification exam and obtaining state licensure is essential to practice. Ongoing education and license renewal are mandatory for maintaining your PA career in New York.

Listed below are the top accredited Physician Assistant Schools in, or near to, New York.

Top Accredited PA Schools in New York

Selecting an Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant accredited PA school in New York is vital, ensuring a quality education and eligibility for certification. It guarantees programs meet rigorous standards, laying a strong foundation for future practice.

In New York, there are 29 accredited PA schools– 19 of which are fully accredited and 10 on provisional or probationary accreditation*.

School	City	ARC-PA	Learn More
Touro College	Bay Shore	Yes	Program Page
Stony Brook University	Stony Brook	Yes	Program Page
Albany Medical College	Albany	Yes	-
Clarkson University	Potsdam	Yes	Program Page
The CUNY School of Medicine	New York	Yes	Program Page
CUNY York College	Jamaica	Yes	Program Page
Daemen University	Amherst	Yes	Program Page
Hofstra University	Hempstead	Yes	Program Page
Le Moyne College	Syracuse	Yes	Program Page
Long Island University	Brookville	Yes	Program Page
Marist College	Poughkeepsie	Yes	Program Page
Mercy College	Dobbs Ferry	Yes	Program Page
New York Institute of Technology	Old Westbury	Yes	Program Page
Pace University	NYC	Yes	Program Page
Rochester Institute of Technology	Rochester	Yes	Program Page
SUNY Downstate Medical Center	Brooklyn	Yes	Program Page
SUNY Upstate Medical Center	Syracuse	Yes	Program Page
Touro College	New York	Yes	Program Page
Wagner College	Staten Island	Yes	Program Page
Canisius College	Buffalo	Yes*	Program Page
College of Mount Saint Vincent	Bronx	Yes*	Program Page
Ithaca College	Ithaca	Yes*	Program Page
St. Bonaventure University	St. Bonaventure	Yes*	Program Page
Touro College	Middletown	Yes*	Program Page
Yeshiva University	New York	Yes*	Program Page
D’youville University	Buffalo	Yes*	Program Page
Pace University	Pleasantville	Yes*	Program Page
Weill Cornell Medicine Graduate School of Medical Sciences	New York	Yes*	Program Page
St. John’s University	Queens	Yes*	Program Page

The majority of institutions employ the CASPA online application system. It is essential to verify application deadlines directly on the official CASPA website.

Touro College, Bay Shore

• 1700 Union Blvd, Bay Shore, NY 11706
• +1 631-665-1600

Touro College, located in Bay Shore, is a private institution with a Jewish affiliation. It accommodates 11,111 students on its campus and offers on-campus housing options.

The Physician Assistant Program at Touro College holds full accreditation from ARC-PA. This program has a duration of 16 months, and graduates receive a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies upon completion.

The total tuition and fees for the PA Program exceed $139,000. Prospective students can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline of January 15th.

Stony Brook University, Stony Brook

Stony Brook University, a public institution situated in Stony Brook, boasts a substantial student body of 26,000. The university also offers on-campus housing options.

The Physician Assistant Program at Stony Brook University holds full accreditation from ARC-PA and has a 24-month duration. With a class size of 45, students who complete the program are awarded a Master of Science (MS) degree.

The program’s costs amount to more than $60,000 for residents and $97,000 for non-residents. Prospective students can submit their applications through CASPA, with an application deadline typically around September 1st.

Albany Medical College, Albany

• 43 New Scotland Avenue Albany, NY 12208 United States, Albany, NY
• +1 518-262-3125

Albany Medical College is a private institution located in Albany with a student enrollment of 837.

Their Physician Assistant Program is fully accredited by ARC-PA, lasting 28 months, with a class size of 42. Graduates are awarded a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant and aspiring students can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline of around July 15th.

The program’s tuition and fees at Albany Medical College exceed $60,000.

Clarkson University,Potsdam

•  8 Clarkson Ave, Potsdam, NY 13699
• +1 315-268-6400

Clarkson University, located in Potsdam, is a private institution with a student enrollment of 3,953. The campus offers on-campus accommodation options for students and houses an ARC-PA-accredited Physician Assistant program that spans 28 months. This tranquil campus setting harmoniously combines academic excellence with spiritual values.

Prospective students can submit their applications through CASPA, with an application deadline typically around March 1st. The program maintains a class size of 30 students, and graduates are conferred a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies upon successful completion.

In terms of costs, tuition and fees for the PA Program at Clarkson University surpass $108,000.

The CUNY School of Medicine, New York

The CUNY School of Medicine, a private institution in New York, houses a campus with 335 enrolled students, creating a conducive learning environment.

It features a fully accredited Physician Assistant (PA) Program with a 28-month duration, admitting 35 students per class. Graduates receive a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies upon successful completion.

The campus offers student accommodation options, and for in-state students, tuition and fees exceed $50,000, while out-of-state students pay $89,000. The school accepts applications through CASPA, with an application deadline set for January 15th.

CUNY York College, Jamaica

• 9420 Guy R Brewer Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11451
• +1 718-262-2000

CUNY York College, a public institution located in Jamaica, hosts a campus with 8,836 students and offers on-campus accommodation.

ARC-PA fully accredits its Physician Assistant (PA) Program and spans 28 months. Each PA class comprises 30 students, and upon completion, students earn a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) degree.

The program’s tuition and fees are substantial, with in-state students paying over $51,000, and out-of-state students facing a cost of $90,000. Prospective students can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline set for December 1st.

Daemen University, Amherst

Daemen University is a private college located in Amherst. The campus is home to 2,642 students and provides on-campus accommodation options.

Daemen University’s Physician Assistant (PA) Program is fully accredited by ARC-PA and spans a 33-month duration. Each PA class consists of 65 students, and upon completion, graduates are awarded a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies.

The tuition and fees for the program are relatively high, exceeding $70,000 for in-state students. They also accept applications through CASPA, with a deadline set for January 15th.

Hofstra University, Hempstead

Hofstra University, located in Hempstead, is a private college with a substantial campus housing 10,238 enrolled students and offering on-campus accommodation.

The Physician Assistant (PA) Program at Hofstra University is fully accredited by ARC-PA and spans a 30-month duration. Each PA class comprises 57 students, and upon completion, students receive a Master of Science (MS) degree in Physician Assistant Studies.

It’s worth noting that the program’s tuition and fees are relatively high, exceeding $117,000. Additionally, they accept applications through CASPA, with a deadline set for August 1st.

Le Moyne College, Syracuse

Le Moyne College, situated in Syracuse, is a private college with Catholic religious affiliations. The campus is home to 3,301 students and offers on-campus accommodation options.

ARC-PA fully accredits Le Moyne College’s Physician Assistant (PA) Program and spans a 24-month duration. Each PA class includes 57 students, and upon completion, students receive a Master of Science (MS) degree in Physician Assistant Studies.

It’s important to note that the program’s tuition and fees are relatively high, exceeding $85,000. They also accept applications through CASPA, with an application deadline set for October 1st.

Long Island University, Brookville

Long Island University, situated in Brookville, is a public college. The campus is home to 3,301 students and provides on-campus accommodation options.

ARC-PA fully accredits the Physician Assistant (PA) Program at Long Island University and has a program duration of 24 months. Each PA class comprises 57 students, and upon completion, students are granted a Master of Science (MS) degree in Physician Assistant Studies.

It’s important to note that the program’s tuition and fees are relatively high, exceeding $78,000. They also accept applications through CASPA, with an application deadline set for January 15th.

Marist College, Poughkeepsie

• 3399 North Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
• +845-575-3000

Marist College is a private college located in Poughkeepsie. The campus is home to 6,396 students and provides on-campus accommodation.

ARC-PA fully accredits Marist College’s Physician Assistant (PA) Program and has a program duration of 24 months. Each PA class comprises 60 students, and upon completion, students receive a Master of Science (MS) degree in Physician Assistant Studies.

It’s important to note that the program’s tuition and fees are relatively high, exceeding $101,000. They also accept applications through CASPA, with an application deadline set for December 1st.

Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry

• 555 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
• +1 914-674-7200

Mercy College is a private college located in Dobbs Ferry. The campus enrolls 8,772 students and offers on-campus accommodation, although it’s not mandatory for freshmen.

ARC-PA fully accredits the Physician Assistant (PA) Program at Mercy College and spans 24 months. Each PA class comprises 60 students, and upon completion, students are granted a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (PA) degree.

It’s important to note that the program’s tuition and fees exceed $89,000. They also accept applications through CASPA, with an application deadline set for December 1st.

New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury

• Northern Blvd & Valentine Lane, Old Westbury
• +1 516-686-1000

New York Institute of Technology is a private college located in Old Westbury. The campus is home to 6,906 students and offers on-campus accommodation options.

The Physician Assistant (PA) Program at New York Institute of Technology is fully accredited by ARC-PA and spans 30 months. Each PA class comprises 60 students, and upon completion, students earn a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (PA) degree.

It’s important to note that the program’s tuition and fees are relatively high, exceeding $144,000. They also accept applications through CASPA, with an application deadline set for October 1st.

Pace University, NYC

•  NY 10007
• +1 866-722-3338

Pace University is a private institution located in New York. The campus is of moderate size, accommodating 13,326 students, and it provides on-campus accommodation.

Pace University’s Physician Assistant Program is fully accredited by ARC-PA. The program can be completed in 27 months and maintains a small class size of 40 students. Graduates receive a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.

In terms of costs, tuition and fees for the PA program total over $123,000. Pace University participates in CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants), with the application deadline set for September 1st.

Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester

Situated in Rochester, the Rochester Institute of Technology is a private institution with a campus that accommodates 16,615 students, offering on-campus accommodation options.

The Physician Assistant Program at the Rochester Institute of Technology holds full ARC-PA accreditation. The program has a duration of 30 months and features a class size of 36 students. Graduates are awarded a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.

In terms of costs, tuition and fees for the PA program exceed $76,000. It’s important to note that, unlike some institutions, the Rochester Institute of Technology does not participate in CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants).

SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn

• 760 Parkside Ave Ste 111, Brooklyn, NY 11226
• +1 718-270-2051

SUNY Downstate Medical Center is a public institution located in Brooklyn. The campus accommodates 2,185 students, and it offers on-campus accommodation options.

The Physician Assistant Program at SUNY Downstate Medical Center holds full ARC-PA accreditation. The program can be completed in 27 months and maintains a class size of 45 students. Graduates are conferred a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.

Regarding costs, the tuition and fees for the PA program are over $60,000 for in-state students and exceed $116,000 for out-of-state students. Notably, unlike some programs, SUNY Downstate Medical Center does not participate in CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants).

SUNY Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse

SUNY Upstate Medical Center is a public institution situated in Syracuse. The campus caters to 5,762 students and offers on-campus accommodation.

The Physician Assistant Program at SUNY Upstate Medical Center is fully accredited by ARC-PA. The program can be completed in 27 months. Upon completion, graduates receive a Master of Science in Physician Assistant.

In terms of costs, tuition and fees for the PA program are over $138,000 for residents and over $186,000 for non-residents. SUNY Upstate Medical Center participates in CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants), with an application deadline set for the 1st of November.

Touro College, New York

• 50 W 47th St 12th Floor, New York, NY 10036 
• +1 212-463-0400

Touro College is a private institution located in New York with a Jewish religious affiliation. The campus hosts 11,222 students and provides on-campus accommodation.

ARC-PA fully accredits the Physician Assistant Program at Touro College and has a duration of 28 months. Graduates receive a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) upon successful completion.

In terms of costs, tuition and fees for the PA program surpass $161,000. Notably, unlike some programs, Touro College does not participate in CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants).

Wagner College, Staten Island

Wagner College, situated in Staten Island, is a private institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church. The campus is home to 1,949 students and offers on-campus accommodations.

The Physician Assistant Program at Wagner College is fully accredited by ARC-PA and spans a 28-month duration. Graduates are awarded a Master of Science (MS) degree upon completion.

In terms of costs, the tuition and fees for the PA program exceed $112,000. It’s worth noting that Wagner College does not participate in CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants).

 

PA Certification and License Requirements in New York

After graduation, aspiring Physician Assistants (PAs) in New York must pursue national certification. This involves successfully passing the PANCE. Eligibility for the PANCE typically requires graduation from an accredited PA program.

Certification is a prerequisite for obtaining state licensure, ensuring that PAs meet national standards of competence and practice.

The PANCE is typically administered at Pearson VUE test centers across the United States, allowing candidates from New York convenient access to the examination.

Licensure and Scope of Work

Physician Assistants are required by New York law to obtain a license to work there. The scope of practice for physician assistants varies from state to state and therefore so do licensing requirements.

In New York, PAs require continuous physician supervision, but physical presence isn’t mandatory. PAs can perform delegated medical services within the supervising physician’s scope and prescribe Schedule II – V drugs. They do not require a separate Controlled Substances License.

The New York State Education Dept – Office of the Professions governs the licensing of Physician Assistants in New York. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:

Address: Bureau of Comparative Education, 89 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12234-1000
Phone: (518) 474-3817
Website:  https://www.op.nysed.gov/physician-assistants

PA Salary and Job Outlook in New York

A career as a Physician Assistant offers great income potential and excellent job prospects.

In 2024, there were 14,790 persons employed as Physician Assistants in New York with an average salary of $135,620. This represents an hourly wage of $65.20 and is 7.63% above the national average of $125,270.

Between 2018 and 2022, in New York, there was a significant increase in the average salary for Physician Assistants, rising by $18,620 or 16%. Additionally, employment in the field experienced substantial growth, with an increase of 2,730 positions or 23% during the same period.

Looking ahead, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a remarkable 27% growth in employment for physician assistants between 2022 and 2032.